Companies

KTDA eyes more Middle East states to boost sales

tea

Tea farmers elect one-third of factory directors on rotation each year, according to the Company Act 2015. FILE PHOTO | NMG

Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) is venturing into new markets in the Middle East even as it increases its marketing to retain buyers in the region.

KTDA national chairman Peter Kanyago said they were looking forward to regaining their old markets in Saudi Arabia, acquiring a new market in Morocco and retaining Egypt.

In Morocco where high-end teas are in demand, Mr Kanyago said they would process and sell the green tea through the agency’s brand, Ketepa.
“The Middle East is the country’s biggest tea market,” said Mr Kanyago.

“The only problem we foresee in the region is in Iran following the threat of sanctions by the US that will obviously affect trade,” he added. He stated that the KTDA had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with a company in Iran to boost trade.

He was speaking at Chinga Tea Factory in Nyeri after he was elected unopposed as director. The elections were held in 106 electoral areas countrywide.

Shareholders of each of the 53 tea factories are required to elect two of six directors.

Tea farmers elect one-third of factory directors on rotation each year, according to the Company Act 2015.

More than 200 aspirants were contesting in the elections. In 37 electoral areas, candidates were elected unopposed.