Browns becomes world’s top tea exporter with Lipton partnership

Sri Lanka's Browns emerges as the world's top tea exporter, following a partnership agreement with Lipton Teas and Infusions. The deal involves the transfer of Lipton's tea estates in Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania to Browns Investments. Additionally, all tea marketed by Browns globally will adhere to a new set of standards encompassing quality, social, and environmental safeguards.

This long term partnership will make Browns the world’s leading tea exporter – around 87 million kilograms each year as well as one of the largest suppliers to the world’s largest tea company, Lipton Teas and Infusions.

By working together, the two companies will raise tea quality globally and accelerate the application of responsible farming methods across the industry to drive sustainable growth. Browns will invest in its estates in Kenya and Sri Lanka to meet the new standards by 2025, as well as in the creation of additional skilled employment opportunities in Kenya. 

Terms of the transaction, which is subject to standard regulatory clearances, are not disclosed.