Roses from Africa? Discover the Collaboration between Belle Epoque and Tambuzi

In the mid-90s, Tim and Maggie Hobbs – a young and dynamic couple with Kenyan roots – came across a beautiful, neglected farm at the foot of Mount Kenya, just a few kilometers from the equator. The 64-hectare farm, originally for dairy cattle and meat production, was for sale and with the perfect conditions for growing roses, the Hobbs purchased the farm and developed it into what it is today: Tambuzi, a leading specialist in traditional , fragrant garden roses.

Growing roses at the foot of Mount Kenya

Today, Tambuzi has 25 hectares of roses and summer flowers on the original Burguret site, as well as additional production from sustainable forest management, beekeeping and livestock farming. Tambuzi is a company that is not only focused on profit, but also strives for a positive social impact in all its activities. The slogan 'stop and smell the roses' conveys a simple message: always be aware of what you are doing and enjoy it.

The well-being of employees and surrounding communities is considered by the company to be one of its strengths. Tambuzi's good practices ensure that we limit any potential negative effects on the environment. Like farms all over the world, this is the place Tim, Maggie and their children call home, and it's so much more than just a business.

Where Tambuzi is located

The Tambuzi nursery is located 180 km north of Nairobi. The semi-arid region encompasses a 10,000 km² nature reserve, which supports a wide range of wildlife – much of it endangered. Where Laikipia's southern border meets the western foothills of Mount Kenya, productive, rain-fed agricultural areas support high population densities. Tambuzi is the only large-scale flower nursery in an area dominated by small-scale farms, each between two and six hectares, mostly growing maize, alternating with beans and potatoes.

Tambuzi is located on the equator at an altitude of 1,900 meters above sea level. The area receives ten hours of sunshine per day and 800 mm of rain per year. These perfect growing conditions, combined with a dedicated and expert team, make Tambuzi a leading producer of fragrant roses in Kenya.

 

Committed to improving lives through job creation

With employment as one of Kenya's biggest opportunities to fight poverty, Tambuzi is committed to improving lives through job creation. We are passionate about the idea of ​​'Trade not Aid' for Africa. Where possible we prefer employment over mechanization.

Collaboration with Belle Epoque

At Belle Epoque we focus on the cultivation of Dutch rose plants and Aalsmeer cut roses. However, it is difficult to grow roses in the Netherlands in winter due to the high energy and gas costs. That is why we work together with Tambuzi to achieve a nice mix of natural and social entrepreneurship - exactly what we strive for at Belle Epoque. I have seen the nursery with my own eyes and am certain that it is a reliable partner.

Climate neutral production and B Corp certified

We are proud to announce that Tambuzi is now a certified B Corporation and part of a global community of companies committed to high standards of social and environmental performance. Tim and Maggie Hobbs are pleased to share this important success, which underlines Tambuzi's commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility and economic sustainability.

B Corp certification is awarded to companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal responsibility. Tambuzi's certification reflects their commitment to using business operations as a force for good and reinforces their role as a leader in sustainable floriculture. “Achieving B Corp certification is a testament to our continued commitment to sustainability and ethical practices,” said Tim Hobbs, CEO of Tambuzi Ltd. “From the beginning, we have prioritized the well-being of our environment, our employees and our community. This certification validates our efforts and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in everything we do.”

At Belle Epoque we are happy and proud to have such a nursery next to us, which helps us to become the rose specialist. Although Belle Epoque is currently still small, we pursue the same goal of social and sustainable entrepreneurship. As we grow, we want to meet these high standards of sustainability and social responsibility. Thanks to our collaboration with Tambuzi, we can watch, learn a lot and exchange knowledge with each other, which is enormous added value.

Tambuzi's path to B Corp certification included a rigorous assessment of their impact on various stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, the community and the environment. Key initiatives that contributed to achieving B Corp certification include:

• Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Tambuzi applies regenerative farming techniques to grow flowers, minimizing the use of artificial chemicals and fertilizers, promoting a healthy ecosystem and high-quality products.
• Community Involvement: Tambuzi is deeply involved in the local community, supporting education, healthcare and economic development initiatives that improve the quality of life for their employees and their families.
• Employee Wellbeing: The company provides decent wages, safe working conditions and professional development opportunities, promoting a positive and inclusive work culture.
• Environmental Responsibility: Tambuzi is committed to reducing their carbon footprint through energy efficient operations, water conservation measures and waste reduction programs.

“We are extremely proud of our team and the collective effort that has brought us to this success,” said Maggie Hobbs, co-founder of Tambuzi Ltd. “Our B Corp certification is not just a badge of honor; it is a call to action to continue to innovate and lead by example in the floral industry.”

Tambuzi Ltd's B Corp certification marks a new chapter in their journey towards sustainable and ethical business practices. As a certified B Corporation, Tambuzi joins a global community of companies that are redefining success in business by putting purpose before profit.

At Belle Epoque we are delighted to have beautiful roses in our home in winter thanks to our collaboration with Tambuzi. Together we strive to take social and sustainable entrepreneurship to the next level, and we look forward to sharing this knowledge and experience with our customers.