Posts by michalene
Implications of the Rooibos GI/PDO certification
What does it mean to be GI/PDO certified? The excerpts below explain the technicalities behind the certification, and why it is so important for our product and for South Africa. Protection of the name ‘rooibos’ The name of ‘Rooibos’/’Red Bush’ can only be used to refer to the dried leaves and stems of 100 %…
Read MoreRooibos awarded Protected Geographical Indicator (GI) Status by the EU
We have a great cause for celebration! Not only has our much-loved indigenous rooibos finally been registered as a geographic indicator (GI) and awarded Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status by the European Union (Regulation (EU)No 1151/2012), but it is also the first African food to achieve this status. What does this mean? GIs are…
Read MoreNews From The Farm July 2021
The latest news from the farm in Citrusdal. The skies opened up with heavy seasonal rainfall during the first week of July, giving our farmers the perfect opportunity to plant new seedlings. We’re feeling optimistic about this year’s new crops, with the Olifants River running through Citrusdal being the fullest it’s been since 1994, promising…
Read MoreCarmién recycle project launch
The last school term of the year has started and we kicked off day one with some fun. The long awaited (and quite a few trials later) recycle card project was launched at De Meul, our largest community centre. Sometimes our best laid plans go awry as there are so many people involved. This was…
Read MoreCSR REPORT BACK
THE CONSCIENCE OF CARMIÉN TEA Every company knows the value of matching the right person with the right position. More than that, a person who truly shares the vision and values of your company. Madele Mouton, recently appointed to the Fairtrade Africa Board (https://africafairtradeconvention.com/) as representative for Southern African countries, has the same heart for…
Read MoreThe Rooibos Access and Benefit Sharing Agreement
The Rooibos Access and Benefit-Sharing Agreement recognize the Khoikhoi and San peoples as the traditional knowledge holders to the uses of Rooibos, an indigenous plant species found only in the Cederberg region of South Africa. In November 2019, the world’s first industry-wide benefit-sharing agreement was launched in South Africa between the Khoikhoi and San, and…
Read MoreRooibos now recognized as a Geographical Indicator (GI) by the European Commission
The European Commission now recognises Rooibos as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Geographical Indicator (GI). The authenticity and quality of rooibos has become fully visible for European and global consumers, with benefits for South African producers and the rural communities living and working on rooibos farms. Rooibos is the first African food to…
Read More8 Ways to Use Tea Bags (Besides Brewing Tea)
Besides brewing your favourite cup of tea, the humble tea bag can do so much more for you! Our teas come in so many flavours and styles, giving you endless uses for this versatile pantry staple. Whether you are looking to add extra flavour to your home baking or to create a DIY spa day,…
Read MoreNews from the farm
Stay updated on the latest news direct from the farm. 2020 was not a great tea yielding year for us, but the tea we did harvest was of very good quality. Over the last few years, we have expanded our tea planting radius into new areas adjacent to Citrusdal but have found that these fields…
Read MoreHappiness and Rooibos Tea
Can rooibos tea be key to health and happiness? The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on our lives. It has fundamentally changed the way we live, dress, work and interact with each other. It has also forced us to hit the reset button and question what makes us truly happy. To get a…
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