Jayshree Tea plans to buy Rwandan tea estates

KOLKATA: Jayshree Tea & Industries (JTIL), a BK Birla Group company, is eyeing tea estates in Rwanda. It has decided to participate in the auctioning of tea estates that is likely to be kicked off by the Rwanda Tea Authority shortly.

The Rwandan government is in the process of privatising its tea estates to increase the yield and quality of tea.
DP Maheshwari, managing director of JTIL, told ET: “The Rwanda Tea Authority is likely to invite bids for three of its estates — Mulindi, Gisovu and Shagasha — shortly. The total production of these tea estates is 60 lakh kg annually. We will participate in the auctioning process as we have taken the decision to expand our footprint in Africa.”

JTIL had entered Africa in the beginning of FY11 and had snapped up tea companies. It has acquired 100% ownership in Uganda-based Kijura Tea through its investment arm, Birla Holdings, Dubai.

“We will continue to buy tea estates in Africa. We are also looking for gardens in Uganda. We have received feelers from tea companies in Uganda that are keen to offload stakes. All these proposals are being scrutinised,” Mr Maheshwari added.