RWANDA – Luxmi Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd, a global tea industry giant, has acquired Sorwathe Ltd, one of Rwanda’s oldest and most reputable tea companies.
A management handover ceremony, held on December 5 in Kinihira Sector, Rulindo District, Northern Province, marked the transition.
This acquisition signals a fresh chapter for Sorwathe Ltd, which boasts a 50-year legacy under the Wertheim family.
With 2,130 hectares cultivated in collaboration with smallholder farmers, Sorwathe has been a cornerstone of Rwanda’s tea industry.
Luxmi Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd, under the Chatterjee family’s leadership, brings over a century of experience in tea production and a legacy steeped in sustainability and quality.
Commitment to excellence and growth
Dipankar Chatterjee, Chairman of Luxmi Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd, expressed his vision for Sorwathe, highlighting its reputation for producing high-quality tea and its potential to meet the global demand for premium tea.
“Luxmi will endeavor to take Sorwathe to new heights,” he said, emphasizing the company’s focus on maintaining quality while exploring opportunities for innovation.
Rudra Chatterjee, Managing Director of Luxmi Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd and Chairman of Silverback Tea Company, echoed these sentiments.
Acknowledging the Wertheim family’s legacy, he committed to building on their achievements, particularly in community development and environmental sustainability.
Legacy of impact
Andrew Wertheim, Chairman of Tea Importers Inc., reflected on Sorwathe’s journey since its founding in 1975.
The company’s contributions to community development, education, and infrastructure were celebrated as hallmarks of its impact.
“We are confident that under Luxmi Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd’s leadership, Sorwathe will continue its success and community-focused initiatives,” he said.
Claude Bizimana, CEO of the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), commended Sorwathe’s dedication to quality and sustainability.
He welcomed Luxmi Tea’s expertise, expressing optimism about the new management’s potential to propel the company to greater heights.
Community-centered approach
Sorwathe has long been a pillar of the local community, supporting over 8,500 people and spearheading projects that enhance livelihoods.
The Vice Mayor of Rulindo District, Theophile Mutagana, noted the factory’s role in empowering communities across seven sectors, enabling residents to access health insurance, savings schemes, and other government programs.
Sorwathe’s achievements also include pioneering organic and pesticide-free green tea production, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability. Emery Rubagenga, Chairman of Sorwathe Ltd, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to innovation, quality, and community development.
Rwanda’s tea industry has steadily grown, with production rising from 5,910 tonnes in 1980 to 40,003 tonnes in recent years. This growth, coupled with the industry’s emphasis on sustainability and quality, positions Sorwathe Ltd to thrive under Luxmi Tea’s stewardship.
