In short: Itona Tea Estate is a black and green tea producer in the Itona-Mufindi region of Tanzania, operated by Mufindi Tea & Coffee Ltd., with Ethical Tea Partnership certification.
Itona Tea Estate is a producing estate located in the Itona-Mufindi region of Tanzania, at an elevation of 1,831 metres. The estate is operated by Mufindi Tea & Coffee Ltd. and produces both black and green tea. It holds certification from the Ethical Tea Partnership.
Terroir & Climate
At 1,831 metres above sea level, Itona occupies a mid- to high-altitude position in Tanzania's Southern Highlands, where the Mufindi district is recognised as one of the country's principal tea-growing zones. Estates at this elevation typically experience cooler temperatures and often benefit from well-distributed rainfall, conditions that tend to slow leaf growth and may contribute to a more measured accumulation of flavour compounds in the flush.
The latitude—approximately 8.5° south of the equator—places Itona within a tropical highland climate band where diurnal temperature variation can be pronounced. Such conditions generally favour year-round cultivation, though quality and flush character often shift with the interplay of dry and wet seasons. Soils in the Mufindi area are typically volcanic or volcanic-derived, which tend to offer good drainage and mineral availability, both factors that can influence root health and leaf chemistry.
Tea Produced
Itona produces both black and green tea. Black teas from estates in the Mufindi region at comparable elevations often yield a brisk, clean cup with moderate body and a straightforward, malty character; some examples show hints of fruit or subtle astringency. Green teas from this altitude band can display a lighter, more vegetal profile, though processing style plays a decisive role. The cooler growing environment typical of this elevation generally supports leaf that is less overtly robust than lowland material, with a tendency toward balance rather than boldness.
Operator
The estate is operated by Mufindi Tea & Coffee Ltd., a company active in the Tanzanian tea and coffee sectors. No other estates operated by this company are currently recorded in our directory.
Certifications & Ethics
Itona Tea Estate is certified by the Ethical Tea Partnership, an international membership organisation that works with tea producers to improve labour practices, environmental stewardship, and community welfare. ETP certification indicates that the estate has undergone assessment against the partnership's standards and is engaged in its continuous-improvement programme, which is designed to address working conditions, health and safety, and environmental impact on tea farms and in their supply chains.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
Itona Tea Estate lies at -8.4934, 35.1229 in Itona- Mufindi, Tanzania United Republic Of. Its 1831 m elevation is the highest of 9 estates we map in Tanzania United Republic Of. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- Dl Teas Tanzania, Kibena Tea Factory- Njombe — 69 km away · Ninga
- Dl Teas Tanzania, Kibena Tea Factory — 69 km away · Ninga
- KIBENA — 102 km away · Iringa
- Katumba tea estate — 182 km away · Mbeya
- Katumba Tea Factory — 183 km away · Tukuyu
Observed Climate at Itona Tea Estate (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for Itona Tea Estate’s coordinates recorded 804 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was March (188 mm) and the driest was July (0 mm). Daytime highs averaged 21.7 °C and overnight lows 13.0 °C over the year; November was the warmest month and July the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 804 mm |
| Wettest month | March (188 mm) |
| Driest month | July (0 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 21.7 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 13.0 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Itona Tea Estate located?
Itona Tea Estate is in Itona- Mufindi, Tanzania United Republic Of, at coordinates -8.4934, 35.1229, at an elevation of about 1831 metres.
Who operates Itona Tea Estate?
Itona Tea Estate is operated by Mufindi tea & Coffee Ltd., according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does Itona Tea Estate produce?
Itona Tea Estate is recorded as producing black and green tea.
What certifications does Itona Tea Estate hold?
Itona Tea Estate is recorded as holding the following certification(s): Ethical Tea Partnership.
How much rain does Itona Tea Estate receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 804 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in March (188 mm).
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].
