Kenya set for abundant crop and returns
Kenya, the world's largest tea exporter, is reporting continued high tea output and prices as the country enjoys good rains. Production for the first quarter of 2010 stood at 111 million kilograms, a 69 per cent increase over the 65.8 million kg recorded in the first quarter of last year, when the country was affected by severe droughts. Production was the highest for the first quarter in five years. The average price for Kenyan tea was 15% higher at $3.04 per kg compared with $2.31 recorded in the same period in 2009. Also on the increase is the number of countries buying Kenyas tea, rising to 38 from 35 in 2009 and 2008 respectively.