Rooibos is one of South Africa’s proudest natural treasures. It grows nowhere else in the world, and it’s been loved for generations for its naturally caffeine-free, antioxidant-rich goodness. But as interest in health, sustainability, and ethical sourcing continues to grow, many people are asking an important question: Is it organic?
The answer, when it comes to Carmién Tea, is both honest and reassuring.
Some of our rooibos fields are certified organic. This means the land those plants grow on has met strict international standards, including being free of synthetic chemicals for at least three years. However, it’s important to know that not all our fields are certified, and therefore, not all our final products are organic. We say this with care and transparency, to avoid any misconceptions. What we can guarantee is full traceability from farm to cup and the same high quality across every Carmién product.
Why Choose Organic?
Organic rooibos appeals to people for many reasons:
- It’s free from synthetic pesticides and fertilisers.
- It supports healthier soil and ecosystems.
- It respects biodiversity and reduces harm to pollinators and surrounding plants.
- Many consumers feel more confident about its health benefits and safety.
This is especially important in export markets like the EU, where certified organic rooibos is in high demand and often fetches a premium price. For some consumers, the organic label offers peace of mind. For others, it reflects a commitment to the planet.
How Organic Certification Works
Becoming certified organic isn’t as simple as skipping sprays. It’s a lengthy, carefully monitored process. At Carmién, we work with Ecocert SA, a respected global certification body. Some of our fields carry certifications for key global markets, including:
- EU Organic Certification
- JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standard)
- NOP (USDA National Organic Program)
These certifications require detailed applications, on-site inspections, recordkeeping from seed to shipment, and annual audits. Each certified plot of land must be tracked separately, with its own certification number.
We also hold additional certifications like Rainforest Alliance and UEBT (Union for Ethical BioTrade), which go beyond the organic label to ensure ethical labour practices, environmental protection, and community benefit.
Preventing Fraud and Protecting Integrity
For our clients and customers, trust and transparency are essential. That’s why Carmién has a robust organic fraud prevention plan. All our suppliers undergo physical audits, must provide valid certifications, and complete annual compliance reviews. We trace every batch back to the last certified field, and we constantly assess risks in our supply chain, from raw material sourcing to final packaging.
Our approach includes:
- Full supply chain mapping
- Verified supplier audits
- Detailed traceability systems
- Risk assessments for fraud or adulteration
- Corrective measures if concerns arise
In short, we take organic integrity seriously. And for our clients, that means peace of mind.
The Bigger Picture
Organic rooibos is just one part of a much larger story. At Carmién, we are rooted in sustainability. More than 50% of our farmland is left wild to protect biodiversity. Our production is solar-powered. Our teabags are compostable and plastic-free. And through partnerships like Bergendal Rooibos, farmworkers own 50% of our processing facility, making every sip a step towards empowerment.
We call it Growing Goodness. And whether your cup says “organic” or not, that’s always what you’ll find inside.