Tea growing in Rwanda started in 1952 and has contributed immensely to foreign exchange earnings over the years.
Rwandan tea is planted on hillsides at a high altitude of between 1,900m and 2,500m, and on well-drained marshes at an altitude of between 1,550m and 1,800m. Production of tea has increased steadily, from 60 Metric Tons of tea in 1958 to about 30,000 Metric Tons annually today.
Rwanda tea is known for its high quality and is among the best in the world. Some of the best quality teas produced in Rwanda include; black tea, orthodox tea, white tea, green tea, organic tea and spicy tea.
Today Rwanda tea has become highly valued in the weekly East African Tea Trade Association auctions in Mombasa, fetching record prices over the past couple of years.
Its major markets are in the Middle East, Pakistan, United Kingdom, Kazakhstan among others.
