Kenya, Rwanda Back Dubai'S Initiative

Dubai Tea Trading Centre aims to emerge as one of the largest distribution hub for the global markets

Dubai’s links with African tea producers have received a significant boost with the largest producers of tea in Kenya and Rwanda becoming the latest members to join the growing community at the Dubai Tea Trading Centre (DTTC).

The DTTC, an initiative of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), announced that the Kenyan Tea Development Agency (KTDA) and OCIR, the official Rwandan Tea Authority had recently joined as active members of the centre. DTTC is a dedicated facility where international tea producers and merchants hold stocks of tea that are ready for shipment to the Middle East and adjacent regions.

Kenya is the third largest producer of tea in the world and controls about 23 per cent of global tea exports. In 2005, the KTDA was responsible for 60 per cent of Kenya’s total tea production. In Rwanda, annual tea production reached 16.8 million kilos in 2005, with a majority of this tea being produced by OCIR, the Rwanda Tea Authority. Tea is Rwanda’s largest export earner.

“One of the strategic objectives of the DTTC is to strengthen Dubai’s role as focal point for the international tea trade by enabling the availability of a variety of multi-origin teas through the centre,” said Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chief Operating Officer of DMCC. “Kenya and Rwanda are significant examples of this, and we expect to see strong interest in African tea from blenders and buyers,” he added.

Kenyan and Rwandan teas are now being regularly shipped to the centre, which is facilitating sales in these teas through sampling and building awareness. Until the tie up with DTTC as a sales source, the bulk of the teas produced in Kenya and Rwanda have been sold through the Mombassa auctions.

“As one of the world’s major producers of quality tea, we are delighted to partner with the DTTC and we look forward to a long and fruitful partnership,” said Mr. Samuel Karima, General Manager – Sales and Marketing of the KTDA.

Sanjay Sethi, Head of DTTC said: “African tea is popular among consumers in the Middle East and increasing demand has ensured the tremendous growth potential in the region. Kenyan tea is world-renowned for its quality and taste, while teas from Rwanda are well known for their brightness and rounded cup quality.”

“African tea producing countries are key to the global tea industry and increasing demand for African teas in the Middle East has ensured their tremendous growth potential in the region. Dubai also offers them a significant platform to extend their customer base by providing networking opportunities,” he said.

“DTTC is very happy to welcome the Kenyan Tea Development Agency (KTDA) and OCIR the Rwandan Tea Authority – both the largest producers in their respective countries – and hopes this will pave the way for more memberships from the continent. We look forward to working closely with the Kenya Tea Board, the KTDA and other producers / merchant exporters in Kenya,” added Sethi.