Every week at the Mombasa Tea Auction, Rwanda Mountain Tea’s lots are listed by grade : BP1, PF1, BOP1, D1, FBOP. For experienced buyers, these abbreviations are a shorthand for flavour, particle size, and intended market. For new importers, they can be an obstacle.
This glossary explains every grade Rwanda Mountain Tea produces, what each one means, and which market it serves best.
Why Tea Grades Exist
Tea grading is a standardisation system developed during British colonial-era tea trade to allow buyers at auction to assess quality without tasting every lot. It classifies tea by leaf particle size, appearance, and processing method : not by flavour directly, though the two are closely related.
Rwanda follows the East African grading system, which divides teas into two main categories: CTC grades (Crush, Tear, Curl, for strong, quick-brew teas) and Orthodox grades (whole-leaf processing for specialty and fine teas).
CTC Grades : Rwanda Mountain Tea
CTC teas are produced at Gatare, Gisakura, Kitabi, Rubaya, Nyabihu, Nshili Kivu, Mata, and the CTC line at Rutsiro.
BP1 : Broken Pekoe 1
The largest CTC grade. Coarser pellets that brew into a bold, malty cup with good strength and moderate briskness. BP1 brews more slowly than smaller grades, typically 4–5 minutes and holds up well with milk. Best market: bulk tea bag manufacturers, Pakistani and Egyptian markets, institutional catering.
PF1 : Pekoe Fannings 1
Smaller and more uniform than BP1. PF1 is the workhouse grade of the tea bag industry, it brews fast (2–3 minutes), delivers consistent colour and strength, and is ideal for tagless tea bags. Best market: European and UK tea bag brands, supermarket private label, foodservice.
PD : Pekoe Dust
The finest CTC particle. PD brews almost instantly and produces the darkest, strongest liquor of any grade. It is specifically used in low-cost tea bags where fast brewing speed and strong colour are the priority. Best market: value tea bag segment, North African mass market, industrial blending.
D1 : Dust 1
Similar to PD but slightly coarser. D1 is a standard dust grade used widely in blending programmes, it provides body and colour to blends that use larger leaf grades. Best market: blend manufacturers, value retail.
Orthodox Grades : Rwanda Mountain Tea
Orthodox grades are produced exclusively at Rutsiro Organic Tea Garden, Rwanda’s only ECOCERT and NOP-certified organic garden. Orthodox processing preserves larger leaf pieces and produces more complex flavour profiles.
OP : Orange Pekoe
The benchmark whole-leaf orthodox grade. Large, rolled, dark leaves that produce a bright, clean, medium-body cup with good clarity. OP is the entry point for specialty loose-leaf retail. Best market: European specialty retail, health food stores, loose-leaf tea brands.
BOP1 : Broken Orange Pekoe 1
A broken-leaf orthodox grade, smaller than OP but larger than CTC fannings. BOP1 produces a full-flavoured cup with more body than OP and brews faster. It bridges the gap between CTC strength and orthodox complexity. Best market: UK and Gulf specialty blends, premium retail, upscale foodservice.
FBOP : Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe
BOP1 with the addition of visible golden tips, the youngest bud of the tea plant. FBOP produces a brighter, more nuanced cup with a slightly sweet top note. It is visually striking in loose-leaf display. Best market: premium specialty retail, gift teas, Japan and Korean markets, high-end hospitality.
Pekoe : Standard Pekoe
A compact whole-leaf grade. Pekoe produces a smooth, rounded cup that is accessible for consumers new to loose-leaf tea. Best market: consumer-facing specialty retail, health and wellness brands.
Quick Reference Table
| Grade | Type | Leaf size | Best brew time | Best market |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BP1 | CTC | Coarse pellet | 4–5 min | Pakistan, Egypt, bulk tea bags |
| PF1 | CTC | Fine pellet | 2–3 min | UK, EU tea bags, supermarket |
| PD | CTC | Dust | 1–2 min | Mass market, North Africa, blending |
| D1 | CTC | Coarse dust | 2 min | Blending, value retail |
| OP | Orthodox | Whole leaf | 3–4 min | Specialty loose-leaf, health retail |
| BOP1 | Orthodox | Broken leaf | 3 min | Premium blends, Gulf, UK specialty |
| FBOP | Orthodox | Broken + tips | 3 min | Gift tea, Japan, hospitality |
| Pekoe | Orthodox | Compact leaf | 3–4 min | Consumer specialty retail |
Which Grade Should You Order?
The right grade depends on your market and your format.
For tea bag production : PF1 is the standard. For the value segment, add PD or D1 to your blend for colour and body.
For loose-leaf specialty retail : BOP1 and OP from Rutsiro organic. If you need visual impact, FBOP with its golden tips stands out on shelf.
For premium blending : BP1 from Kitabi or Gatare provides the East African backbone that anchors Assam and Kenyan blends.
For first-time importers : download our Tea Buyer’s Guide 2026 for a complete sourcing overview including certifications, pricing structure, and minimum order guidance.
Browse current grade availability and pricing on our commercial page or contact our trade team directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does BP1 stand for in tea grading?
BP1 stands for Broken Pekoe 1 : a CTC grade consisting of coarse, broken tea pellets that brew into a strong, malty cup. It is one of the most widely traded grades at the Mombasa Tea Auction and forms the backbone of many commercial tea bag blends.
What is the difference between CTC and Orthodox tea grades?
CTC grades (BP1, PF1, PD, D1) are produced by a machine that crushes, tears, and curls the leaf into pellets, they brew fast and strong. Orthodox grades (OP, BOP1, FBOP, Pekoe) follow traditional processing that preserves larger leaf pieces, they produce more complex, layered flavour. Rwanda Mountain Tea produces both. Full comparison here.
Which Rwanda Mountain Tea grade is best for tea bags?
PF1 (Pekoe Fannings 1) is the standard grade for tea bag production, it brews consistently in 2–3 minutes and delivers reliable colour and strength. PD (Pekoe Dust) is added to blends requiring faster brew or darker colour.
Does Rwanda Mountain Tea produce organic grades?
Yes. Rutsiro Organic Garden produces certified organic Orthodox grades (OP, BOP1, FBOP, Pekoe) under ECOCERT European Organic Standards and US NOP certification.
Where can I see current Rwanda Mountain Tea prices by grade?
Current pricing is available on our commercial page or by contacting our trade team directly at contact us.
What is FBOP tea and why does it command a premium?
FBOP stands for Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe, a broken orthodox grade with visible golden tips from the youngest bud of the plant. Tips indicate careful hand-plucking and early-season harvest, which produce a brighter, sweeter cup. Premium specialty buyers in Japan, Korea, and the Gulf market specifically request FBOP for its visual and flavour distinction.
