Rwanda’s Gisovu Tea Company wins top tea award for outstanding quality

Gisovu Tea Company, part of Silverback Tea Company, has been named “Best CTC Tea, Overall Winner” in recognition of its outstanding quality across CTC tea grades at the 7th African Tea Convention & Exhibition. The prestigious event was held in Nairobi, Kenya, from September 16–18, 2026. Located in Karongi District in Rwanda's Western Province, Gisovu produces a range of teas, including CTC teas and specialty teas such as Gisovu White Tea. “The teas stand out for their bright, brisk character and golden cups, a quality shaped by Rwanda's ideal growing conditions and the dedication of its smallholder farmers and tea workforce,” the company stated. CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) is a processing method in which tea leaves are mechanically crushed, torn, and curled into small, uniform particles to produce a strong, brisk brew. ALSO READ: Top 10 buyers of Rwandan tea as exports rise to nearly $120 million Tea is one of Rwanda’s top agricultural export earners, according to the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB). NAEB indicates that Rwanda’s black tea, predominantly produced using the CTC method, is considered among the best in the world, supported by good manufacturing practices. Its quality allows producers to secure premium prices through direct contracts and auction markets. A growing record of recognition The latest award adds to Gisovu’s growing list of accolades. The company was named Best Tea in Africa in 2024 at the 6th African Tea Convention in Rwanda and was also recognized as Factory of the Year 2024 by the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB). Its other recognitions include Best PF1 in Rwanda and the 2025 Global Tea Championship Origin Award for Rwanda. Allan Mwangi, General Manager of Gisovu Tea Company, said: “Winning the Overall Winner award at a continental level is a powerful validation of our strict adherence to quality. This milestone not only elevates our brand globally but directly transforms the livelihoods of our dedicated farmers and the local community by securing premium returns for their hard work. It proves that our focus on consistency and sustainability yields world-class results.” Nzeki Samuel Munyao, CEO of Silverback Tea Company, commended the teamwork and strong collaboration among all stakeholders at Gisovu. “This achievement has been made possible by the excellent work of our farmers in Gisovu and the excellence of our manufacturing operations,” he said. He noted that Gisovu farmers continue to receive the highest green leaf tea prices in Rwanda and expressed appreciation to the Government of Rwanda for creating a supportive business environment in which quality can thrive consistently and sustainably. The farmers and conditions behind Gisovu’s tea quality Gisovu is located about 182 kilometers from Kigali, with its plantations situated at an altitude of about 2,500 meters and receiving average annual rainfall of approximately 1,250 millimeters. The estate is renowned for its breathtaking scenery—a lush, mist-covered plantation nestled at the edge of Nyungwe National Park, the largest remaining montane rainforest in Rwanda and one of the largest in this exceptionally rich ecoregion, according to UNESCO. The estate has 394 hectares under production, while a further 836 hectares are supplied by about 3,800 smallholder farmers. Smallholder production is a major part of the company’s output, contributing about 70 per cent of its annual production of 2,500 tonnes. Thomas Sinayobye, Manager of COOTHEGIM, the smallholder farmers' cooperative, said: “This international recognition belongs to our cooperative members who nurture these fields daily. The success translates into financial stability, better infrastructure, and a proud, motivated community of farmers who now see their efforts celebrated on the world stage.” For Samson Kanyandekwe, President of COOTHEGIM “The performance of Gisovu is directly affecting farmers' motivation and brings a great sense of pride in their work. When our tea is recognised as the best in Africa, every farmer feels that achievement in his own hands.” Highly prized for its briskness, flavour, and exceptional quality, Gisovu tea has a strong following among buyers worldwide. The latest recognition in Nairobi adds another international honour to Gisovu’s record and highlights the contribution of Rwanda’s tea producers to the country’s growing reputation for quality teas. David Knopp, CEO of The Wood Foundation, said: “Congratulations to the management, staff, and farmers at Gisovu Tea Company for maintaining its position as the premium garden in Africa. The unique brightness and briskness of Gisovu is a direct result of an uncompromising focus on quality, from harvest through manufacture.” Atul Rastogi, Chairman of Gisovu Tea Company and Director of Luxmi Group, congratulated the management team on the recognition and urged them to keep up the good work. “It is great to see Gisovu receive recognition on this global stage and to see the buyer satisfaction that comes with it,” he said.

News

Rwanda’s Gisovu Tea Company wins top tea award for outstanding quality