Kenya’s highlands produce some of the world’s most sought-after black teas. Learn how Summer Tea sources, evaluates, and exports the finest Kenyan teas through auction buying, direct factory relationships, and rigorous quality control.
Sourcing tea for bulk export is a complex process that requires deep industry knowledge, strong supplier relationships, and an unwavering commitment to quality. At Summer Tea, we’ve spent nearly two decades perfecting our sourcing strategy.
The Mombasa Tea Auction
The Mombasa Tea Auction, operated by the East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA), is our primary sourcing channel. Every Tuesday, our team evaluates hundreds of tea samples and bids on lots that meet our exacting quality standards.
As registered EATTA buyers, we have direct access to teas from over 90 factories across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi. This gives our clients an unparalleled range of flavor profiles and price points.
Direct Factory Sourcing
Beyond the auction, we maintain direct relationships with select tea factories in Kenya’s prime growing regions — Kericho, Nandi Hills, Nyeri, and Kirinyaga. These partnerships allow us to access exclusive lots, custom-processed teas, and seasonal specialties.
Quality Control Process
Every tea we source undergoes a rigorous quality control process. Our professional tea tasters evaluate each lot for liquor color, brightness, body, briskness, and aroma. Only teas that meet our standards make it into our export inventory.
Pre-shipment sampling ensures that every order matches the approved sample. We maintain full traceability from garden to container, with detailed documentation for every lot.
Logistics and Shipping
Our Mombasa warehouse is strategically located near the port, enabling efficient loading and shipping. We handle all export documentation, fumigation, and container stuffing in-house, ensuring a seamless experience for our clients.
