In short: HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory is a tea estate in North Sumatra, Indonesia, operated by HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory and recorded as supplying Finlays.
HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory is a tea estate and processing facility located in North Sumatra, Indonesia, at an elevation of 27 metres above sea level. The operation is run by HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory and is recorded as supplying Finlays, a major tea trading house.
Terroir & Climate
At 27 metres elevation and positioned near 3.6° north latitude, this estate occupies low-lying terrain in North Sumatra's tropical zone. Estates at such altitudes in equatorial Indonesia typically experience warm, humid conditions year-round, with minimal temperature variation and high rainfall distribution that can support continuous or near-continuous vegetative growth.
This low elevation generally tends to favour rapid leaf development and robust yields, though the warmer ambient temperatures typically associated with near-sea-level growing may result in faster metabolic activity in the leaf. Such conditions often influence the chemical composition and processing potential of the harvested material, with estates in similar settings frequently focusing on volume production and teas suited to blending.
Tea Produced
The estate produces both black and green teas. North Sumatran teas from low-altitude estates tend to yield full-bodied, malty black teas with robust character, often employed in breakfast blends and trade packets. Green tea production at this elevation typically results in a straightforward, vegetal cup, though processing technique and leaf selection play a significant role in the final profile. Estates in this region generally produce material suited to commercial blending rather than single-origin retail.
Supply Chain & Market Position
HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory is recorded as supplying Finlays, one of the world's largest tea trading and blending companies. This connection positions the estate within the mainstream commercial supply chain, where volume, consistency, and competitive pricing are typically prioritised. Finlays sources widely across tea-producing origins to serve retail brands, foodservice clients, and private-label programmes, and estates supplying this buyer are generally expected to meet industrial-scale quality assurance and traceability standards.
- Recorded supplier to Finlays
Location & Neighbouring Estates
HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory lies at 3.5865, 98.6742 in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Its 27 m elevation is the 16th highest of 17 estates we map in Indonesia. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- Bah Butong Estate — 89 km away · Simalungun Regency
- Danau Kembar — 536 km away · West Sumatra
- Kayu Aro Tea Estate — 661 km away · Kerinci Regency
- Kayu Aro — 723 km away · Jambi
- Sinumbra Tea Estate — 1532 km away · West Java
Estates at a Similar Altitude to HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory
Elevation shapes how slowly leaf matures, so we match HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory (27 m) with estates within 150 m of its height that are not its neighbours. Each is shown with its own 2025 climate. HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory recorded 4,307 mm in 2025, 61% more than the 2,677 mm average across these estates: at the same height, local weather and exposure matter as much as elevation.
| Estate | Where | Elevation | Rain 2025 | Mean high |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Satgaon tea Factory | Moulvibazar, Bangladesh | 27 m | 2,201 mm | 30.2 °C |
| Balangoda Plantations, Meddakande | Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka | 27 m | 4,458 mm | 30.2 °C |
| Imbulgahagoda | Southern Province, Sri Lanka | 27 m | 3,323 mm | 29.6 °C |
| Jungalebari cha bagan | Sylhet, Bangladesh | 28 m | 2,123 mm | 30.2 °C |
| Hangzhou Kainong Factory | Zhejiang, China | 26 m | 1,280 mm | 24.8 °C |
HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory Compared with Indonesia
In Indonesia, HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory is wetter than 94% of the others by 2025 rainfall; lower than 94% of the others by elevation; the warmest of the 17 estates by daytime temperature. The table sets HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory against the 16 other estates we map in Indonesia, so you can see whether it is typical for its country or an outlier.
| Measure | HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory | Country median | Country range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 27 m | 1,410 m | 23 to 1,859 m |
| Annual rainfall (2025) | 4,307 mm | 3,034 mm | 2,437 to 4,698 mm |
| Mean daily high | 30.6 °C | 22.9 °C | 20.0 to 30.4 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 23.5 °C | 15.9 °C | 13.3 to 22.3 °C |
Observed Climate at HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory’s coordinates recorded 4,307 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was November (640 mm) and the driest was June (177 mm). Daytime highs averaged 30.6 °C and overnight lows 23.5 °C over the year; July was the warmest month and January the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 4,307 mm |
| Wettest month | November (640 mm) |
| Driest month | June (177 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 30.6 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 23.5 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory located?
HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory is in North Sumatra, Indonesia, at coordinates 3.5865, 98.6742, at an elevation of about 27 metres.
Who operates HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory?
HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory is operated by HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory, according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory produce?
HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory is recorded as producing black and green tea.
Which buyers does HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory supply?
Public supplier disclosures record HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory as supplying Finlays.
How much rain does HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 4,307 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in November (640 mm).
How does HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory compare with estates at a similar elevation?
HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory recorded 4,307 mm in 2025, 61% more rain than the 2,677 mm average of estates at a similar elevation.
Data sources: public supply-chain disclosures (Ethical Tea Partnership member lists, Rainforest Alliance certificate holders and retailer supplier disclosures); climate figures are ERA5 reanalysis modelled for the estate’s coordinates via Open-Meteo (calendar year 2025); coordinates and elevations from geocoded records. Spotted an error? Email [email protected].
