Quality of all KTDA teas is paramount. Tea tasting as a quality control measure is done on weekly basis during the normal tea processing at the factory level.
However, intensified comparative tea tasting analysis for all KTDA Ltd teas is done at the head office in Nairobi on regular basis with the aim of marketing the teas and giving advise where necessary to the production units.
Main functions involved in marketing tea include:-
- Facilitating sale of teas in all the market outlets.
- Ensure prompt collection of tea proceeds from all buyers
- Undertake sales promotions of teas using cost effective method with the aim ofexpanding the market share
- Disseminate information on policy changes and tea production to the existing and potential buyers all over the world.
- Encouraging and supporting the local packers in order to expand and strengthen the local market
- Facilitate regular certification of KTDA Ltd teas as demanded by the international standard organisation (ISO) and the tea trade.
- Co-ordinate with the Chai Warehousing Ltd and ensure proper warehousing of all KTDA Ltd teas.
The current existing market outlets are:
• Mombasa auction 75%
• KETEPA (Kenya Tea Packers Ltd) 7%
• Direct sales (overseas &local)-15%
• Factory Door Sales-3%
Direct Sales prices are based on prevailing Mombasa auction prices.
It is important to note that prices of teas are not constant. They change on weekly basis depending on supply and demand in the auction.
The bulk of tea sold by KTDA Ltd. on behalf of small scale growers is done through the Mombasa auction held every Monday except on public holidays. The auction has become a world-renowned tea market centre for East and Central Africa tea producing countries. The auction is conducted under the supervision of the East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA).
