Established in 1923, Satemwa Tea Estate is a family-owned tea and coffee estate nestled in the Shire Highlands of Malawi. This third-generation estate has existed for over a century and has recently been crafting unique, artisanal teas, such as Thyolo Moto and Zomba Pearls.
Tea Rebellion which is committed to authentic teas and transparent sourcing proudly partners with Satemwa Tea Estate to source award-winning teas that emphasize ethical practices and transparency in operations. We believe that direct trade between producers and consumers helps to foster a sustainable tea ecosystem, ultimately benefiting both the people and the planet.
The Founding of Satemwa Tea Estate
In the early 20th century, Maclean Kay, a visionary Scotsman, recognized the potential of Malawi's fertile soil and unique climate for growing tea. With a passion for the beverage and a commitment to sustainable practices, Kay sought to establish a tea estate that would produce high-quality teas while supporting the local community. In 1923, his vision came to fruition with the establishment of Satemwa Tea Estate.
Located in Thyolo, Malawi, Satemwa Tea Estate was founded during a time of significant growth for the tea industry in the country. As the first country in Africa where tea was planted commercially, Malawi quickly became a key player in the global tea market. With its rich history and favorable conditions, the estate soon began producing exceptional teas, including the now-renowned and award winning Thyolo Moto, Zomba Pearls, and Satemwa Antlers.
Over the years, Satemwa Tea Estate has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of the tea industry, while staying true to its roots and commitment to sustainability and community support. Today, the estate remains a shining example of authentic, transparent, and rebellious tea production, embodying the values at the core of Tea Rebellion's mission.
The Kay Family Legacy
The foundation of Satemwa Tea Estate lies in the Kay family's dedication to crafting superior teas while remaining true to their roots. Spanning generations, the Kay family has been the driving force behind Satemwa's growth, innovation, and commitment to community and sustainability.
A. Generations of Family Ownership
Established in 1923 by Maclean Kay, Satemwa Tea Estate has been nurtured by the Kay family for nearly a century. As a family-owned business, Satemwa holds a unique position in the tea industry, prioritizing their passion for tea and the well-being of the local community over the pursuit of profit.
B. Alexander Kay's Leadership and Innovation
Currently led by Maclean Kay's grandson, Alexander Kay, Satemwa Tea Estate has embraced innovation and change while honoring the family's legacy. Under Alexander's guidance, the estate introduced orthodox production in 2006, experimenting with local cultivars, traditional, and new processing methods. This innovative spirit led to the creation of award-winning teas such as Thyolo Moto, Zomba Pearls, and Antlers, which have garnered international recognition for their unique flavors and exceptional quality.
C. Satemwa's Commitment to Community and Sustainability
At the heart of Satemwa Tea Estate's operations lies a commitment to the local community and the environment. As an authentic, transparent, and rebellious tea estate, Satemwa values its partnerships with smallholders and cooperatives, fostering a positive impact on the communities they serve. With certifications from Fair Trade, UTZ+, and Rainforest Alliance, Satemwa embodies a dedication to sustainable and ethical practices, ensuring a bright future for the estate and its surrounding community.
Satemwa's Artisanal Teas
In 2006, Satemwa Tea Estate made a significant stride by introducing orthodox production techniques. This move allowed the estate to break away from the conventional practices of mass-producing lower-quality tea. Instead, they focused on crafting a unique lineup of artisanal teas, which showcased the authentic, pure flavors and rich cultural heritage of Malawi.
Today, Satemwa Tea Estate is known for its exceptional range of green, white, oolong, black, and dark teas. Each tea is meticulously crafted with love, passion, and respect for the environment and communities around them. As a result, Satemwa's teas have become highly sought after by tea enthusiasts worldwide who appreciate their distinct and characteristic flavors.
Three standout teas produced by Satemwa Tea Estate include Thyolo Moto, Zomba Pearls, and Satemwa Antlers. Thyolo Moto is a smoky guava black tea with a unique aroma and a smooth finish. Zomba Pearls, on the other hand, are exquisite hand-rolled green tea leaves that unfurl to release a delicate and refreshing flavor. Lastly, Antlers is a rare white tea made from the tender tips of the tea plant, offering a light, sweet taste with a hint of floral undertones. These teas, along with the other varieties offered by Satemwa, exemplify the estate's commitment to providing tea lovers with an authentic and transparent tea experience.
Sustainable and Ethical Practices
At the heart of Satemwa Tea Estate's operations lies a strong commitment to sustainable and ethical practices. This dedication is evident in their certifications, collaborations, and innovative initiatives like the Yamba brand.
With Fair Trade, UTZ+, and Rainforest Alliance certifications , Satemwa upholds strict environmental and social standards. These certifications ensure that their tea production process respects the environment, conserves biodiversity, and supports the well-being of local communities. By sourcing teas like Thyolo Moto, Zomba Pearls, and Antlers from Satemwa, Tea Rebellion customers can trust that they are supporting ethical and transparent practices in the tea industry.
Furthermore, Satemwa actively fosters collaboration with the Msuwadzi Small Holder Association of tea growers. By working together, they aim to improve smallholders' tea production practices and certify their teas. This collaboration not only promotes sustainable farming techniques but also empowers local communities to share in the benefits of the tea industry. Its throug this partnership that Tea Rebellion is able to source quality pure herbal teas from smallholders including our Lemon Verbena, Red Hibiscus and Pure Peppermint
Recognising the challenges faced by smallholders, Satemwa launched the Yamba brand to support their returns. By avoiding the commodity trap, the Yamba brand increases smallholder returns on their teas and ensures a fair price for their products. This initiative further demonstrates Satemwa's dedication to ethical practices in the tea industry and their unwavering support for smallholder farmers.
In conclusion, Satemwa Tea Estate's commitment to sustainable and ethical practices is evident in their certifications, collaborations, and initiatives like the Yamba brand. By partnering with estates like Satemwa, Tea Rebellion is able to offer award-winning teas that are not only authentic and transparent but also contribute to a more equitable and environmentally friendly tea industry.
The Satemwa Experience
Visiting Satemwa Tea Estate is an immersive experience that goes beyond just sampling their exquisite teas. The estate offers farm tours for visitors, providing them with a unique opportunity to learn about the tea-making process and witness firsthand the passion and love that goes into crafting their artisanal teas, such as Thyolo Moto, Zomba Pearls, and Satemwa Antlers.
Understanding the importance of staying connected with tea enthusiasts and their loyal customers, Satemwa shares updates through their blog and vlog. This open and transparent communication allows followers to stay informed about the estate's latest developments, innovations, and achievements, while also providing insight into the challenges faced by the tea industry.
The impact of Satemwa Tea Estate on Malawi's standard of living cannot be overstated. As one of the last family-owned tea farms in the region, their dedication to ethical practices, community development, and sustainability is commendable. By partnering with smallholder associations and launching the Yamba brand, Satemwa helps improve the livelihoods of local tea growers and contributes to the overall well-being of the community. More recently Satemwa also launched its Tree Planting Club of which Tea Rebellion is a proud member. Their unwavering commitment to excellence and transparency makes them a perfect partner for Tea Rebellion, a brand that shares the same values and vision for an authentic and rebellious tea experience.