Kenya has unveiled its Purple Tea to consumers and industry stakeholders in Paris as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s position in the global specialty tea market and expand exports to premium international markets.
The tea was showcased at the Hôtel de Crillon, where French consumers, tea professionals and business representatives sampled the product, which is cultivated mainly in Murang’a County and other parts of Kenya’s central highlands.
The launch follows a partnership signed during the Africa Forward Summit between Gatanga Industries, Palais des Thés and Equity Group.
Kenya unveils purple tea in Paris. Photo: Courtesy.
The collaboration is expected to improve market access for Kenyan specialty tea while creating stronger links between local producers and international buyers.
Purple Tea is one of Kenya’s emerging specialty tea varieties and has gained recognition for its distinctive purple leaves and high antioxidant content.
The product forms part of broader efforts to diversify Kenya’s tea exports by promoting value addition, branding and traceability instead of relying on bulk commodity sales.
Kenyan tea has also continued to gain recognition in international markets. During the G7 Summit held in Évian, France, chefs from the Élysée Palace prepared a premium dark chocolate infused with Kenyan Grand Cru tea selected by Palais des Thés, further showcasing Kenya’s tea in high-end consumer products.
Equity Group Managing Director and CEO James Mwangi said the initiative is intended to reposition Kenyan tea from a bulk commodity to a premium branded product capable of commanding higher prices in international markets.
He noted that creating a distinct identity for Kenyan specialty tea could improve farmers’ incomes while generating wider economic benefits through increased investment, education and healthcare.
Palais des Thés Founder and Chairman François-Xavier Delmas said the Paris launch marks the beginning of broader efforts to promote Kenyan specialty tea across France and other European markets.
He added that highlighting the product’s geographical origin and unique qualities would help consumers better appreciate Kenyan tea while creating new market opportunities for producers.
Kenya’s Ambassador to France, Betty Chebet Cherwon, said the initiative reflects the growing economic partnership between Kenya and France and demonstrates the importance of value addition in increasing returns from agricultural exports.
She noted that expanding access to premium markets would strengthen trade relations while creating more value for Kenyan farmers.
Equity Group Holdings Non-Executive Chairman Isaac Macharia said collaboration between farmers, financiers, processors and international buyers would be key to unlocking new opportunities for Kenya’s specialty tea industry.
He added that positioning Kenyan tea in premium global markets could boost rural incomes, enhance the country’s competitiveness and support long-term growth in the agricultural sector.
