About Joe Agro Ltd. - Black Tea Supplier in Kenya

Joe Agro Ltd. operates from Kenya and currently lists six distinct black‑tea products in its catalogue. All six entries fall under the HS‑code 0902.40, which classifies fermented black tea and related leaf forms for customs purposes. The product titles include Kenya Black Tea, Black Tea, Kenya CTC Tea, Kenya Black Orthodox Teas, Kenya CTC Teas, and Kenya Black CTC Teas, each described as fermented black tea leaves of Camellia sinensis. The catalogue concentrates on the single top category of Black Tea, reflecting the company’s focus on this commodity. The material description uniformly cites fermented black tea leaves, either in orthodox or CTC (crush‑tear‑curl) processing. The listings differentiate between orthodox and CTC processing methods, with the latter indicated by the term CTC in four of the six product names. Orthodox teas refer to whole‑leaf or broken‑leaf teas that retain the natural leaf structure, while CTC teas are mechanically processed into small, granular particles suitable for tea bags. The catalogue does not provide further specifications such as leaf grade, moisture level, or packaging format, leaving those details to be clarified with the supplier.

Product Range and Specialties of Joe Agro Ltd.

The catalogue offers six black‑tea variants: a generic Kenya Black Tea, a plain Black Tea entry, Kenya CTC Tea, Kenya Black Orthodox Teas, Kenya CTC Teas, and Kenya Black CTC Teas. All are classified under HS‑code 0902.40 and described as fermented Camellia sinensis leaves, either orthodox or CTC processed. In the broader market, Kenyan black tea is typically offered in grades such as FT (Finest Tippy) with leaf size >1.5 mm, BOP (Broken Orange Pekoe) and PF (Pekoe Fannings) for bulk blends. Standard specifications include moisture content ≤5 %, ash ≤3 %, caffeine around 3‑4 % by weight, and a minimum total catechin level that influences brew strength. Buyers often receive the product in 25 kg jute bags or bulk 1‑ton cartons, packed to protect leaf integrity during sea freight.

Trade and Export Information - Joe Agro Ltd.

Kenya ranks among the world’s leading exporters of black tea, with the majority of shipments destined for the European Union, the Middle East, and increasingly for North American specialty tea markets. The HS‑code 0902.40 covers fermented black tea, a category that customs authorities frequently inspect for phytosanitary compliance and pesticide residue limits, especially under EU Regulation (EC) No 396/2005. Exporters from Kenya customarily provide a phytosanitary certificate, a certificate of origin, and, when required by the buyer, laboratory analysis reports confirming compliance with maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides such as chlorpyrifos and carbendazim. Commonly requested certifications include ISO 22000 or HACCP food‑safety schemes, and Fairtrade or organic certifications for niche markets. Logistics typically involve loading the tea into 20‑ft or 40‑ft containers, each holding roughly 500‑600 kg of 25 kg bags, with Incoterms such as FOB Mombasa or CIF Europe used in contracts.

Sourcing from Joe Agro Ltd. - Buyer Guidance

When sourcing black tea from Joe Agro Ltd., buyers should request a physical sample and a laboratory certificate of analysis that details moisture, ash, caffeine, and pesticide residues. Verify the leaf grade (e.g., FT, BOP, PF) and confirm whether the product is orthodox or CTC, as this determines suitability for loose‑leaf versus tea‑bag applications. Standard documentation includes a phytosanitary certificate, a certificate of origin, and any third‑party food‑safety certificates the buyer requires (e.g., ISO 22000, HACCP, Fairtrade). Typical minimum order quantities for bulk Kenyan black tea start around 10 metric tonnes, with a lead time of 30‑45 days after order confirmation, depending on processing and packaging schedules. Packaging is usually 25 kg jute bags, but bulk cartons or bulk‑grain containers can be arranged on request.

What black‑tea products does Joe Agro Ltd. list in its catalogue?

The catalogue contains six items: Kenya Black Tea, Black Tea, Kenya CTC Tea, Kenya Black Orthodox Teas, Kenya CTC Teas, and Kenya Black CTC Teas, all classified under HS‑code 0902.40 and described as fermented Camellia sinensis leaves.

Are the listed teas processed by orthodox or CTC methods?

Four of the six entries explicitly reference CTC processing, while the entries labelled "Black Orthodox" indicate orthodox (whole‑leaf or broken‑leaf) processing. The generic "Kenya Black Tea" and "Black Tea" entries do not specify the method and should be clarified with the supplier.

Which HS code applies to the products from Joe Agro Ltd.?

All six black‑tea products are assigned HS‑code 0902.40, which covers fermented black tea and related leaf forms.

What certifications or test reports should a buyer request?

Buyers typically ask for a phytosanitary certificate, a certificate of origin, and a laboratory analysis report showing moisture (≤5 %), ash (≤3 %), caffeine content, and pesticide residue levels. Additional food‑safety certifications such as ISO 22000, HACCP, or Fairtrade can be requested if required by the market.

What is the usual minimum order quantity and lead time for these teas?

Bulk orders generally start at about 10 metric tonnes. Lead times are commonly 30‑45 days from order confirmation, depending on processing, packaging, and shipping arrangements.

How are the teas packaged for export?

The standard export packaging is 25 kg jute bags, which are loaded into 20‑ft or 40‑ft containers. Alternative bulk cartons or bulk‑grain containers can be negotiated for larger volumes.

Which markets does Kenya typically export black tea to?

Kenyan black tea is primarily shipped to the European Union, the Middle East, and North America, with growing demand in specialty tea markets in Asia.

What Incoterms are commonly used for shipping Kenyan black tea?

Export contracts often use FOB Mombasa for buyers who manage freight, or CIF to European ports when the supplier arranges carriage and insurance.