In short: SITOI (Sitoi Factory) is a black tea estate in Kenya at 1,713 metres, operated by Eastern Produce Kenya Ltd and known to supply Morrisons.
SITOI, also known as Sitoi Factory, is a tea estate in Kenya operated by Eastern Produce Kenya Ltd. Located at an elevation of 1,713 metres, the estate produces black tea and is recorded as a supplier to Morrisons, the British supermarket chain.
Terroir & Climate
At 1,713 metres above sea level, SITOI occupies a mid-to-high elevation site in Kenya's tea-growing belt. Estates at this altitude typically experience moderate daytime temperatures and cool nights, conditions that tend to slow leaf growth and encourage the accumulation of compounds associated with body and brightness in the made tea. The elevation generally allows for year-round cropping, though flush intensity often varies with the bimodal rainfall pattern common to much of Kenya's central highlands.
This latitude, just south of the equator, means day length remains relatively constant throughout the year, while the interplay of altitude and exposure tends to shape the茶園's microclimate. Such elevations in Kenya are generally associated with well-drained red volcanic soils, which typically support vigorous tea growth when rainfall and temperature align. The estate's geographic position suggests it benefits from the climatic stability that has made Kenya a year-round source of black tea for international buyers.
Tea Produced
SITOI produces black tea. Kenyan estates at similar elevations typically yield teas with a brisk, copper-coloured liquor, marked by astringency and body rather than overt aromatics. The mid-to-high altitude generally encourages teas that perform well in blends, offering strength and colour. Cup character at this elevation in Kenya tends toward the forthright and malty, with a clean, bright finish that suits both breakfast blends and everyday retail packs.
Supply Chain & Market Position
SITOI is recorded as a supplier to Morrisons, one of the United Kingdom's largest supermarket chains. This relationship places the estate within a supply chain serving the retail packaged-tea segment, where volume, consistency, and competitive pricing are paramount. Supplying a major British retailer indicates that SITOI's output meets the quality and traceability standards expected by mainstream buyers, and suggests the estate is part of a reliable sourcing network capable of year-round delivery.
- Recorded supplier to Morrisons
Operator
The estate is operated by Eastern Produce Kenya Ltd, a company that runs six other tea estates recorded in this directory. This multi-site footprint suggests a degree of operational scale and integration, which often supports shared agronomic expertise, centralised processing standards, and consolidated marketing to international buyers. Estates under common management can benefit from economies of scope in inputs, logistics, and market access.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
SITOI (Sitoi Factory) lies at -1.2666, 36.7992 in P.O. Box Lantana Rd, Kenya. Its 1713 m elevation is the joint 149th highest of 186 estates we map in Kenya. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- TOIYOI (Kapsumbiewa Factory) — under 1 km away
- GIANCHORE — 3.8 km away · Moi Avenue
- GITHAMBO — 3.8 km away · Moi Avenue
- GITHONGO — 3.8 km away · Moi Avenue
- KIRU — 3.8 km away · Moi Avenue
Estates at a Similar Altitude to SITOI (Sitoi Factory)
Elevation shapes how slowly leaf matures, so we match SITOI (Sitoi Factory) (1,713 m) with estates within 150 m of its height that are not its neighbours. Each is shown with its own 2025 climate. SITOI (Sitoi Factory) recorded 792 mm in 2025, 54% less 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rukuriri Tea Factory | RUKURIRI TEA FACTORY, Kenya | 1,711 m | 1,029 mm | 21.4 °C |
| Green Fountain Yunnan Tea Co., Ltd- Lailong | Yunnan Province, China | 1,718 m | 2,028 mm | 21.8 °C |
| OGEMBO (EBEREGE) | Kisii, Kenya | 1,705 m | 1,586 mm | 24.1 °C |
| Bannockburn Tea Estate | West Bengal, India | 1,724 m | 2,294 mm | 19.3 °C |
| Gumaro | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | 1,725 m | 1,663 mm | 25.0 °C |
SITOI (Sitoi Factory) Compared with Kenya
In Kenya, SITOI (Sitoi Factory) is drier than 92% of the others by 2025 rainfall; lower than 81% of the others by elevation; warmer than 80% of the others by daytime temperature. The table sets SITOI (Sitoi Factory) against the 185 other estates we map in Kenya, so you can see whether it is typical for its country or an outlier.
| Measure | SITOI (Sitoi Factory) | Country median | Country range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 1,713 m | 1,990 m | 821 to 2,790 m |
| Annual rainfall (2025) | 792 mm | 1,518 mm | 754 to 2,070 mm |
| Mean daily high | 24.8 °C | 22.4 °C | 16.8 to 30.2 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 14.0 °C | 12.0 °C | 8.5 to 19.8 °C |
Observed Climate at SITOI (Sitoi Factory) (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for SITOI (Sitoi Factory)’s coordinates recorded 792 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was May (131 mm) and the driest was February (9 mm). Daytime highs averaged 24.8 °C and overnight lows 14.0 °C over the year; February was the warmest month and August the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 792 mm |
| Wettest month | May (131 mm) |
| Driest month | February (9 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 24.8 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 14.0 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is SITOI (Sitoi Factory) located?
SITOI (Sitoi Factory) is in P.O. Box Lantana Rd, Kenya, at coordinates -1.2666, 36.7992, at an elevation of about 1713 metres.
Who operates SITOI (Sitoi Factory)?
SITOI (Sitoi Factory) is operated by Eastern Produce Kenya Ltd, according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does SITOI (Sitoi Factory) produce?
SITOI (Sitoi Factory) is recorded as producing black tea.
Which buyers does SITOI (Sitoi Factory) supply?
Public supplier disclosures record SITOI (Sitoi Factory) as supplying Morrisons.
How much rain does SITOI (Sitoi Factory) receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 792 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in May (131 mm).
How does SITOI (Sitoi Factory) compare with estates at a similar elevation?
SITOI (Sitoi Factory) recorded 792 mm in 2025, 54% less 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].
