Kenyan specialty tea farmers gain access to premium global markets through Palais des Thés export deal
New Kenya-France tea partnership opens premium export opportunities for specialty tea farmers, with a focus on purple tea varieties and global market expansion.
KENYA – Kenyan specialty tea farmers are set to benefit from expanded access to premium international markets following the signing of a new export and marketing agreement involving French tea company Palais des Thés, Gatanga Industries and Equity Group.
The agreement was signed in Nairobi ahead of the ongoing Africa Forward: Africa–France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth Summit and was witnessed by William Ruto and Emmanuel Macron.
Under the partnership, Palais des Thés will purchase Kenyan specialty teas, including Purple White, Purple Golden, Purple Simba and Purple Black varieties.
The French tea company will also promote Kenyan teas through its international retail stores and educational platforms, increasing global visibility for Kenya’s premium tea products.
The deal is expected to create new opportunities for Kenyan tea farmers, especially smallholder producers, by connecting them directly to high-value specialty tea markets in Europe and other international destinations.
Equity Group said the partnership was facilitated through its Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP), an initiative aimed at expanding trade opportunities, promoting value addition and integrating African producers into global supply chains.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Equity Group Managing Director and CEO James Mwangi said the agreement would help improve farmer incomes and strengthen Kenya’s position in the specialty tea market.
“This agreement is about transforming the livelihoods of our small-scale tea farmers. By linking them to premium global buyers, we are not only expanding market access but also ensuring that value addition begins at the source, where farmers are fully integrated into global trade opportunities,” Mwangi said.
He added that the partnership highlights the importance of strategic collaboration in creating sustainable growth opportunities for agricultural communities.
“Our focus is to ensure farmers and agribusinesses are not just producers, but active participants in global value chains. This partnership demonstrates how the right ecosystem support can unlock sustainable income and growth for agricultural communities,” he said.
The agreement also places renewed focus on Kenya’s growing specialty tea segment, particularly purple tea, an indigenous variety developed by the Tea Research Institute of Kenya.
Purple tea has continued to attract attention in international markets due to its high antioxidant content, unique flavour profile and growing demand among consumers seeking premium and health-focused tea products.
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