Overview of Lipton Teas & Infusions in Kenya

Lipton Teas & Infusions Kenya PLC, formerly known as Unilever Tea Kenya, is one of the country’s largest tea producers. The company is headquartered in Kericho and operates multiple tea estates and factories across Kericho and Limuru. It specializes in the production of black, green, and specialty teas, much of which is exported, making it an important player in Kenya’s economy and global tea supply.

Key Developments

Ownership Changes: The company was recently acquired by B Commodities ME (FZE), with nearly all shares transferred. Browns Investments, a Sri Lankan firm, also took over the management of its estates in Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania.

Employee Retention: The terms of the deal ensured that thousands of employees in Kenya would remain under existing contracts, securing jobs in the short term.

Strategic Shift: Lipton’s focus is now more on branding, quality standards, and sustainability, while Browns runs the estates. A new foundation, the Africa Tea Industry Progress (ATIP) Foundation, was set up to reinvest in skills, sustainability, and climate resilience across East Africa’s tea sector.

Operations

Lipton Teas & Infusions operates several factories in Kericho and Limuru. The estates are known for large-scale production, supplying both local and export markets. The brand emphasizes sustainability and responsible sourcing, with commitments to social and environmental standards under the new partnership with Browns.

Challenges

Community and Land Issues: The estates sit on land historically linked to indigenous communities displaced during the colonial era. This has led to ongoing disputes and calls for fair compensation and community involvement.

Labor and Working Conditions: While employees are guaranteed retention, there are broader concerns about fair wages, safety, and workers’ rights, which continue to attract scrutiny.

Sustainability Pressures: Large-scale tea farming brings challenges such as environmental conservation, water use, and the impacts of climate change. Lipton has highlighted sustainability as a key focus area going forward.

Outlook

Lipton Teas & Infusions in Kenya is moving away from directly managing vast estates and toward setting global standards for responsible tea production. Through its partnership with Browns and the creation of ATIP, the company aims to strengthen East Africa’s tea industry. Success will depend on balancing global sustainability commitments with local community concerns and maintaining Kenya’s position as one of the world’s leading tea exporters.