Everybody’s cup of tea

Eastern Produce’s thriving enterprise proves that honesty, a proud history and exquisite tea leaves are an exciting brew, in any business

No other drink has united global opinion more than tea. It is widely regarded as the beverage that transcends occasions more than any other. Good news, bad news, meetings, reunions, weddings, wakes, mornings and evenings are all invariably received by a reassuring cup of tea.  One of the most revered providers of this most rewarding and popular tonic is Eastern Produce.

After its story began in 19th Century Sri Lanka, Eastern Produce started its African adventure in 1948. The company initially purchased ‘virgin’ land in Nandi and started to make its own tea there in the 1950s. The picturesque area, just west of the Great Rift Valley, 1000 to 2000 feet above sea level, provides the perfect climate and soil conditions to grow tea all year round. The area, which is 350km North West of Nairobi, is now recognised as a tea-growing utopia and includes tea gardens in Kapsumbeiwa, Chemomi, Kepchomo, Kipkoimet and Kamarya.

Once processed in the seven Eastern Produce factories, the much-sought after tea is road-driven to Mombasa where it departs on container ships for all manner of exotic worldwide destinations, making Eastern Produce the country’s biggest tea operator. With continued investment in land, factories and training the company has also become widely recognised as yielding some of the best tasting teas in the region, while also creating thousands of jobs.

Due to its amazing location and proximity to the sea, Eastern Produce’s Kenyan product has a unique and distinctive flavour. Indeed, it is perhaps this Kenyan brew, characterised by its bright and golden appearance, which best embodies Eastern Produce’s passion and position as one of the most admired tea manufacturers in the world.

In the mid-fifties Eastern Produce expanded the business by focusing in on the tea-rich areas of Nyasaland; now known as Malawi, investing in several established tea estates. The roots of Malawi’s tea boom can be traced, curiously, back to Scotland in 1886, when seeds were taken from the Botanical Garden in Edinburgh and planted in the Church of Scotland Mission in Blantyre. The ancestor of that original bush still grows in the Mission to this day.

The tea estates are situated in two areas—the Thyolo and Mulanje districts. Thyolo’s gardens—all of which have their own individual factories - are situated in Makwasa, Mianga, Kamsemberaka and Gotha, based at altitudes of up to 1100m. The Mulanje region boasts plantations in Esperanza, Laurderdale, Mini Mini, Ruo, Chisambo and Limuli, all with altitudes of up to 1300m. Malawi’s cool winters and hot, wet summers dictate that the tea-growing season begins in December before tailing off in May as the temperatures drop.

Over the last half century Eastern Produce has become the biggest single producer of tea in Malawi, with the majestic Mulange Mountain forming an inspirational and appropriate backdrop to its burgeoning operations.

Fairness, friendship and the future

In order to sustain its production and as part of the Fairtrade initiative the company uses over 7,500 small holders, which provide 33 per cent of Eastern Produce’s green leaf tea. These small holdings adhere to the same very high standards as the parent company and are an invaluable link to the community, giving rise to life-long associations.

Meanwhile, after a complex series of share acquisitions, starting in 1976, through different groups, the company eventually became entirely owned by Camellia Plc in 1999.

Eastern Produce is not only concerned with satisfying its customers’ palates, but also takes its approach to sustainable practices and helping the environment from which the tea is cultivated, very seriously. All the company’s estates and factories have systems in place to guarantee ecosystem conservation, wildlife protection and waste management systems.

“Producing teas of consistently high quality is fundamental to what we do,” said Group Marketing Director, Warren Spring, “Not only does this reflect market demand but also our values as a company. Excellent quality has been achieved over the years by keeping good people in the business, treating them well, ensuring good practices and investing in the future.”

Going nuts

As it gradually nurtured its reputation Eastern Produce also diversified into Macadamia nuts. This charming little snack—which can be enjoyed raw or roasted—is famous for its white appearance, creamy texture, mystical health benefits and nutritional excellence.

Production takes place, again in Malawi and, notably, South Africa. The enterprise has developed into a very lucrative part of the business with combined production levels at over a million kilograms every year.

The Malawian branch sells the nuts under Victoria Investments Limited and gathers its high quality nuts from the Integrafolia orchards. The South African arm trades under the Maclands label and has plantations in Limpopo and Wales Estate in Mpumalanga District. These processes were conceived in the mid-nineties and, as such, are only just beginning to reach maturity.

The emergence of Macadmia nuts within Eastern Produce’s portfolio not only provides customers with a delicious accompaniment, perhaps to a cup of tea, but also ensures that the company has a visible presence all over Africa.

www.easternproduce.co.ke

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