Option
The herbal expert SONNENTOR obtains raw materials from near and far. To this end, we work together with farmers around the world, because not everything can grow optimally in our climate. Aromatic spices such as cloves and cinnamon, which currently give us that much-loved Christmas scent, come from a cultivation project in Tanzania, for example. The secret of SONNENTOR's successful long-distance relationships: The Andersmacher act fairly, directly and on an equal footing.
Direct Trade
SONNENTOR obtains around 200 organic herbs, spices and coffee from all over the world. 60 percent of this is obtained via direct trade, i.e. directly from the farm, or via local partners. The treasure collectors of the organic pioneer maintain direct partnerships with around 1000 farmers worldwide. This guarantees fair prices and enables people to build a long-term existence.
Why on earth?
Not all herbs and spices can cope with our climate: exotic species such as cloves and pepper only thrive in southern climes. Herbs such as lemon thyme and Greek mountain tea only develop a particularly intense aroma in a Mediterranean climate.
The demand for herbs and spices is growing: the herbalist's team needs more raw materials than they can get in Austria. That is why it is also sourced from regions where there is more than enough, such as B. Peppers from Spain. Thanks to the various cultivation areas, the treasure collectors at SONNENTOR also play it safe in the event of regional crop failures. For example, lavender is grown in Austria and Albania.
Aromatic spices from Tanzania
A SONNENTOR cultivation project that has been in existence for over a decade is at home in Tanzania. Here, cultivation partner Cleopa Ayo works with over 600 small-scale organic farmers. SONNENTOR obtains aromatic spices such as cloves, cinnamon, pepper and lemongrass from here.
Many of the people only own around two acres. They all get support from Cleopa Ayo and his team from cultivation to transport and quality control. In this way, the families have a good added value despite the small areas. Processing takes place in Muheza. Here the cultivation partner has his own business, where more than 50 people have a job and thus a secure livelihood. "Through transparency and honesty, we have created a competitive group of farmers and a strong market for the organic treasures of the farmers," emphasizes Cleopa Ayo - for whom the development of the region is very important.
Share values
SONNENTOR has its own CSR team. The team members are the company's guardians of value and, among other things, have the task of ensuring that all partners along the supply chain share the values and thus also comply with social standards. For this purpose, a separate Code of Conduct was written, which is based on international guidelines. Regular on-site visits are a matter of course, as is the fact that the cultivation partners themselves can take a look behind the scenes in the Waldviertel at any time. Cleopa Ayo from Tanzania has already visited the fragrant herb halls.
About SONNENTOR
SONNENTOR was founded in 1988. Above all, the colorful product innovations in the tea and spice range have made the Austrian company internationally known. With packaging made from renewable raw materials, products without palm oil and direct trade with organic farmers worldwide, the herb specialist shows: There is another way!
link: www.sonnentor.com/esgehauchanders
Photo / Video: sonnentor.
