ECO GOODNESS

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….

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…

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 %…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Tea Trends for 2022 “Last year, we saw tremendous pandemic-related shifts in grocery buying habits as the world adjusted to spending more time at home,” said Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, Chief Marketing Officer at Whole Foods Market. “As the food industry slowly adjusts to a new normal, we expect to see consumers prioritize food and drink…

Transparency and Sustainability Sustainability has become an ever-growing trend over the last few years and as consumerism shifts to greater health and eco-awareness, transparent sustainability practices are key. The recent Product Of Origin and GI certification awarded to rooibos ensures our customers that all our rooibos are sourced from certified suppliers and furthermore grown environmentally…

NEWS FROM THE FARM: NOVEMBER 2021 The tea fields are still being prepared for the harvesting season starting in January so these last months of the year are mostly a time of weeding. Our tea fields are looking very good due to some welcome late rains. It is also flowering season now. A noticeable difference…

The Rooibos Sensory Wheel The rooibos sensory wheels serve as quality control and communication tools. These wheels provide industry role players with a tool to understand exactly what constitutes the “characteristic aroma and taste” of this South African herbal tea. The first generic rooibos sensory wheel, developed in 2011, was revised in 2017 to illustrate…

News From The Farm: Harvest Season We are not unfamiliar with high temperatures during the harvesting season but somehow this year seems to have had one heatwave after the other, all the more reason why our workers start harvesting as early as 5 am already. Of course, the rooibos plant is very hardy, with a…

What does the new Rainforest Alliance Standard (and Seal) mean? The recent changes to the RA programme promises even more improvement in Providing a Path to More Resilient and Inclusive Agricultural Practices. The Rainforest Alliance Seal guarantees: Improved livelihood for producers, farm workers, their families and communities. Prevents deforestation, promotes reforestation, protects biodiversity, and mitigates…

As our harvesting season is drawing to a close, older tea fields are in the process of being cleared so that oats can be planted to restore the soil biome. Our estimated rooibos yield per ton will be in the region of 2,5 ton per hectare. The good rains and cool weather conditions we experienced…

What sets Carmién Tea apart as a preferred rooibos brand? Apart from bringing our customers rooibos direct from the farm, grown socially just and sustainably, we have one key element that consistently brings us rave reviews and several international awards. “Our innovative, flavourful and functional rooibos blends underpin our aspiration towards a life of health…

World Environment Day is celebrated annually on 5 June and is the United Nations‘ principal vehicle to deepen public awareness of the need to preserve and practise sustainable actions for the protection of the environment. Environmental protection forms one of the 3 pillars of corporate sustainability. What is sustainability? Sustainability is on everyone’s lips these days but…

  It is planting season on the farm which means rain is first and foremost on our minds. There has been very little rain which is disconcerting. Late rain not only prevents the newly planted seedlings to settle and thrive but also results in the seedlings still at the nurseries becoming too established to successfully…

The indigenous Khoi and San people of South Africa, the first people who used the rooibos plant as a tea, signed a groundbreaking agreement with the South African government whereby they will benefit from the commercialisation of Rooibos.   As of 2019 a levy of 1.5% of the farm gate price of all rooibos tea…

Private label sales have been steadily moving upward since 2016. In fact, it showed its highest growth during lockdown which begs the question as to why it has been gaining such continued momentum in the retail market. Financial challenges resulting from the pandemic have led to consumers consciously seeking the best value for their money….

January is synonymous with rooibos harvesting, clearing the tea fields of unwanted weeds and cleaning all the machinery that will be used during harvesting. Scorching hot days make it very uncomfortable for workers to clean the fields. While some cooling rain in December brought relief and a last growth boost for the rooibos plants, it…

Much has been said about the multiple health benefits of Rooibos or ‘red bush’ tea, derived from the unique herbal shrub native to the Western Cape region of South Africa, but its benefits and uses stretch way beyond just human health and enjoyment. As summer now draws to a close in South Africa we are…

The latest updates, direct from the farm. Rainforest Alliance Program Carmién Tea (Pty)Ltd and our subcontracted processing plant, Bergendal Rooibos (Pty)Ltd are proud to be part of the Rainforest Alliance Certification Program. This seal is your guarantee that our certified product, Rooibos, was produced using methods that support the three pillars of sustainability: social, economic,…

Rooibos (aspalathis linearis) is a bushy, herbal plant that grows indigenous to the Cederberg region of the Western Cape, South Africa. Its origin predates societies of tea drinkers by centuries, as its naturally replenishing qualities were discovered by the Khoi-San tribes before recorded historians first took note of its expansive litany of benefits in 1772….

Our News From The Farm this month is one that excites us to the core – our rooibos harvest is finally upon us! According to our farm personnel, our harvest this year is beautiful, yet the yield is slightly less, because of dry conditions and no rain from after the spot rain and floods in…

As to ensure all cogs of a machine function well, we can attribute the success from our company not only to our employees, but to the actual machines we use for processing and sterlising! We offer full traceability of our products, right down to the day it was processed. The rooibos product undergoes the following…

The Rainforest Alliance certificate carries a lot of weight in the Food & Beverage industry. It has become an international insignia of sustainability, due to the initiatives centered round the mascot – a rare, red-eyed tree frog which is native to a protected region within the Rainforest Alliance. The Rainforest Alliance (from hereon referred to…

Our carbon footprint is very important to us and we monitor it yearly as we strive to reduce it each year. We are committed to sustainable farming and preserving the plant for the next generation.   Our CO2 impact has been alleviated by means of solar panels and the use of batteries to store excess…

Our team focuses on developing goodness experienced in the quality of our recipe development, flavour profiles, and combination of rooibos-based tea blends in our range. With that being said, our annual audits for organic production took place in March with astounding results. Our Quality Control manager, Ilze Bruwer, stated the following regarding our Organic Audits:…

When it comes to green tea, most people think of the widely popular Camellia sinensis plant, from which all traditional teas (green, black, oolong, and white) originate. However, there is another green tea that is growing in popularity—green rooibos tea, made from the Aspalathus linearis plant, native to South Africa. Though both teas are called…

When most people think of rooibos, they picture a warm, soothing cup of tea. But this South African herbal wonder offers so much more than just a delightful beverage. Companies worldwide are discovering the incredible versatility of rooibos, incorporating it into various products across industries. From cosmetics to culinary delights, rooibos is proving itself to…

The festive season always provides the opportunity to pause and reflect. While this year has presented its fair share of challenges, it has also been a time of growth, resilience, and learning. Despite the obstacles, we’ve come through stronger, achieving significant progress. To our incredible team, your passion and dedication continue to inspire. You are…

When it comes to health and wellness, few beverages rival the natural goodness of rooibos tea. Carmién Tea has taken this South African treasure to new heights, offering a diverse range of rooibos teas designed to cater to every member of the family. From the youngest to the oldest, Carmién’s tea ranges are crafted to…

Rooibos tea, made from the Aspalathus linearis plant, has long been celebrated for its distinct flavour and naturally caffeine-free profile. Beyond its rich heritage and unique taste, scientific research over the years has unveiled its numerous potential health benefits, particularly due to its antioxidant properties. Why Research on Rooibos Matters The global interest in functional…

In a world where stress has become a pervasive part of daily life, consumers are increasingly seeking natural solutions to support their mental well-being. As part of the growing wellness trend, rooibos tea stands out as a powerful ingredient, with research-backed benefits for stress relief. For B2B partners in the food, beverage, and wellness industries,…

As demand for organic products continues to grow, businesses seeking high-quality, sustainable ingredients must carefully consider their sourcing options. Rooibos, a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea native to South Africa, is available in both organic and conventional forms. Understanding the difference between the two, as well as the significance of USDA organic certification, is crucial for…

The tea season is in full swing, with teams working tirelessly to harvest this year’s rooibos crop. Early indicators suggest a high-quality yield, though overall quantities appear slightly lower than last season. This is an important factor for bulk buyers to consider when planning their purchases. From Crop to Cup: The Harvesting Process Once harvested,…

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is more than just a business commitment; it is a catalyst for social and economic transformation. In South Africa, where historical inequalities persist due to the legacy of apartheid, businesses play a crucial role in addressing socio-economic disparities. Carmién Tea, deeply rooted in the Citrusdal region, has embraced this responsibility by…

The harvest season is always a special time on the farm. It’s when months of careful preparation and nurturing finally come to life. This month, we’ve been fortunate with ideal weather conditions—plenty of sunshine and just the right amount of moisture in the soil. With minimal rain to slow us down, our harvesting process has…

At Carmién, sustainability is more than just a buzzword, it’s at the heart of everything we do. As a brand rooted in nature, we recognise our responsibility to protect the environment while continuing to bring you the finest rooibos tea. Through innovation, responsible practices, and a dedication to minimising our carbon footprint, we are proud…

At Carmién Tea, we believe that quality, sustainability, and social responsibility go hand in hand. Our commitment to “Growing Goodness” means offering products that not only meet but exceed global expectations. For our partners, knowing that your products are ethically sourced, safe, and of the highest quality is essential. Here’s an overview of the certifications…

For businesses, understanding product authenticity and traceability is key to maintaining quality and consumer trust. That’s where certifications like Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Geographical Indication (GI) status come in. When Rooibos received PDO status in 2021, it became the first African food product to be recognised under the EU’s Geographical Indications framework. But…

As the harvest season draws to a close, we’re delighted to share some exciting updates from our rooibos farm. It’s been a bustling time, with our team working tirelessly to uphold the exceptional quality standards our customers have come to expect. The fields have been a hive of activity, with harvesters carefully gathering the last…

In a world where consumers are more informed than ever, demand for natural, functional beverages continues to grow. At Carmién, we believe in harnessing the power of rooibos not only for its flavour and versatility, but for its science-backed health benefits. Among the most promising? Rooibos’ role in supporting cardiovascular health. A heart-friendly tea backed…

In an industry where innovation is key and customers are seeking healthier, more sustainable options, rooibos is the quiet hero your menu’s been waiting for. Naturally caffeine-free, rich in antioxidants, and proudly South African, rooibos brings both wellness and warmth to your offering without compromising on flavour. Whether you’re running a bustling café or a…

From humble beginnings to international shelves, the Carmién Tea story is steeped in passion, people, and purpose. It’s not just about tea—it’s about how far we’ve come, and how every milestone has shaped who we are today. So pop the kettle on and let’s take a little journey through our proudest moments. 1993 — A…

The last of the rooibos has been cut and collected, and with the season wrapped, we’re taking stock of how things played out on the ground. To sum up, it was a good run with things going well, efficient processing and operations, and, overall, full of positives. Our main focus this year was Long Cut…

Managing diabetes often means paying close attention to daily habits, particularly food and drink. Rooibos tea, a naturally caffeine-free herbal infusion grown only in South Africa, may be a helpful addition to a diabetes-friendly lifestyle. At Carmién Tea, we’ve worked with rooibos from soil to sip for over two decades. Our teas are organically farmed,…