Rooibos, a tea that grows exclusively in the Cederberg region of the Western Cape, is a true South African treasure. On Rooibos Day, Carmién Tea celebrates its rich heritage as the country’s only crop-to-cup rooibos brand. From humble beginnings in 1998 at a farm shop on Brakfontein Estate near Citrusdal, Carmién has grown into a globally recognised producer of premium rooibos tea, proudly sharing the unique story of South Africa’s Indigenous brew.
Rooted in the heart of the Cederberg Mountains, within the Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor, Carmién Tea’s journey is a testament to rooibos culture. Founder and Managing Director Mientjie Mouton’s deep connection to this indigenous plant and her visionary leadership have established Carmién as a brand synonymous with quality, sustainability, and community empowerment.
Rooibos tea is more than a soothing drink – it’s a natural powerhouse of health benefits. Unlike black and green teas, rooibos is naturally caffeine-free, making it suitable for all ages, including children and those sensitive to caffeine. Packed with antioxidants like aspalathin, rooibos helps combat diseases and protect against free radicals.
This preservative-free brew offers relief for allergies such as asthma, hay fever, and eczema while replenishing essential minerals like iron, potassium, zinc, and sodium. With no kilojoules and low tannins, it supports a balanced diet without hindering iron absorption. Its calming properties make it a go-to remedy for issues like irritability, headaches, insomnia, nervous tension, mild depression, and hypertension.
Parents trust rooibos for its suitability for hyperactive children, while its anti-spasmodic properties ease colic and stomach cramps in babies. Rooibos also alleviates digestive issues, including nausea, heartburn, stomach ulcers, and constipation. When applied to the skin, it soothes conditions like eczema, nappy rash, and acne, making it beneficial inside and out.
As South Africa’s only crop-to-cup rooibos brand, Carmién Tea ensures unmatched quality, traceability, and sustainability. Sourcing only the finest organic and conventional rooibos from regions such as Piekenierskloof, Nieuwoudville, Wupperthal, and Gifberg, the brand adheres to rigorous quality standards and Fairtrade principles. True to their tagline, Growing Goodness, Carmién remains committed to excellence while expanding its global reach.
Carmién Tea’s crop-to-cup model is enriched by shared ownership partnerships with the Bergendal Worker Trust, Mouton Workers Trust, and Emgro. This innovative model empowers more than 620 workers and supports approximately 5,000 dependents.
“Shared ownership stands for shared responsibility to create value for clients and customers, shareholders, and workers every day for generations to come,” explains Mouton. “It connects people and builds long-lasting relationships. When values of respect, trust, and quality of life guide us, we become the difference we want to see in South Africa.”
Carmién Tea extends its impact beyond the farm through partnerships with initiatives like Ubuntu Citrusdal, which supports women and children in the local community. Their ethical practices and sustainability ethos are reflected in their direct-to-consumer model, ensuring transparency and competitive pricing for customers worldwide.
Since the deregulation of the rooibos industry in 1993, Carmién Tea has emerged as a global leader. Exporting to international markets in retail, bulk, and private label formats, Carmién continues to champion South Africa’s rooibos heritage on the world stage.
On Rooibos Day, Carmién Tea invites tea lovers everywhere to savour the authentic taste of South Africa’s rich cultural legacy. For more information, visit www.carmientea.co.za.