17th February 2010

"What a Beautiful Country"

That's what our recent visitor, Anthony Butera, had to say about the UK. The reason why that's particularly striking is that he is Director General of the Rwandan Tea Authority. Rwanda, land of a thousand hills. A place so beautiful that our tea buyers get a bit of a glow about them whenever they start talking about their visits there.

: The rolling hills of Rwanda

Nevertheless, Anthony insists that to him the Yorkshire Dales are more beautiful than the lush tea-covered peaks of his home. But this is more than a simple case of the 'grass being greener'.

Yorkshire's beauty is less obvious during such a grey and chilly February, but it is still a place where life is good for the vast majority. And though Rwanda is unquestionably gorgeous and Anthony's passion for it is clear, it is a country in great need of development.

: Anthony with our tea buyer Sanjay

We're working with people like Anthony to help Rwanda build a stronger tea industry, which will, in turn, improve the lives of over 10,000 farmers and their families. As one of the country's biggest exports, tea is vital to Rwanda's future. With support, the industry can drive development and provide the country's rural population with the means to build a better life for themselves. Look out for further updates on this in the near future.

So yes, at first glance, it's impossible not to be struck by the natural beauty of Rwanda's 'thousand hills', but this is still a country with a mountain to climb.

"What a Beautiful Country"

What’s Brewing

Who we are

What we do

How we trade

People and planet