In short: CUPA (CUPATEA) is a black tea estate in Kericho, Kenya, operated by Kabianga and recorded as supplying Morrisons.
CUPA (also known as CUPATEA) is a tea estate located in the Kericho region of Kenya, at an altitude of 2,010 metres. The estate is operated by Kabianga, and it is recorded as supplying black tea to Morrisons, the British supermarket chain.
Terroir & Climate
At 2,010 metres above sea level, CUPA is situated at a high elevation characteristic of Kenya's principal tea-growing zones. Estates at this altitude in the Kericho region typically experience cooler temperatures and marked diurnal variation, conditions that tend to slow leaf development and can encourage the accumulation of compounds associated with briskness and colour in black tea manufacture.
The Kericho plateau generally benefits from reliable rainfall distributed across two main seasons, and the equatorial latitude means day length remains relatively consistent year-round. These conditions typically support continuous harvesting cycles, though estates at higher elevations often report slower flush intervals compared to lower-lying gardens. The volcanic soils common to the region tend to offer good drainage and nutrient retention, factors that are generally favourable for tea cultivation.
Tea Produced
CUPA produces black tea. Kenyan black teas from high-altitude estates in Kericho are generally manufactured as CTC (cut, tear, curl) grades, though some estates also produce orthodox leaf. Teas from this elevation and region tend to yield a bright, coppery liquor with a brisk, malty character and good body. The cup profile typically shows clean astringency and strength, qualities that make Kenyan high-grown teas popular for blending in breakfast-style products and single-origin offerings seeking boldness and colour.
Supply Chain & Market Position
CUPA is recorded as supplying Morrisons, one of the United Kingdom's largest supermarket chains. This connection places the estate within a retail supply chain that sources Kenyan tea both for own-label products and, potentially, for branded lines stocked by the retailer. The relationship with a major UK grocer indicates that CUPA's output meets the volume, quality and traceability standards required by large-scale retail procurement.
- Recorded supplier to Morrisons
Operator
CUPA is operated by Kabianga, a company that also operates at least one other tea estate recorded in industry directories. The presence of multiple estates under common management typically indicates a degree of operational scale and centralised processing or administrative infrastructure, though the specific structure of Kabianga's holdings and their combined output are not publicly detailed.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
CUPA (CUPATEA) lies at -0.3689, 35.2863 in Kericho, Kenya. Its 2010 m elevation is the joint 7th highest of 44 estates we map in Kericho. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- Changana (Changana Tea) — under 1 km away · Kenya
- Kitumbe (Kitumbe Tea) — under 1 km away · Kenya
- BONDET (Chomogonday / Kymulot Tea) — under 1 km away
- Bureti Tea Company Ltd, Kalyet Tea Factory — under 1 km away
- CHEBOSWA — under 1 km away
Estates at a Similar Altitude to CUPA (CUPATEA)
Elevation shapes how slowly leaf matures, so we match CUPA (CUPATEA) (2,010 m) with estates within 150 m of its height that are not its neighbours. Each is shown with its own 2025 climate. CUPA (CUPATEA) recorded 1,984 mm in 2025, 14% more than the 1,737 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tea Studio | Kattabettu, India | 2,010 m | 1,405 mm | 19.9 °C |
| Nyankoba Tea Factory | Kenya, Kenya | 2,012 m | 754 mm | 24.1 °C |
| Marybong Tea Estate | West Bengal, India | 2,016 m | 2,294 mm | 17.7 °C |
| GACHEGE | Kenya, Kenya | 2,003 m | 1,455 mm | 19.8 °C |
| Hubei Wuhan Jiarun Huiming Tea Co., Ltd. | Yongde County, China | 2,002 m | 2,779 mm | 19.9 °C |
CUPA (CUPATEA) Compared with Kericho
In Kericho, CUPA (CUPATEA) is drier than 81% of the others by 2025 rainfall; lower than 93% of the others by elevation; cooler than 91% of the others by daytime temperature. The table sets CUPA (CUPATEA) against the 43 other estates we map in Kericho, so you can see whether it is typical for its region or an outlier.
| Measure | CUPA (CUPATEA) | Region median | Region range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 2,010 m | 2,010 m | 1,836 to 2,437 m |
| Annual rainfall (2025) | 1,984 mm | 1,984 mm | 1,021 to 1,984 mm |
| Mean daily high | 22.4 °C | 22.4 °C | 20.5 to 25.1 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 11.8 °C | 11.8 °C | 9.7 to 12.8 °C |
Observed Climate at CUPA (CUPATEA) (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for CUPA (CUPATEA)’s coordinates recorded 1,984 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was October (286 mm) and the driest was February (16 mm). Daytime highs averaged 22.4 °C and overnight lows 11.8 °C over the year; February was the warmest month and August the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 1,984 mm |
| Wettest month | October (286 mm) |
| Driest month | February (16 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 22.4 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 11.8 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is CUPA (CUPATEA) located?
CUPA (CUPATEA) is in Kericho, Kenya, at coordinates -0.3689, 35.2863, at an elevation of about 2010 metres.
Who operates CUPA (CUPATEA)?
CUPA (CUPATEA) is operated by Kabianga, according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does CUPA (CUPATEA) produce?
CUPA (CUPATEA) is recorded as producing black tea.
Which buyers does CUPA (CUPATEA) supply?
Public supplier disclosures record CUPA (CUPATEA) as supplying Morrisons.
How much rain does CUPA (CUPATEA) receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 1,984 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in October (286 mm).
How does CUPA (CUPATEA) compare with estates at a similar elevation?
CUPA (CUPATEA) recorded 1,984 mm in 2025, 14% more rain than the 1,737 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].