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

In the mid 90’s 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 kilometres from the equator. The 64-hectare farm, originally for dairy and beef production, was for sale and with the perfect conditions for growing roses, the Hobbs bought 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 forestry, beekeeping and livestock farming. Tambuzi is a company that is not only focused on profit, but also strives to have 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 do and enjoy it.

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

Where Tambuzi is located

Tambuzi farms are located 180 km north of Nairobi. The semi-arid region comprises a 10,000 km² nature reserve, which supports a large number of wildlife – much of it endangered. Where the southern border of Laikipia meets the western foothills of Mount Kenya, productive rain-fed agricultural areas support high population densities. Tambuzi is the only large-scale flower farm in an area dominated by small-scale farms, each between two and six hectares, mostly growing maize, interspersed 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 knowledgeable team, make Tambuzi a leading producer of scented roses in Kenya.

Committed to improving lives by creating jobs

With employment being one of Kenya’s greatest opportunities to combat 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 prioritize employment over mechanization.

Collaboration with Belle Epoque

At Belle Epoque we focus on the cultivation of Dutch rose plants and Aalsmeer cut roses. However, in the winter it is difficult to grow roses in the Netherlands due to the high energy and gas costs. That is why we work together with Tambuzi to realize 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 know for sure 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, joining a global community of companies committed to high standards of social and environmental performance. Tim and Maggie Hobbs are excited to share this significant achievement, which underscores Tambuzi’s commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility and economic sustainability.

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

At Belle Epoque we are happy and proud to have such a nursery next to us, helping us to become the rose specialist. Although Belle Epoque is still small at the moment, 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 observe, learn a lot and exchange knowledge with each other, which is a huge added value.

Tambuzi’s journey 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 Agriculture Practices : Tambuzi uses regenerative agriculture techniques to grow flowers, minimizing the use of artificial chemicals and fertilizers, promoting a healthy ecosystem and high-quality produce.
• Community Involvement : Tambuzi is deeply involved in the local community, supporting education, healthcare and economic development initiatives that improve the quality of life for its employees and their families.
• Employee Well-being : The company provides decent wages, safe working conditions and opportunities for professional development, fostering 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 incredibly 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 alongside profit.

At Belle Epoque we are delighted to have beautiful roses in our home in the winter thanks to our partnership 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.