12th March 2010

Ian's African Tour: Kenya

As we mentioned on our facebook page recently, our head of tea, Ian, has just returned from Africa, where he's been catching up with lots of our key suppliers.

: Ian tasting teas at Imenti Tea Factory

His first stop was Kenya, where he went to discuss working towards Rainforest Alliance certification. As well signifying that currently a minimum of 30% of the tea we buy comes from certified farms, that little frog on our packs also represents a commitment to gradually ensuring that 100% of the farms we buy from are certified. We could, of course, switch to buying from farms that are already certified - but that would mean turning our backs on suppliers who we've worked with for many years. That's why these trips and discussions are so important.

: A new tree nursery at Ngere Tea Factory

One example of the work already underway is this tree nursery at Ngere Tea Factory in Kenya. Young trees are given to smallholder farmers to plant out as part of the Rainforest Alliance standard. The picture below shows some of the steps they've been taking to improve recycling too.

: Recycling at Ngere

Another measure is ensuring that all smallholder farmers have got the right 'Personal Protective Equipment' for when they spray other crops growing near to their tea - like this gent below.

: A Kenyan farmer shows Ian his new kit

While visiting Makomboki Tea Factory, some of the staff showed Ian their mounted Yorkshire Tea 'Rewarding Quality' plaque, which we presented to them in 2003. As you can see, the factories really do appreciate this recognition of their quality.

: Staff at Mokomboki show off their quality plaque

Ian also visited Rwanda to check on the progress of our project to help improve the country's tea industry - so look out for more on that in the very near future.

Ian's African Tour: Kenya

What’s Brewing

Who we are

What we do

How we trade

People and planet