Browns Plantations commissions new orthodox tea production line
The investment increases combined Orthodox tea production capacity at Changana and Kitumbe to six million kilograms annually, with a further expansion planned at Kimugu Factory.
KENYA – Browns Plantations has expanded its Orthodox tea processing capacity in Kenya following the commissioning of a new production line at Changana Factory, increasing its ability to supply premium tea markets internationally.
The new line adds approximately three million kilograms of annual made tea capacity, bringing the combined Orthodox tea production capacity at Changana and Kitumbe factories to six million kilograms annually.
The investment involved adapting existing infrastructure at Changana to establish a hybrid processing facility capable of producing both Crush, Tear, Curl (CTC) and Orthodox teas.
The expanded capability is expected to provide greater flexibility in meeting different customer requirements and strengthen the company’s presence in premium international tea markets.
The development builds on Browns Plantations’ initial investment at Kitumbe Factory, where technical trials conducted in 2024 demonstrated the potential of Kenyan-grown tea leaves to consistently produce high-quality Orthodox teas.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Browns Plantations Kenya Limited Director and Chief Executive Officer Dushanth Ratwatte said the success at Kitumbe had encouraged the company to accelerate its expansion.
“The success of our Orthodox tea expansion at Kitumbe gave us the confidence to accelerate this journey at Changana. This investment positions Kenyan tea for growth in high-value markets while creating greater opportunities across the tea value chain,” Ratwatte said.
The company’s focus on quality and product differentiation has also earned international recognition. In September 2025, its Milima Estate Black Orthodox (OP) Tea secured second place at the Gold Medal Tea Awards during the North American Tea Conference.
Other specialty tea brands in its portfolio include Chemase, Bondet and Masingi. The company’s products are also supported by certifications such as Organic, Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade.
Browns Plantations is preparing for another expansion at Kimugu Factory, where installation of an Orthodox tea processing line began in February 2026. Commissioning is scheduled for November 2026.
The facility will initially have an annual made tea processing capacity of approximately three million kilograms. It will also introduce Kimugu’s first Orthodox tea garden mark, Netai, meaning “The First”.
The development will extend the company’s specialised Orthodox tea processing operations across Kitumbe, Changana and Kimugu factories.
Browns Plantations Kenya Limited is among Kenya’s leading tea and timber producers and exporters, operating across Kericho and Bomet counties.
The company manages more than 5,000 hectares of tea plantations and over 2,000 hectares of forestry, supported by four tea factories, nine estates and a sawmill.
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