Browns Plantations becomes world’s largest tea producer following Finlays Kenya and Lipton acquisitions
The acquisitions add 85 million kilograms to Browns’ annual output, expanding its global tea footprint across Africa and Asia.
KENYA – Browns Plantations has emerged as the world’s largest tea producer after acquiring Finlays Kenya and Lipton Tea, boosting its annual production by 85 million kilograms.
The development marks a strategic milestone for Browns, part of the LOLC Holdings PLC group, and strengthens its global presence across key tea-producing regions.
According to Kapila Jayawardena, Managing Director and CEO of LOLC Holding Group, Browns Plantations now produces approximately 100 million kilograms of tea annually.
Of this, 17 million kilograms are sourced from Sri Lanka, while 85 million kilograms are produced through overseas operations in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and China.
The company has set a strategic target to increase global tea output to 150 million kilograms in the coming years. Sri Lanka’s tea industry, by comparison, has a sustainable production ceiling of between 200 and 250 million kilograms, suggesting potential for further growth within global limits.
Jayawardena pointed out that although Kenya produces more than twice the tea volume of Sri Lanka, it generates less export income. He warned of the risks of overproduction and emphasized the need for a value-driven model.
“As a key player in the Kenyan tea industry, Browns is engaging with stakeholders to promote a shift towards higher-value exports, similar to Sri Lanka’s approach,” he noted.
Browns is also evaluating real estate development across its African operations by identifying underutilised plantation land. Jayawardena stressed the importance of optimal land use, highlighting that idle land offers no benefit to a nation’s economy.
No structural changes have yet been implemented in the newly acquired Lipton and Finlays operations. However, the company is committed to a thorough review of land utilization strategies, seeking a balance between agriculture and diversified, economically sound projects.
In May 2023, James Finlay announced the sale of its Kenya tea estates business to Browns Investments PLC, excluding the Saosa tea extraction facility, which remains with Finlay.
Existing customer supply agreements will continue uninterrupted, as Finlays will source leaf tea and services from the Kenyan unit.
Browns, which operates 49 estates spanning over 30,000 hectares in Sri Lanka and employs more than 10,000 people, plans to expand further across Africa, Asia, and South America to enhance its global tea industry footprint.
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