Murang’a purple tea debuts in Paris as Kenya advances global recognition of its unique tea heritage
By Kass Digital
Kenya’s Purple Tea has made its debut in Paris, marking a key milestone in efforts to position the country’s specialty tea in premium global markets and strengthen its agricultural value-addition strategy.
The unveiling took place at the Hôtel de Crillon and brought together French consumers, tea experts and industry stakeholders, who were introduced to the tea known for its rarity, floral aromas, subtle fruit notes and naturally high antioxidant content.
The launch follows a landmark agreement signed during the Africa Forward Summit between Gatanga Industries, Palais des Thés and Equity Group, aimed at expanding market access for Kenyan specialty tea and connecting producers directly to premium international consumers.
Cultivated on the fertile volcanic slopes of Kenya’s central highlands, particularly in Murang’a County, Purple Tea is part of a growing push to reposition Kenya’s tea sector from bulk commodity exports to premium, origin-based products supported by branding, traceability and geographical identity.
The Paris showcase also highlighted how Kenyan tea is increasingly being used in high-end value-added products, underscoring its expanding culinary applications in international markets.
Equity Group Managing Director and CEO Dr. James Mwangi said the unveiling represents a shift in how Kenya is positioning its tea globally.
“Kenyan tea needs a distinct sub-identity and strong geographical identity. What we are witnessing is the beginning of a journey to transform tea from a commodity into a premium product. Moving from commodity pricing to premium value demonstrates the scale of opportunity for farmers. This transformation has the potential to improve farmers’ livelihoods, expand access to education and healthcare for their children, and enable meaningful investment at the household level,” he said.
Dr. Mwangi added that the initiative extends beyond tea production.
“Ultimately, this initiative extends far beyond tea. It is a change in how Kenya approaches agriculture, a transformation of farming practices, and a new way of creating value for farmers and the country. This is the new Kenya.”
Kenya’s Ambassador to France, Betty Chebet Cherwon, said the initiative reflects a strengthening economic partnership between Kenya and France.
“Kenya and France share a strong and growing economic partnership. What we are witnessing today is an important step towards a more balanced trade relationship by promoting value addition, branding, and market access for Kenyan specialty teas,” she said.
She added that the initiative will help strengthen trade ties and expand opportunities for Kenyan farmers.
The initiative comes as Kenya advances efforts to secure Geographical Indication (GI) status for Purple Tea. GI certification recognizes products whose qualities and reputation are intrinsically linked to their place of origin, helping strengthen authenticity and enable more competitive pricing in premium markets.
The Paris debut also reflects a broader shift in global consumer demand toward traceable, authentic and origin-based products, particularly in the premium food and beverage sector.
