LIPTON Teas and Infusions has agreed terms of a partnership which will result in the transfer of its tea estates in Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania to Browns Investments PLC, (BIL) alongside an agreement that all tea sold by Browns worldwide will be grown and harvested to a new set of standards covering quality, social and environmental protections.
This long-term partnership will make Brown’s the world’s leading tea exporter accounting to around 87 million kilograms each year as well as one of the largest suppliers to the world’s largest tea company, LIPTON Teas and Infusions.
By working together, the two companies will raise tea quality globally and accelerate the application of responsible farming methods across the industry to drive sustainable growth. Browns will invest in its estates in Kenya and Sri Lanka to meet the new standards by 2025 as well as in the creation of additional skilled employment opportunities in Kenya.
In line with LIPTON Teas and Infusions vision of creating value for all, the proceeds of the transaction will be reinvested into the East Africa region to drive local and industry-wide progress in relevant areas such as skills development and climate change mitigation.
The Government of Kenya has supported the companies in identifying opportunities for local communities to benefit from the partnership and future growth of the industry.
LIPTON Teas and Infusions and Browns are also jointly creating a Community Welfare Trust with an initial one billion Kenyan shillings dedicated to helping address other needs of local and neighboring communities.
