Our Story
Carmién Tea's story started in 1998 in an old farm shop near the small town of Citrusdal in South Africa. Located on the foothills of the Western Cape's splendid Cederberg Mountains, the farm falls within the Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor.
"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
All Carmién Tea products are rooibos based (rooibos means "Red Bush" in Afrikaans) and is grown in the unique (60 000 ha) Western Cape region of South Africa. Rooibos is grown from seed or seedlings, from one cultivar only, Aspalathus Linearis. It is a needle-like bush with a deep tap root system and a 5-year life cycle, well known world-wide for its exceptional health benefits.
Our Rooibos Offering
Carmién Tea offers rooibos, green rooibos, honeybush, green honeybush and a variety of flavours and blends in bulk, private label and various eco-friendly, plastic-free, compostable tea bag types to choose from.
All Carmién Tea products are rooibos based (rooibos means "Red Bush" in Afrikaans) and is grown in the unique (60 000 ha) Western Cape region of South Africa. Rooibos is grown from seed or seedlings, from one cultivar only, Aspalathus Linearis. It is a needle-like bush with a deep tap root system and a 5-year life cycle, well known world-wide for its exceptional health benefits.
Rooibos, The Champagne of Africa
In May 2021 Rooibos became 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). Sixteen regions within the Western and Northern Cape of South Africa are the only regions where Rooibos can be grown and be called Rooibos Tea. Our Carmién Rooibos tea farms are spread across these areas and together with our long-term contracted producers, we obtain Rooibos from all the specified regions.
Our Vision
Our vision is to make Carmién Tea the preferred rooibos brand in every household, by offering our consumers the finest selection of products, outstanding service, full traceability, and a direct link to the farm.
More than a brand, Carmién Tea is also an experience, building strong and lasting customer relationships through memorable interactions using leading-edge product developments relevant to their lifestyles.
Our Values
Our customers
Carmién Tea offers consumers a variety of products with numerous and significant health benefits and great taste. We are committed to service excellence and high-quality products at the best value.
Our environment
Carmién Tea offers full traceability and a direct link to the farm. Ensuring good agricultural practices, we create a sustainable model that conserves the vitality and diversity of the earth.
Our people
At Carmién Tea we dream, work, measure our progress, and set new goals. With focused leadership, good management and the continuous training and development of our people, we strive to improve our efficiency and productivity to create wealth and a better future for all.
Rooibos & Green Rooibos Health benefits
- Rooibos is naturally caffeine free (unlike black & green tea).
- Kilojoule & preservative free therefore supporting weight-loss.
- Proven cancer-fighting properties in animal research studies.
- A good source of antioxidants and the only known source of the antioxidant aspalathin.
- The antioxidants in rooibos bind with free radicals to lower oxidative stress, combatting cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart diseases and type 2 diabetes.
- Alleviates allergies: asthma, hay fever.
- Low in tannin: doesn't interfere with iron absorption.
- Excellent for hyperactive children: babies from 6 months old can consume rooibos tea.
- A naturally relaxing drink, assisting sleep as it is soothing on the nervous system.
- Stomach and indigestion problems like nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach ulcers and constipation are relieved by drinking black rooibos tea.
- Anti-spasmodic, alleviating colic and stomach cramps in babies.
- Soothing effect on the skin, relieving itching and certain skin irritations like eczema, nappy rash and acne when directly applied to the affected area.
- Latest research indicates:
- The application of rooibos on the skin after sunburn, can prevent permanent damage to the skin.
- The health benefits of rooibos can be increased by steeping it for 10 minutes and longer or leaving the teabag in your cup.
- Drinking 6 cups of rooibos daily improves health significantly.
Growing Goodness
The Carmién tagline 'Growing Goodness' refers to the commitment to always deliver a product that is of the highest quality and exceeds the expectations of our clients across the globe. The entire process from growing the product in the fields to developing the best taste and flavour are all controlled by strict processes and measures.
Goodness Seals
Carmién is committed to the well-being of its workforce and local communities. Carmién Tea is renowned for being one of the only brands that is a producer, processor, and marketer of rooibos directly from the farm in South Africa. This enables us to fully commit to job creation and improving the lives of our farm workers. Our exclusive packing facility, Bergendal Rooibos, is 50 % owned by farm workers. Ongoing projects to support communities working and living on our various farms range from childcare and education to health and nutrition, training, and elderly care.
Carmién is committed to quality products, freshness, and exceptional taste. All our products are produced according to international food safety regulations with a special focus on flavour and taste, and regularly tested by our internal Quality and Product Development team.
Carmién is committed to producing rooibos products with various health benefits direct from the farm. Our Carmién Rooibos blends are naturally caffeine free, high in antioxidants and mineral content and therefore an excellent drink to keep you hydrated throughout your day. All Carmién production conforms to the standards laid down by the BRC Global standard Certification system with regular testing done at critical control points to ensure a hygienic, safe product. The final product is independently tested by PPECB (Perishable Products Export Control Board) of the Department of Agriculture, before issuing the export certificate subject to products meeting the set specifications.
Carmién is committed to keeping its producer farms and work methods earth-friendly and safe. We have several certifications including Organic, Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade to ensure we comply with strict international regulations to help us protect our environment with sustainable farming practices for generations to come. We offer eco-friendly packaging solutions e.g., recyclable outer packaging, compostable teabags and reusable teaware.
In order to keep a consistent quality and the best flavour we adhere to a variety of certifications such as RAINFOREST ALLIANCE and get audited by all these certification bodies on a regular basis.
Goodness Project News Categories
All Goodness Project News
Carmién’s range of Green Rooibos products
By Shea Christians | January 9, 2021
Carmién’s range of Green Rooibos products Green Rooibos is an excellent flavour carrier which makes it a great vehicle for our wellness and infusion ranges. Green Rooibos does not go through the fermentation process which turns the green leaves into the well-known reddish-brown colour, therefore it is higher in antioxidants and of course in benefit….
Processes and Quality Guarantee
By Shea Christians | January 10, 2021
PROCESSES AND QUALITY GUARANTEE Our Carmién rooibos tea farms are spread across the 16 Rooibos GI-certified regions of South Africa, where we obtain high-quality rooibos from our long-term contracted producers. The entire process from growing the product in the fields to developing the best taste and flavour are all controlled by strict processes and measures. We…
Rooibos and your mental health
By Shea Christians | January 10, 2021
Learn more about the health benefits of rooibos tea in celebration of World Mental Health Day on the 10th of October. With the ever-changing and often increasing stressors of day-to-day life, it is more important than ever to take care of ourselves and our mental health. Our favourite form of self-care is, of course, rooibos…
Green Rooibos and Health
By Shea Christians | January 11, 2021
GREEN ROOIBOS AND HEALTH The worldwide popularity of Rooibos is not only due to its unique location and sweet taste, but its multiple proven benefits. Green Rooibos has a higher polyphenol content and therefore higher antioxidant levels than fermented Rooibos tea. The antioxidants in Green Rooibos are potent enough to measurably elevate antioxidant levels in…
Green Rooibos: From Crop to Cup
By Shea Christians | January 12, 2021
GREEN ROOIBOS: FROM CROP TO CUP Carmién Tea is not only renowned for being a marketer and exporter of Rooibos but as one of the only brands that are the producer, processor, and marketer/exporter. Carmién supplies Rooibos tea directly from the farm in South Africa as we are based in the unique Rooibos region (60 000…
The History of Rooibos
By Shea Christians | January 13, 2021
Imagine sitting around a campfire sipping a cup of steaming hot rooibos tea on a cold night, listening to stories from long before you were even born. Unknown pioneering people coming alive in the flickering flame, giving you a renewed appreciation for what is in your hand. Such is the story of rooibos. An accidental…
Implications of the Rooibos GI/PDO certification
By Shea Christians | January 14, 2021
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 %…
Rooibos awarded Protected Geographical Indicator (GI) Status by the EU
By Shea Christians | January 15, 2021
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…
News From The Farm July 2021
By Shea Christians | January 16, 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…
Rooibos health benefits backed by evidence
By Shea Christians | January 18, 2021
There has been much debate about the host of benefits claimed to be present in South Africa’s miracle plant, rooibos. Rooibos is considered a superfood, containing an abundance of antioxidants and other immune-boosting health benefits. According to this research fact sheet by the Cancer Association of South Africa, "Evidence of the health benefits of Rooibos…
The Rooibos Access and Benefit Sharing Agreement
By Shea Christians | January 19, 2021
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…
Rooibos now recognized as a Geographical Indicator (GI) by the European Commission
By Shea Christians | January 20, 2021
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…
8 Ways to Use Tea Bags (Besides Brewing Tea)
By Shea Christians | January 21, 2021
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,…
News from the farm
By Shea Christians | January 22, 2021
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…
Happiness and Rooibos Tea
By Shea Christians | January 23, 2021
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…
New Developments at Carmién Tea
By Shea Christians | January 24, 2021
Carmién Tea has established itself as a marketplace leader in innovative, functional rooibos-based teas and speciality products. Our most recent addition to the range is a Rooibos Powder (conventional rooibos powder with collagen and turmeric) and Green Rooibos Powder (green rooibos powder with echinacea, baobab and moringa) that are matcha-like products but less fine. These…
Five Tips to Stay Healthy This Winter
By Shea Christians | January 25, 2021
Stay healthy this winter with these tried-and-true strategies that are still the best way to prevent illness. We have made a list of five simple things you can do this winter to keep yourself and your family happy and healthy. Wash your hands often: practising good hand hygiene is not new to anyone, but as…
Sustainability at Carmién Tea
By Shea Christians | January 26, 2021
At Carmién Tea, we are focused on following good farming and processing practices, and keep sustainability top of mind in everything we do. You’ll notice four seals on every pack of tea you purchase. These Goodness seals indicate our promise and commitment to our workers, our customers and our environment. Flavour Goodness: we ensure a…
Flavoured Rooibos Teas for the Family
By Shea Christians | January 27, 2021
Spend some quality time over a delicious pot of flavoured rooibos tea. The Easter holidays are approaching and that means quality time with family and friends. This year is a little different from last year, as we can make plans and have get-togethers with our nearest and dearest again. In celebration, we have put together…
Carmién Rooibos Health Powders
By Shea Christians | January 29, 2021
Our brand new, innovative rooibos powders are the perfect daily dose of immune-boosting superfoods to add to your favourite drinks or snacks. Our latest development comes in the form of an instant powder that can be added to shakes, smoothies and cereals, and can also be used when cooking or baking. The benefits of using…
Carmien Kiddies Rooibos Teas
By Shea Christians | February 1, 2021
Carmien Kiddies rooibos tea is nature's perfect health drink for kiddies and babies. Rooibos is known to replace essential minerals and alleviate allergies. It's naturally anti-spasmodic, relieves colic and stomach cramps in babies, is soothing and relaxing on the nervous system and therefore excellent for hyperactive children. Organic Rooibos Our Kiddies Organic Rooibos is organically…
Teatox for the new year
By Shea Christians | February 2, 2021
Join our Carmién Teatox to start your year on a healthy note. A teatox is the ideal natural way to help your body back to optimal health. Apart from just using rooibos we have two specially formulated detox combinations in our Energise and Cleanse teas recommended for your Teatox. Every now and then we overindulge…
New developments & products
By Shea Christians | February 3, 2021
Our clients are constantly looking for healthier and more convenient ice tea options. The idea to develop a ready-to-drink ice tea came about, with fresh hot brewed rooibos and reduced sugar as the product base. This gives us the advantage over other ice teas in the market that are loaded with sugars and only a…
News from the farm
By Shea Christians | February 5, 2021
Rooted in the fertile South African soil, Carmién Tea operates according to current ethical values with full traceability and a direct link to the farm, our eco goodness promise. Through good agricultural practices, we create a sustainable model that conserves the vitality and diversity of the Earth. With this year’s good and even late winter…
Carmién Rooibos Distilled Gin
By Shea Christians | February 7, 2021
Experience rooibos gin in a brand new, delicious way. Carmién joins the cocktail culture with a superior, small-batch South African rooibos gin. Our popular Floral Berry & Citrus Chai rooibos pyramid tea blends have been perfectly distilled into a light gin with beautifully aromatic notes and flavours. All set to become your favourite cocktail on…
Carmién Celebrates Successful Rooibos2Muisbos: Post Event Press Release
By Shea Christians | February 8, 2021
Carmién Celebrates Successful Rooibos2Muisbos MTB Event Words by Seamus Allardice. The 2020 Rooibos2Muisbos by Carmién cycling event brought over 900 riders to the Piekenierskloof area, on the 14th of November. Taking part in three events, over two distances, they were treated to cool weather, spectacular scenery and warm hospitality by a region eager to welcome…
Role of rooibos in managing diabetes becoming clearer, experts say
By Shea Christians | February 9, 2021
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) says an estimated 4.5 million South African adults are likely to have diabetes. Original article published on 3 November on IOL by the African News Agency. Decades of local and international research into rooibos's anti-diabetic properties confirms its effectiveness at improving sugar levels when used in conjunction with a healthy…
Rooibos2Muisbos 2020 by Carmién Tea: Press Release
By Shea Christians | February 11, 2021
The annual Rooibos2Muisbos event takes place on Saturday 14 November. Join Carmién as we welcome mountain bikers to Piekenierskloof. Written by Seamus Allardice The second edition of the Rooibos2Muisbos mountain biking event is excited to have Carmién Rooibos Tea as title sponsor for the 2020 event and is set to showcase the hidden beauty of…
All New Cold Brew Rooibos Tea
By Shea Christians | February 12, 2021
This season we’re welcoming a new, refreshing approach to rooibos tea: cold brew. Cold Brew teas are specially developed to be used in cold water. Using cold water instead of hot water extracts more of the flavours, but slower, over time. The result? A smooth, less bitter, cleaner tasting tea. What is cold brew rooibos…
DOING A LITTLE GOOD IN MANDELA MONTH
By Shea Christians | February 13, 2021
For Mandela day we teamed up with the Mouton foundation putting together winter care packages. Each package consisted of body wash, a blanket or slippers, a wash cloth, baked goods and tea. These packages were delivered to the elders in our community. We are grateful for the great work the Mouton Foundation is doing…
Drink Rooibos For A Stronger Heart
By Shea Christians | February 15, 2021
A recently completed study at the University of Columbia, found that COVID-19 poses a significant risk to those suffering from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and hypertension as a result of the additional stress that the respiratory disease places on the heart. Thus, heart patients are more likely to develop severe symptoms and complications from COVID-19. In…
Carmien Healthy Living: Gut health
By Shea Christians | February 16, 2021
Carmién rooibos tea has a multitude of healthy benefits, most of which we are unaware of, and can beneficially impact our gut and brain health. The gut is often called the 'second brain'. Gut bacteria affect brain health, so changing our gut bacteria may serve well to improve our brain health. The importance of gut…
Carmien Healthy Living: Stress Management
By Shea Christians | February 17, 2021
Stress is normal and good as it helps us complete a task, survive danger, and focus faster. Stress, however, also affects our physical and mental health. Chronic stress and stressful thoughts have a detrimental effect on our health, both physical and mental. When we are stressed our body releases the stress hormone, cortisol, through the…
How do we stay safe?
By Shea Christians | February 18, 2021
Between social media and the news, we are a flooded with a mix of maybe's and guestimates, while advice, activities to keep busy, and recipes abound. Even our email greetings have changed from 'Keep well' and 'Kind regards' to 'Stay safe'. How do we stay safe? The one consistent message is this: Now, more than…
Carmién Tea goes cycling
By Shea Christians | February 20, 2021
Ever heard of 2 boxes of flower teas becoming famous? Well, it's something like that. First, they became the base blends for our Carmién Rooibos gins. Then we redesigned the boxes to match our unique G & Tea experience, bought our own pyramid machine (beautiful blends need beautiful teabags), and 2 teas became a whole…
CSR REPORT BACK
By Shea Christians | June 28, 2021
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 our people…
Carmién recycle project launch
By Shea Christians | June 28, 2021
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…
Rooibos health benefits backed by evidence
By Shea Christians | September 8, 2021
There has been much debate about the host of benefits claimed to be present in South Africa’s miracle plant, rooibos. Rooibos is considered a superfood, containing an abundance of antioxidants and other immune-boosting health benefits. According to this research fact sheet by the Cancer Association of South Africa, "Evidence of the health benefits of Rooibos…
The Best Nursing Tea for Breastfeeding Moms
By Shea Christians | September 8, 2021
Carmién Nursing tea is our most popular all-natural rooibos tea for nursing moms. Safe for mom and baby Stimulates and increases the production of natural mother's milk. The best milk for your baby. Mother's milk. Will also assist in weight loss. Vanilla and Aniseed give a smooth, slightly liquorice flavour. 3-6 cups recommended per day….
Taste The Good Life Project: Cooking Competition & Winners
By Shea Christians | September 14, 2021
The Taste the Good Life Project between Carmién Tea and TEEKANNE has made a positive contribution, not only to those who participated in the cooking competition but to the entire community. Greater awareness has been created towards healthy living and healthy cooking – a foundation that we can only build on from here. We have…
News from the farm: September 2021
By Shea Christians | September 14, 2021
The latest news from the farm. The last planting for the season is now done. We had a good planting season with regular bouts of rain to help the young seedlings settle quickly and strongly showing at least a 90% survival rate. It is important that the young plants develop strong stems and well-anchored root…
Meet our new innovative rooibos tea, Boost
By Shea Christians | September 15, 2021
Our Carmién wellness tea blends have carved a niche for themselves in the rooibos tea industry and have proved to be highly sought after as natural immune-boosting drinks in this time of Covid-19. It is always our aim to offer even more health benefits to our customers apart from the many benefits rooibos is already…
Why Rooibos during COVID-19
By Shea Christians | September 16, 2021
Well known for its abundant health benefits, the question certainly arises whether Rooibos plays a significant supportive role during this COVID-19 pandemic. Increasing research support evidence that rooibos is more than just a tea. It, in fact, delivers a significant and valuable health contribution. Some key areas where Rooibos has and continues to contribute towards…
Rooibos in a time of COVID-19: Feedback from Arbor Primary School
By Shea Christians | September 17, 2021
As COVID-19 continues to disrupt lives all over the world, we are trying to uplift and share the goodness of Rooibos with communities around South Africa to add a little joy to their days. Increasing research support evidence that rooibos is more than just a tea. It, in fact, delivers a significant and valuable health…
New Product: Calm Rooibos Tea with added CBD
By Shea Christians | October 8, 2021
New Product: Calm Rooibos Tea with added CBD Life is more than stressful and coupled with an ongoing pandemic, we need some calming relief to help us cope with a busy lifestyle. Unwind and destress with Calm, a calming rooibos and CBD blend that helps to reduce anxiousness and enhance sleep. Calm has a smooth,…
New Product: Meno Rooibos Tea with Raspberry Leaf
By Shea Christians | October 11, 2021
New Product: Meno Rooibos Tea with Raspberry Leaf Meno is our feminine blend with added functionality providing support for all stages of womanhood from period pains to mood swings to menopause. As women age levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone drop during menopause and drinking our Meno rooibos blend may help lessen the symptoms of…
Rooibos & Beauty
By Shea Christians | October 15, 2021
Rooibos & Beauty Rooibos is most definitely more than just a cup of tea. The ever-expanding wellness and beauty industries are incorporating Rooibos more than ever and scientific studies are increasingly proving the validity of its beneficial effects. The use of green rooibos especially is on the rise in skincare products and health drinks. "Beauty…
News From The Farm: October 2021
By Shea Christians | October 15, 2021
News From The Farm: October 2021 Our rooibos fields are harvested annually for between 4-7 years, thereafter, crop rotation takes place where typically oats is planted for 1-3 years to provide the fallow lying fields with a recovery period and for nutrients to return to the ground. Oats is also called the rooibos doctor as…