Read on Twitter
When the tea is harvested it is tagged on the farm. Every batch of tea can be traced not just to the farm but to the actual row on the farm. The tagging is done by KTDA logistics folks. ON FARM. Those tubaskets you see...
For every Kilo of tea harvested the farmer will get 18 shillings standard. even if there is an accident and his tea doesn't make it to the factory.
This is paid out on the 24th of every month. So long as he loaded the KTDA lorry he will be paid. (this is not bonus manenos)
This is paid out on the 24th of every month. So long as he loaded the KTDA lorry he will be paid. (this is not bonus manenos)
After it is loaded onto the lorry it must make it to the factory within 5 hours. Max 8. After 8 hours there isn't enough time left for processing!
Everything that happens in the factory happens in a controlled environment. controlled in terms of temperature, air, moisture etc etc
Everything that happens in the factory happens in a controlled environment. controlled in terms of temperature, air, moisture etc etc
Also every batch of tea is processed on its own and all equipment is cleaned between batches...even batches from the same farm!
The tea is withered for 6 hours, then cut within 30 seconds, then fermented for 1 and a half hours, and finally dried for 45 minutes.
The tea is withered for 6 hours, then cut within 30 seconds, then fermented for 1 and a half hours, and finally dried for 45 minutes.
At drying the tea characteristics have been locked akina flavour, aroma and whatnots. The characteristics will hold for 3 years. Next the tea goes into sorting and grading. ALSO PAY ATTENTION HERE.
When the tea was bought at the farm there were no guarantee that it would even make it to the international market.
It is sorted into BP1 (best quality), PF1, PD and DI. Those categories will make it into the international market.
Lastly there is fannings, hizo ni local market.
It is sorted into BP1 (best quality), PF1, PD and DI. Those categories will make it into the international market.
Lastly there is fannings, hizo ni local market.
the tea is then packed (per batch bado). Packing is done at the factory by the way. The factory runs for 24 hours every day of the year on a shift system. za international market are sent to Chai Trading Company (the KTDA warehouse in Mombasa ) awaiting auction.
75% of KTDA's tea is sold to anonymous bidders at the auction. 25% is sold to independent international buyers who make gourmet teas etc. that 25% pricing is subject to negotiation.
This is where KTDA's marketing team comes in. They are responsible for maintaining the international image of Kenyan Tea, certifications, fair trade etc. Also peckle samples for buyers etc.
At auction each batch of tea will be sold per kilo. Depending on the tea characteristics it will go for between 2-5 dollars per Kg. also depending on the season. i.e. climate affects tea characteristics. Right now Kenyan tea is doing about 3 dollars next season it goes up.
Remember the tea is tagged so every farmer can tell exactly how much every batch he harvested was sold at. At the end of the financial year on July 1st. 75% of all money made from your tea must be given back to you. KTDA takes 25% for hiyo maneno ingine yote. Hii ndiyo bonus
Some farmers this financial year made up to 70 shilllings per kilo in bonus. Lowest in Meru this year was 60 shillings per kilo. Others wacha 41 bob hata 25 shillings iko especially Kericho. All this is based on the sale made on the trading floor.
as I said, sijakuja hapa theory.
The fannings are sold to Kenya Tea packers, and other tea packing brands who can choose to do infusions kama tangawizi etc then repackage iende wholesalers, iende Supermarket/ duka alafu ukutane nayo kwa kikombe!
Tea farmers have the option of and are encouraged to consume what they grow and usually buy/get (kuna ile utapewa ukitaka more ununue) export quality tea from the factory.
Siringi but hii ndio nakutananga nayo kwa kikombe yangu!
Siringi but hii ndio nakutananga nayo kwa kikombe yangu!
