In short: Lipton Teas and Infusions Kenya, Kimugu Tea Factory is a black tea producer located in the Kericho region of Kenya at 2,046 metres, recorded as supplying Finlays.
Lipton Teas and Infusions Kenya, Kimugu Tea Factory is a black tea production facility situated in the Kericho region of Kenya, at an altitude of 2,046 metres. The factory is operated by Lipton Teas and Infusions Kenya and is recorded as a supplier to Finlays.
Terroir & Climate
At 2,046 metres above sea level, Kimugu sits within the high-altitude belt that characterises much of Kericho's tea-growing landscape. Estates at this elevation in Kenya's central highlands typically experience cooler temperatures and often pronounced diurnal variation, factors which tend to slow vegetative growth and can encourage the accumulation of flavour compounds in the leaf. The region lies close to the equator, meaning daylight hours remain relatively consistent year-round, though rainfall patterns generally shape two main flush periods.
Kericho's climate is usually marked by reliable precipitation and high humidity, conditions that typically support continuous cropping across much of the year. The altitude moderates what would otherwise be equatorial warmth, and mist or cloud cover is common, particularly in the mornings. Soils in this part of the Rift Valley highlands tend to be volcanic in origin, often well-drained and acidic, characteristics generally considered conducive to tea cultivation. These environmental factors together tend to favour the production of brisk, full-bodied black teas.
Tea Produced
Kimugu Tea Factory produces black tea. High-altitude Kenyan estates in Kericho typically yield teas known for brightness, briskness and a robust cup character, with good colour and strength. The slow-grown leaf from elevations above 2,000 metres often develops a complexity of flavour that is valued in blending, though individual estate character can vary. Kericho teas generally offer a malty, full-bodied profile with moderate astringency, well-suited to both orthodox and CTC manufacture, though specific processing methods at this factory are not documented.
Supply Chain & Market Position
Kimugu Tea Factory is recorded as supplying Finlays, one of the largest tea and horticulture companies globally, with operations spanning cultivation, processing and distribution. This relationship places the factory within a significant international supply chain, as Finlays sources tea from multiple origins for onward sale to brand owners, retailers and food-service operators worldwide. The presence of Finlays as a buyer suggests that Kimugu's output is directed toward commercial blending markets, where Kenyan black teas are prized for their consistency, colour and strength.
- Recorded supplier to Finlays
Operator
The factory is operated by Lipton Teas and Infusions Kenya, Kimugu Tea Factory. Lipton Teas and Infusions is a major global tea business with production and sourcing operations across key origins. No other estates operated by this entity are currently recorded in our directory.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
Lipton Teas and Infusions Kenya, Kimugu Tea Factory lies at -0.3493, 35.3233 in Kericho, Kenya. Its 2046 m elevation is the 4th highest of 44 estates we map in Kericho. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- Kaisugu Tea Estate — 1.6 km away · Nairobi Rd
- Lipton Teas and Infusions Kenya, Chagaik Tea Factory — 2.6 km away
- Mau Tea Multipurpose Co-Operative Society Ltd, Tilya Tea Factory Co. Ltd (Mtmc) — 2.8 km away
- Korara Highland Tea Factory — 4.5 km away
- Changana (Changana Tea) — 4.7 km away · Kenya
Estates at a Similar Altitude to Lipton Teas and Infusions Kenya, Kimugu Tea Factory
Elevation shapes how slowly leaf matures, so we match Lipton Teas and Infusions Kenya, Kimugu Tea Factory (2,046 m) with estates within 150 m of its height that are not its neighbours. Each is shown with its own 2025 climate. Lipton Teas and Infusions Kenya, Kimugu Tea Factory recorded 1,919 mm in 2025, 12% more than the 1,720 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kapsumbeiywa | Kapsumbeiywo Road, Kenya | 2,045 m | 1,510 mm | 22.5 °C |
| Chinga Tea Factory | Othaya, Kenya | 2,040 m | 1,640 mm | 19.9 °C |
| DUNSANDLE ESTATE | TAMIL NADU, India | 2,054 m | 1,941 mm | 20.5 °C |
| Sorwathe S.A.R.L. | Kinihira Sector, Rwanda | 2,026 m | 1,213 mm | 22.0 °C |
| Happy valley | West Bengal, India | 2,071 m | 2,294 mm | 17.1 °C |
Lipton Teas and Infusions Kenya, Kimugu Tea Factory Compared with Kericho
In Kericho, Lipton Teas and Infusions Kenya, Kimugu Tea Factory is drier than 86% of the others by 2025 rainfall; higher than 93% of the others by elevation; cooler than 98% of the others by daytime temperature. The table sets Lipton Teas and Infusions Kenya, Kimugu Tea Factory against the 43 other estates we map in Kericho, so you can see whether it is typical for its region or an outlier.
| Measure | Lipton Teas and Infusions Kenya, Kimugu Tea Factory | Region median | Region range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 2,046 m | 2,010 m | 1,836 to 2,437 m |
| Annual rainfall (2025) | 1,919 mm | 1,984 mm | 1,021 to 1,984 mm |
| Mean daily high | 22.0 °C | 22.4 °C | 20.5 to 25.1 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 11.7 °C | 11.8 °C | 9.7 to 12.8 °C |
Observed Climate at Lipton Teas and Infusions Kenya, Kimugu Tea Factory (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for Lipton Teas and Infusions Kenya, Kimugu Tea Factory’s coordinates recorded 1,919 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was October (285 mm) and the driest was February (10 mm). Daytime highs averaged 22.0 °C and overnight lows 11.7 °C over the year; February was the warmest month and August the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 1,919 mm |
| Wettest month | October (285 mm) |
| Driest month | February (10 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 22.0 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 11.7 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lipton Teas and Infusions Kenya, Kimugu Tea Factory located?
Lipton Teas and Infusions Kenya, Kimugu Tea Factory is in Kericho, Kenya, at coordinates -0.3493, 35.3233, at an elevation of about 2046 metres.
Who operates Lipton Teas and Infusions Kenya, Kimugu Tea Factory?
Lipton Teas and Infusions Kenya, Kimugu Tea Factory is operated by Lipton Teas and Infusions Kenya, Kimugu Tea Factory, according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does Lipton Teas and Infusions Kenya, Kimugu Tea Factory produce?
Lipton Teas and Infusions Kenya, Kimugu Tea Factory is recorded as producing black tea.
Which buyers does Lipton Teas and Infusions Kenya, Kimugu Tea Factory supply?
Public supplier disclosures record Lipton Teas and Infusions Kenya, Kimugu Tea Factory as supplying Finlays.
How much rain does Lipton Teas and Infusions Kenya, Kimugu Tea Factory receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 1,919 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in October (285 mm).
How does Lipton Teas and Infusions Kenya, Kimugu Tea Factory compare with estates at a similar elevation?
Lipton Teas and Infusions Kenya, Kimugu Tea Factory recorded 1,919 mm in 2025, 12% more rain than the 1,720 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].
