January 2004 (Revised November 2004)
Case
HBS Case Collection

Rwandan Tea Industry, The: Looking into the Future

Format:Print
| Pages:17

Abstract

In 2003, the Rwandan government was focused on transforming the nation's tea industry into a world-class competitor. To accomplish this objective and stave off the downward prices that plagued the international tea market, the government believed that the industry needed to develop a diversified and value-added product portfolio. This would entail large investments in improving quality and productivity, as well as a new and more competitive price scheme for farmers. Part of the government's strategy for the tea industry involved wide-scale privatization to infuse the industry with capital, competition, and management expertise. But it remained uncertain whether the government could achieve its own objectives while ceding control to private, probably foreign, owners. Could Rwandan tea find its way in a complicated and highly competitive international market?

Keywords

Plant-Based Agribusiness; Market Entry and Exit; Competitive Strategy; Privatization; Government and Politics; Developing Countries and Economies; Agriculture and Agribusiness Industry; Rwanda

Citation

Spar, Debora L., and Cate Reavis. "Rwandan Tea Industry, The: Looking into the Future." Harvard Business School Case 704-007, January 2004. (Revised November 2004.)