Email: sales@aimco.co.ke | Telephone: +254 728 856 255
AIMCO Enterprises Limited Trusted Member of East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA) in Mombasa Tea Auction
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At AIMCO Enterprises Limited, transparency and ethical trading practices form the foundation of our tea business. We are proud to be a certified member of the East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA), an organization that upholds the highest standards of integrity in Kenya’s tea industry.
As an EATTA member, we operate under a comprehensive code of conduct and ethics that governs all our tea trading activities. This commitment ensures that every transaction we make adheres to internationally recognized standards of fair trade, transparency, and business excellence.
How the Mombasa Tea Auction Works
The Mombasa Tea Auction plays a vital role in the tea industry, providing a competitive marketplace for traders and producers alike.
The Mombasa Tea Auction, managed by the East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA), is East Africa’s premier tea trading platform and one of the largest tea auctions in the world. At AIMCO, we source much of our premium Kenyan tea through this world-renowned system, which guarantees fair pricing and transparent trading. By procuring our teas at the Mombasa Tea Auction, we ensure consistent quality while upholding ethical and sustainable sourcing standards for our customers worldwide.
Pre-Auction Preparation
Before each auction, all EATTA members, including AIMCO, receive tea samples in advance. This critical step allows us to:
- Carefully assess the quality of each tea lot
- Conduct thorough taste testing to evaluate flavor profiles
- Make informed decisions about which teas best meet our quality standards
- Ensure every buyer has equal access to product information
This sampling process guarantees that all auction participants compete on a level playing field, with complete transparency about the products being offered.
The Auction Process
The Mombasa Tea Auction operates as a public “open cry” system, bringing together tea buyers from around the world in a dynamic, competitive environment. Here’s how it works:
Open Bidding System
- Buyers compete for tea lots through live, vocal bidding in the auction room
- Each lot is sold to the highest bidder in full view of all participants
- The process is completely transparent, with all bids heard by everyone present
Quality Assurance
- Each lot must reach a minimum price level set by certified brokers
- This ensures that tea producers receive fair compensation for their quality products
- Only lots that meet strict quality standards proceed to sale
Flexible Purchasing
- Most lots consist of multiple pallets of tea
- Lots can be divided between several buyers, allowing for flexible purchasing
- Each buyer can purchase one or more pallets based on their specific needs
Secure Payment System
The auction operates with a robust financial framework that protects both buyers and producers:
- 10-Day Payment Terms: All buyers must complete payment within ten days of purchase
- Electronic Transfer System: Payments are automatically transferred to tea producers through a secure electronic system
- Direct Producer Support: This system ensures that tea growers receive prompt payment for their products
Why EATTA Membership Matters to Our Customers
Our EATTA membership provides several key benefits that directly impact the quality and integrity of AIMCO tea:
Quality Assurance: Every tea we purchase has been independently assessed and meets strict quality standards before reaching the auction floor.
Fair Trade Practices: Our participation in the regulated auction system ensures that tea producers receive fair market prices for their premium products.
Supply Chain Transparency: The auction system provides complete traceability from garden to cup, allowing us to verify the origin and quality of every tea we sell.
Ethical Trading: EATTA’s code of conduct ensures that all our trading activities meet the highest ethical standards.
Supporting Kenya’s Tea Industry
By participating in the Mombasa Tea Auction through our EATTA membership, AIMCO actively supports Kenya’s position as one of the world’s leading tea producers. The auction system:
- Maintains fair market prices for Kenyan tea globally
- Ensures quality standards that protect Kenya’s tea reputation
- Provides a transparent marketplace that benefits both producers and buyers
- Facilitates efficient trade relationships throughout East Africa
EATTA’s Role in Trade Discipline
The East African Tea Trade Association plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the region’s tea industry by:
Facilitating Auction Operations: EATTA ensures the smooth operation of the Mombasa Tea Auction, one of the world’s largest tea auctions.
Maintaining Trade Discipline: The association ensures all members comply with established trading standards and constitutional requirements.
Upholding Industry Standards: EATTA members commit to ethical business practices that protect the reputation of East African tea globally.
Promoting Fair Competition: The association’s regulations ensure that all buyers have equal opportunities to purchase quality tea at fair prices.
Our Promise to You
When you choose AIMCO tea, you’re choosing products sourced through one of the world’s most transparent and regulated tea trading systems. Our EATTA membership and participation in the Mombasa Tea Auction guarantee that:
- Every tea has been independently verified for quality
- Producers receive fair compensation for their premium products
- Our sourcing practices meet international ethical trading standards
- You receive authentic, high-quality Kenyan tea with complete traceability
This commitment to transparent, ethical trading is just one more way AIMCO ensures that every cup of our tea meets the highest standards of quality, integrity, and social responsibility.
