Kibena encompasses all DL Farms operations in Tanzania — four active factories, 30,000+ smallholder farmers, and 25,000 tonnes per year production capacity. Acquired in 2018, now Tanzania's largest tea producer.
"Kibena is the engine of Tanzania's tea industry — combining scale, community empowerment, and uncompromising quality across every factory and every harvest."
In 2018, DL Farms acquired the Rift Valley Corporation's Tanzania operations for ~$46.5 million — a transformative move that made Kibena Tanzania's number one tea producer overnight.
With a 99% stake in three companies and four fully active factories — Itona, Luponde, Ikanga, and Kibena — the division produces 25,000 tonnes of tea per year, sourcing approximately 30% from 30,000+ empowered smallholder farmers.
Tea is Tanzania's 4th largest export crop, contributing ~$30M annually to export earnings. Kibena is at the heart of that story.
Tanzania's largest tea producer by volume — 25,000 tonnes per year across four factories.
Empowering Tanzania's farming communities through extension services and $1.5M in fertiliser support.
Serving buyers across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Pakistan.
Kibena's four active factories span Tanzania's premier tea-growing regions — from the Livingstone Mountains to the southern highlands.
One of Tanzania's most storied tea estates — Luponde was founded in 1954 and spans over 2,000 hectares in the breathtaking Livingstone Mountains. Its high altitude and rich volcanic soils produce teas of exceptional character and complexity, exported to the world's most discerning buyers.
Itona is a leading producer within the Kibena division, anchored by a robust smallholder out-grower scheme. It plays a central role in empowering farming communities across its catchment zone with technical support and reliable off-take.
Ikanga operates on a 100% smallholder sourcing model, making it a cornerstone of DL Farms' farmer empowerment mission in Tanzania. Every kilogram processed by Ikanga comes directly from smallholder partner farmers.
The namesake factory of the entire Tanzania division, Kibena Tea Factory serves the Lihogosa and Itaubo estates. Its output forms a core part of the division's premium export volumes, processed to international quality standards.
Approximately 30% of Kibena's annual production comes from smallholder out-grower farmers — a deliberate and valued part of our supply model. DL Farms invests deeply in these relationships through financial support, technical training, and guaranteed purchase arrangements.
Our $1.5M fertiliser supply programme directly boosts smallholder productivity and soil health — ensuring the quality of every leaf that reaches our factories meets our export standards.
Annual investment to boost smallholder soil health and yields.
Agronomic training and field support for all partner farmers.
Reliable purchase commitments give farmers financial security.
Ensuring every leaf meets DL Farms' export-grade quality requirements.
Tea is Tanzania's 4th largest export crop — contributing approximately $30M annually to national export earnings. Kibena is the country's leading contributor to that figure.
DL Farms Kibena's teas are exported across multiple continents, with key buyers in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Pakistan. Our quality systems, EPZ warehousing, and logistics infrastructure ensure timely, consistent supply.
Operating under Tanzania's Export Processing Zone framework — enabling streamlined export logistics, duty benefits, and access to international markets.
Primary export market — orthodox teas and specialty blends.
Growing demand for Tanzanian origin tea.
Key market for premium orthodox black teas.
Major buyer of Tanzanian CTC and orthodox teas.
Kibena's sustainability commitment runs from soil to export — protecting Tanzania's environment while uplifting farming communities.
Structured soil management, crop rotation across 30+ varieties, and organic input programmes maintain long-term fertility across Kibena's land.
Annual fertiliser supply programme directly supports 30,000+ smallholder farmers, improving yields and soil health throughout the catchment areas.
Supported by the DL Group's 80MW solar capacity — reducing the carbon footprint of factory processing and farm operations across Tanzania.
Full compliance with Tanzania EPZ regulations, international quality certifications, and environmental approvals across all factory operations.
Extension services, farmer training programmes, and community investment initiatives uplift the 30,000+ families connected to the Kibena supply chain.
100% traceable supply chain from leaf to export — ensuring every batch meets the standards demanded by global buyers in Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Connect with Kibena for consistent quality, EPZ export access, and long-term supply of Tanzania's finest teas.