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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 New Dawn for Rooibos
It all began with a shift in the South African tea landscape. Rooibos was officially deregulated, opening the doors for passionate entrepreneurs to bring this indigenous wonder to the world. The stage was set.
1998 — Carmién is Born
A big year for a small brand with a big dream. Our first retail pack was designed, and our very first product hit the shelves at Spar in Citrusdal. Not long after, one of South Africa’s largest retailers, Pick n Pay, listed Carmién Tea—what a proud moment!
2001 — The Dream Becomes Official
Carmién Tea (Pty) Ltd was officially registered by our founder, Mientjie Mouton, and our dream took flight internationally as we exported our first bulk rooibos to the Netherlands. South African rooibos was ready to go global!
2006 — A Factory for the Future
This was a game-changing year. Our first major international listing came through with Costco Taiwan, and Bergendal Rooibos (Pty) Ltd—our exclusive processing and packing facility—was established. What makes it even more special? Our farmworkers own 50% of it. Empowerment isn’t just a buzzword for us; it’s a commitment.
2012 — Tea Bags & Global Growth
We invested in our very first teabag packing machines at Bergendal, and sent our first order off to Costco Japan. Slowly but surely, Carmién was becoming a name known in homes across the globe.
2014 — Rooibos Makes History
Rooibos received official recognition as a product of geographical significance—South Africa’s first non-wine product to do so. The world was starting to see rooibos for the national treasure it truly is.
2015 — Tea at Your Fingertips
We launched our very own ecommerce store in South Africa, making it easier than ever for tea lovers to enjoy Carmién from the comfort of home.
2017–2019 — Growth, Gin, and Giving Back
We established a green rooibos facility, introduced rooibos distilled gin (because why not?), and acquired our first pyramid teabag machine. In 2019, the world’s first industry-wide benefit-sharing agreement was signed between the South African rooibos industry and the Khoikhoi and San peoples—rightfully recognising them as the traditional knowledge holders of rooibos. It was a proud step toward honouring heritage and healing history.
2020 — Pivoting in a Pandemic
COVID-19 changed everything. We closed our Cape Town office and opened the Carmién Tea Shop at De Tol Farm Deli, creating a space to connect with our local community. We even launched our very first Rooibos2Muisbos mountain bike event—proof that we’re always up for an adventure (and a bit of dust on our boots).
2021 — Rooibos Takes the World Stage
Rooibos was officially recognised under the EU’s Protected Designation of Origin, making it the first African food to receive this prestigious status. A global nod to something so deeply rooted in South African soil.
2022–2023 — A Taste of Success
From Dubai to the Mediterranean, our teas began turning heads. Awards rolled in for blends like Floral Berry, Revive, Nursing, Focus, and Cranberry Hibiscus Cold Brew. Not to mention the beautiful LMC Rose & Vanilla. Each blend is crafted with care, and it’s an honour to see that passion recognised.
Looking Ahead
From rooibos fields to international shelves, Carmién is more than a tea company. We’re a community, a family, and a proudly South African story. Every cup carries years of care, innovation, and love for what we do. And this is just the beginning.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to many more milestones—shared over a perfect cup of rooibos tea.