Tea Seminar April, 27 2009

On the 27th April, KTDA held a tea seminar at the Embassy Chancery, NW Parklaan 21, The Hague.

The purpose of the tea seminar was for KTDA to meet with tea traders/packers/buyers and tea policy makers in the Netherlands. The seminar attracted approximately 40 tea traders/buyers and Dutch government officials and other participants that were interested in the tea as a product.

During the seminar, presentations were made on the activities of Dutch Coffee Roasters and Tea Packers Association (VNKT); Private Sector Investment programme (PSI) of EVD and its Matchmaking Facility (MMF) and lastly Kenya Tea Development Agency LTD explained in large about its activities and joint venture opportunities that the company is offering to interested Dutch Investors.

During the tea seminar H.E. the Ambassador Prof.Ruthie C.Rono on her opening remarks welcomed the KTDA delegates to the Netherlands and the Embassy.The Ambassador said that the KTDA presence and that of the Dutch government officials, tea packers and buyers, underlines the importantance the government attaches to the tea sector in Kenya. Kenya produces the best teas in the world; however more needs to be done on promotion of the teas internationally.

Photo: H.E.Prof Ruthie Rono and deputy Ambassador Ms. Khadija Issa

The creation of conducive value addition policies which will result in major international packers setting up packing plants locally is needed. It is important that we look at our policies seriously if we want the industry of succeed. The modern thing in this era of globalization is competitiveness. The strategy should be to expand our competitive strength in supply value chain, production, processing or manufacturing and marketing through exploring joint venture opportunities.She further informed that while the top tea producers rely on their internal market, Kenya relies on external markets. This makes Kenya in particular vulnerable to trading terms and conditions set up by the consuming community and consumer organization in other countries. In this case, Kenya would wish to trade on win-win situation with potential partners.Finally, The Ambassador urged the present participants to join forces with the industry planners in promotion of Kenya tea both locally and externally.

After the Seminar the delegates and the participants interacted with each other through networking.

Photo: Mr. Rob Bree(right) and Jan Sloothaak from Sara Lee