Rwandan Tea Garden Achieves High Prices at Mombasa Auction
Rugabano Tea Company (RTC), a Rwandan tea garden operating under Silverback Tea Company, has made a strong impression at the Mombasa Tea Auction. The company’s single line BP1 invoice achieved a price of $5 per kilogram during Sale 26 of 2025, held on July 1, 2025.
This successful debut was marked by a purchase from Mizaj Africa Ltd, a prominent buyer known for acquiring high-quality teas at the Mombasa Auction. According to Atul Rastogi, Chairman of Rugabano Tea Company Pvt Ltd, this first appearance at the Mombasa auction this season was exceptionally well received. He also expressed gratitude to the smallholder farmers under the Rugabano Outgrowers Services Company (ROS) for their dedication to quality.
Previously sold privately, the decision was made to leverage the Mombasa Tea Auction to broaden exposure to a wider range of tea buyers. Samuel Nzeki Munyao, CEO of Silverback Tea Company and Managing Director of RTC, emphasized the significance of the BP1 invoice number RTC-17163/25 (Lot no. 33094). He stated that it will always hold a special place for setting such a high standard for the tea garden, positioning it among the best in Africa. This achievement was attributed to the quality leaf supplied by the farmers and the support from the buyers.
The following week, Rugabano Tea Company (Pvt) Ltd BP1 continued its strong performance, realizing a price of $5.10 per kilogram. This offering attracted 38 bids, with participation from leading tea buyers at the Mombasa Auction, including Mizaj Africa Limited, James Finlay Mombasa Ltd, Stansand (Africa) Ltd, LAB International (K) Ltd, and Empire Kenya (EPZ) Ltd, who ultimately won the bid. The consistent performance of the garden is primarily due to the high-quality leaves provided by the smallholder farmers, as well as the appreciation and recognition of quality tea by buyers and consumers.
As a result of these successful sales, Rugabano now ranks among the top performers at the Mombasa Auction, with an average price of $5.05 per kilogram.
Supporting Smallholder Farmers and Sustainable Employment
Currently, Rugabano Tea Company (Pvt) Ltd supports 4,763 farmers, managing a total tea cultivation area of 2,101 hectares. A significant 80% of this area is owned by smallholder farmers. Furthermore, the company provides sustainable employment for a team of up to 1,686 individuals.
Looking ahead, Rugabano Tea Company (Pvt) Ltd aims to support over 10,000 smallholder tea farmers, with the total tea cultivation area projected to exceed 4,400 hectares. The company plans for 90% of this expansion to benefit smallholder tea farmers.
Commitment to Climate Resilience
To enhance the garden’s resilience to climate change, Rugabano Tea Company (Pvt) Ltd is undertaking extensive tree planting initiatives. Over 70,000 trees are planted and grown annually within the industrial block, with smallholder farmers also actively participating in tree planting efforts.
Background and Recognition
Rugabano Tea Company (Pvt) Ltd was officially inaugurated on August 29, 2019, by Dr. Gerardine Mukeshimana, the former Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources. Since its inception, it has become recognized as a model for inclusive, high-quality tea production.
Rugabano Tea Company (Pvt) Ltd is a part of Silverback Tea Co. Ltd, a joint venture between Luxmi Tea Company of India and The Wood Foundation Africa. Both organizations are known for their impact-driven investments across Africa and within the global tea industry.
In August 2022, the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, visited the garden and commended Luxmi Tea and The Wood Foundation for their contributions. He highlighted the superior quality of Rwandan tea, emphasizing its standing among the best globally. He encouraged tea growers to increase production and capitalize on the significant global demand for their product, stating that this was an opportunity to benefit more Rwandans.
President Kagame also praised the company’s role in rural transformation, environmental sustainability, and export growth.
In 2024, RTC achieved the highest average selling price in Rwanda, as reported by the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB). This achievement has established a strong foundation for future success, benefiting all stakeholders, particularly the smallholder farmers.
Silverback Tea Company: A Focus on Quality and Sustainability
Rugabano Tea Company (Pvt) Ltd is solidifying its position as a leading tea producer in Rwanda, thereby enhancing Rwanda’s reputation in the international tea market. Silverback Tea Company Co. Ltd also operates other prominent Rwandan tea gardens, including Gisovu Tea Company Ltd and Pfunda Tea Company Ltd. Sorwathe Ltd is another garden in Rwanda under Luxmi Estates of India. Each garden possesses unique characteristics that contribute to the production of high-quality tea known for its rich flavor, complexity, and character.
Named after the mountain gorillas of Rwanda, Silverback Tea embodies the strength, resilience, and natural beauty of the region. The company’s mission is to share the joy of the finest teas from Rwanda with the world while uplifting the welfare of its employees and smallholder farmers, safeguarding the environment, and ensuring the highest quality standards.
According to Rudra Chatterjee, Chairman of Silverback Tea Company Ltd, the company greatly appreciates Rwanda’s business-friendly climate, which allows them to thrive and concentrate on delivering the highest quality tea.