Mata

Mata is a tea estate situated in the Mata region of Rwanda, at an elevation of 1,582 metres. It is operated by Rwanda Mountain Tea Ltd and is recorded as a supplier to Morrisons, the UK supermarket chain. The estate produces both black and green teas.

Terroir & Climate

At 1,582 metres and situated almost directly on the equator (latitude −1.94°), Mata occupies a growing environment that tends to combine year-round warmth with the moderating influence of altitude. Estates at this elevation in equatorial Africa typically experience relatively stable temperatures and reliable rainfall, conditions that generally favour steady vegetative growth without the pronounced dormancy seen in higher-latitude origins.

The diurnal temperature variation common at this altitude often encourages slower leaf maturation, which can contribute to the accumulation of flavour compounds. Rwanda's volcanic soils, widespread across much of the country's tea-growing belt, are typically well-drained and mineral-rich, characteristics that are generally associated with healthy root development and robust plant vigour.

Tea Produced

Mata produces both black and green teas. Black teas from mid-altitude Rwandan estates often yield a clean, bright cup with moderate body and a balance of briskness and subtle sweetness; the equatorial growing cycle tends to support consistent leaf quality across the year. Green teas from this region generally exhibit a fresh, grassy character with gentle vegetal notes, though style and processing choices can vary significantly between producers. Estates at similar elevations in Rwanda typically deliver teas that are approachable and well-suited to blending, though stand-alone lots can also display clarity and regionality.

Supply Chain & Market Position

Mata is recorded as supplying Morrisons, one of the United Kingdom's major supermarket chains. This connection places the estate within a supply chain serving the retail grocery sector, where price competitiveness, consistent quality, and traceability are typically priorities. Supplying a large UK retailer suggests that Mata's production meets the volume, certification, and logistical standards required for modern supermarket tea programmes, and indicates integration into established export channels for East African tea.

• Recorded supplier to  Morrisons

Operator

The estate is operated by Rwanda Mountain Tea Ltd, a company that also operates at least one other tea estate listed in this directory. The presence of multiple estates under the same management often reflects economies of scale in processing, quality control, and market access, and may indicate a significant foothold in Rwanda's tea sector.

Location & Neighbouring Estates

Mata lies at -1.9403, 29.8739 in Mata, Rwanda. Its 1582 m elevation is the joint 14th highest of 18 estates we map in Rwanda. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:

• Karongi Ltd, Muganza, Kivu Tea Factory — under 1 km away · Birambo
• RUKERI ORGANIC — 21 km away · B.P Kigali
• Rwanda Mountain Tea — 24 km away · KG 438 St
• Nyabihu Tea Estate — 29 km away · NR16
• Sorwathe Tea Estate — 32 km away · Kimihurura

Estates at a Similar Altitude to Mata

Elevation shapes how slowly leaf matures, so we match Mata (1,582 m) with estates within 150 m of its height that are not its neighbours. Each is shown with its own 2025 climate. Mata recorded 1,190 mm in 2025, 48% less than the 2,308 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
TINDERET	Songhor, Kenya	1,577 m	1,545 mm	25.9 °C
Thurbo Tea Estate	West Bengal, India	1,590 m	2,552 mm	19.5 °C
Mmwakaleli Tea Company	Mbeya, Tanzania United Republic Of	1,592 m	1,944 mm	19.9 °C
Letchmi	Kerala, India	1,593 m	3,791 mm	21.6 °C
Mudete Tea Factory	Gisambai - Mudete Rd, Kenya	1,603 m	1,708 mm	25.7 °C

Mata Compared with Rwanda

In Rwanda, Mata is drier than 71% of the others by 2025 rainfall; lower than 82% of the others by elevation; warmer than 82% of the others by daytime temperature. The table sets Mata against the 17 other estates we map in Rwanda, so you can see whether it is typical for its country or an outlier.

Measure	Mata	Country median	Country range
Elevation	1,582 m	1,964 m	1,413 to 2,379 m
Annual rainfall (2025)	1,190 mm	1,213 mm	1,053 to 2,889 mm
Mean daily high	24.5 °C	22.0 °C	18.1 to 26.3 °C
Mean overnight low	14.0 °C	12.6 °C	9.6 to 15.2 °C

Observed Climate at Mata (2025)

ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for Mata’s coordinates recorded 1,190 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was April (208 mm) and the driest was July (10 mm). Daytime highs averaged 24.5 °C and overnight lows 14.0 °C over the year; September was the warmest month and May the coolest.

Metric	2025 value
Annual precipitation	1,190 mm
Wettest month	April (208 mm)
Driest month	July (10 mm)
Mean daily high	24.5 °C
Mean overnight low	14.0 °C

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Mata located?

Mata is in Mata, Rwanda, at coordinates -1.9403, 29.8739, at an elevation of about 1582 metres.

Who operates Mata?

Mata is operated by Rwanda Mountain Tea Ltd, according to public supply-chain records.

What type of tea does Mata produce?

Mata is recorded as producing black and green tea.

Which buyers does Mata supply?

Public supplier disclosures record Mata as supplying Morrisons.

How much rain does Mata receive?

ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 1,190 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in April (208 mm).

How does Mata compare with estates at a similar elevation?

Mata recorded 1,190 mm in 2025, 48% less rain than the 2,308 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].