Eastern Produce Kenya (EPK) has won a new batch of international recognition by winning two prestigious awards at the 2025 North America Tea Conference (NATC), confirming itself as a leader in sustainable contribution and quality tea production.
The company won the Tea Sustainability Award as well as the overall award at the Gold Medal Tea Competition, honors that reflect its initiative for inclusive learning and growing quality black tea.
The Tea Sustainability Award recognized EPK’s Special Needs Education (SNE) Project, which has revolutionized learning environments for more than 700 students in seven schools in Nandi County.
In partnership with parents, government allies, and schools, EPK has enabled inclusive education by offering customized classroom furniture, boarding, teaching materials, and nutritional support to special needs students.
“These international recognitions are a testament to the dedication of our ground teams and the resilience of the people we work with,” continued Leah Kibii Chirchir, EPK Company Director. “It speaks to our vision of making meaningful difference that transcends business to touch lives and create inclusive opportunities.”
On the production side, EPK’s Black CTC (BP1) from its Kepchomo Factory was awarded the top prize in the world at the Gold Medal Tea Competition 2025, a competition that rewards the best teas in the world based on quality and craftsmanship.
“These recognitions not only talk of our heritage as a quality tea manufacturer but also of our dedication as a community partner. They attest to our belief that quality and sustainability go hand-in-hand from farm to community and ultimately to every cup of tea enjoyed by the world,” Leah added.
This year’s awards are part of a growing list of recognitions for EPK, including being recognized in 2024 for What a Good Education Means, runner-up environmental project awards for 2019 and 2023, and a 2017 win for Supporting Smallholder Tea Farmers.
EPK maintains it remains committed to promoting sustainability programs while continuing to produce teas within the best global standards.
