“Carmién Tea brings you rooibos direct from the farm, grown socially just and sustainably. Our innovative, flavourful and functional rooibos blends underpin our aspiration towards a life of health and wellbeing for all."
- Mientjie Mouton, Founder
The Story of Carmién Tea
Carmién Tea’s story started in 1998 in an old farm shop on the historic Brakfontein Estate near the small town of Citrusdal. Located on the foothills of the Western Cape’s splendid Cederberg Mountains, the farm falls within the Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor.
The founder and now managing director, Mientjie Mouton, grew up on a rooibos producing farm just a little higher up in the same valley before moving to Brakfontein Estate, where rooibos was also produced. She saw great potential in the product rooibos, and today the Carmién brand tells this story.
The deregulation of the Rooibos industry in 1993 enabled Carmién Tea to establish itself as a producer, supplier, and exporter of quality Rooibos products directly from the farm in South Africa. The company is a successful brand with a wide variety of rooibos-based tisanes, and is also a successful bulk rooibos supplier, exporter, and private label packer to businesses around the globe.
Carmién Tea supplies the best quality organic and conventional Rooibos from prime growing areas such as Piekenierskloof, Nieuwoudtville, Wupperthal and Gifberg. The Carmién Rooibos range is available in organic (bio) and/or regular (conventional) products and is produced on Fairtrade principles.
Our History
1993
Rooibos is deregulated in South Africa
1998
- The first Carmién retail pack is designed.
- The first Carmién packed product is sold in Spar, Citrusdal.
- One of South Africa's largest retailers, Pick n Pay, lists Carmién Tea.
2001
- Carmién Tea (Pty) Ltd is registered by Mientjie Mouton.
- Carmién Tea enters the international market with the export of bulk rooibos to the Netherlands.
2006
- Carmién achieves its first major international retail listing with Costco Taiwan.
- Bergendal Rooibos (Pty) Ltd was established as the exclusive processing and packing factory of Carmién rooibos with 50% shareholding by farmworkers.
2012
- Carmién receives its first export order from Costco Japan.
- The first teabag packing machines arrive at the Bergendal Rooibos factory.
2014
Rooibos was granted geographical indication (GI) status in the EU, making it the first South African product other than wine and spirits to receive the award.
2015
The Carmién Tea online store is launched in South Africa, allowing customers to buy rooibos tea online.
2017
A green rooibos processing facility is established at Bergendal Rooibos, expanding the range of products offered by Carmién Tea.
2018
Carmién launches two distinctive rooibos distilled gins.
2019
- Carmién acquires its first pyramid teabag packing machine.
- The world’s first industry-wide benefit-sharing agreement was launched in South Africa between the Khoikhoi and San, and the South African rooibos industry.
2020
- The South African government announced a national lockdown on 27 March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Carmién closes its Cape Town office due to lockdown.
- The Carmién Tea Shop was opened at De Tol Farm Deli.
- Carmién hosts the first annual Rooibos2Muisbos mountain bike event.
2021
Rooibos becomes the first African food to receive the status of geographical indication (GIs), Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, granting it the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).
2022
- The national state of disaster due to COVID is terminated, and all lockdown levels are lifted on 4 April.
- Carmién receives two Floral Berry and Revive blends awards at the Dubai International Taste Awards.
- Carmién receives one award for the Nursing blend at the Agency for Valorization of Agricultural Products (AVPA) Awards.
2023
- Carmién receives three awards at the Mediterranean Taste Awards for its Nursing, Cranberry Hibiscus Cold Brew, and Earl Grey blends.
- Carmién receives three awards for the Focus, Orange Chamomile and LMC Rose & Vanilla blends at the Agency for Valorization of Agricultural Products (AVPA) Awards.
Why Choose Carmién?
At Carmién, our vision is to be the preferred sustainable rooibos supplier, guided by a commitment to people, planet, and quality.
From crop to cup, every step of our journey is rooted in care. Our rooibos is grown, harvested, and processed with precision to ensure each cup contains consistent flavour and freshness. Our strict controls meet international certification standards, so we can guarantee the highest quality. We’re regularly audited by independent bodies to uphold our promise of sustainability, transparency, and traceability in every box of tea we deliver.
Eco Impact
We are committed to keeping our farms and farming methods earth-friendly and safe. By ensuring good agricultural practices, Carmién creates a sustainable model that conserves the vitality and diversity of the earth.
Social Impact
Carmién is committed to the continual growth and empowerment of our workers and local communities. Our partnerships with Bergendal Worker Trust and the Mouton Workers Trust ensure that 800+ workers with 4,000+ dependents have a shareholding in any Carmién Tea product.
Our Latest Initiatives
What We Offer
Bulk
Rooibos Tea
For importers, tea packers, and wellness brands looking for high-quality, traceable rooibos and herbal infusions, delivered in bulk directly from our farms with care.
Private
Label
For brands, retailers or wellness companies seeking custom rooibos blends and eco-conscious packaging, fully supported from concept to market launch.
Branded
Products
For retailers, wholesalers, and distributors looking for retail-ready rooibos teas, tea blends, and tea accessories with established brand appeal.
Experience Carmién Rooibos at The Source
If you're in the Cederberg region, visit the Carmién Tea Shop at De Tol Farm Deli, just off the N7 on Piekenierskloof Pass. It’s a convenient stop for trade partners looking to explore our Rooibos products and see where it all starts.
Sample our full Rooibos range, try a red cappuccino, or experience a tea and gin pairing. For a closer look at the process, book a guided field tour, which includes a visit to the Rooibos fields, a product presentation, and tea tasting.
De Tol Farm Deli
Piekenierskloof Pass N7
Citrusdal
7340
Coordinates:
32°35'38.5 S
19°00'58.1 E