Our approach to sourcing and organic tea

As an organically certified company, we are approved to handle and sell organic products. We prioritize organic sourcing whenever it aligns with our high quality standards, and we are continuously working to ensure that our procurement practices are responsible.

Our assortment includes both organically and conventionally grown teas, and all of our teas are rigorously tested to ensure they meet the strict food safety regulations of the European Union. We place high demands on purity and quality so that you can enjoy a cup of Perch’s tea with complete confidence.

Stricter rules and the development of organic farming

Interest in organic products is growing worldwide, but organic tea production is still relatively new in many tea-producing countries.

The EU Organic Regulation 2018/848, which came into force in 2022, introduced stricter requirements for organic production, including tighter controls and enhanced import regulations.
In the short term, this has increased administrative burdens and costs, particularly for small producers, leading to a temporary decline in organic certification uptake. However, in the long term, these new standards are expected to strengthen consumer trust and promote the growth of organic production and trade.

Many producers recognize the benefits of environmentally friendly farming methods, as these help maintain soil fertility and ensure a more sustainable future for tea plantations.
At the same time, achieving organic certification requires time and investment, as organic farming methods are stricter, labour costs are higher, and yields are often lower than with conventional tea production. For this reason, some plantations choose to follow organic principles without obtaining formal certification.

The EU organic label and other certifications

The light green EU Organic logo is the official European certification, indicating that a product has been approved as organic.
All our organic products are regularly inspected by the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration.

In addition to organic certification, there are several other certifications that focus on sustainability and social responsibility in tea production.
For example, Fairtrade ensures better working conditions and fair prices for tea producers, while Rainforest Alliance focuses on environmental protection and responsible production practices.

At A.C. Perch’s Thehandel, we take these certifications into consideration when selecting our teas.
We always carefully assess how we can ensure both quality and responsibility in our sourcing – whether through organic certification or other sustainability standards.

The organic standards – along with other certifications that are continuously negotiated and adopted globally – form the framework for how tea is produced and controlled, from plantation to finished product.
At the same time, we recognize that there is sometimes a gap between ideals and the practical realities faced by producers. Therefore, we always strive to find a balanced approach that secures both quality and responsibility in our sourcing.