The entrance of the Kakuzi factory in Makuyu Muranga County. Photo/Courtesy.
Listed agribusiness firm Kakuzi Plc has introduced loose-leaf tea packs for the domestic market as part of its diversification strategy aimed at boosting earnings and reducing reliance on export markets.
The company announced the launch of Kakuzi Pure Black Tea, now available in 250g and 500g consumer packs, marking the firm’s first quality tea brand targeted at Kenyan consumers.
Kakuzi Managing Director Chris Flowers said the move aligns with the firm’s strategy to expand quality consumer products for local consumption as domestic sales increasingly contribute to the company’s performance alongside its flagship avocado and macadamia exports.
“This is the first time in our history that we are delivering a quality tea brand for the local market, sourced from our Kaboswa Tea Estate in Nandi County,” Flowers said, adding that the tea meets export grade standards while offering convenient packaging for local consumers.
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The firm said packaging tea for local sale will help cushion it against risks linked to fluctuations in international tea markets while promoting locally processed and value-added products.
Kakuzi has in recent years expanded its domestic product range to include ready to eat macadamia, cold 7 pressed macadamia oil and blueberry products, available in selected retail outlets, the Kakuzi Farmers Market along the Nairobi-Nyeri Highway and through its online shop.
The company also continues to expand processing capacity, with its Murang’a macadamia plant handling up to 2,000 tonnes of saleable kernels annually, while its oil extraction facility produces up to 1,000 litres per day.
Kakuzi further plans to nearly double avocado production and exports to 5 million four kilogram cartons within the next decade while increasing macadamia output from 900 tonnes to 1,500 tonnes to support future growth.
