The Organic Pepper Supply Chain in São Tomé and Príncipe

A meaningful and values-driven initiative led by Hom & Ter Développement alongside more than 350 farmers on the island.

«Product quality can only be achieved through fair trade for all stakeholders: producers, processors, distributors, and consumers.»

Gilles Talrich — Executive at Hom & Ter Développement
A unique flavor and taste

Organic Pepper from São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe is a former Portuguese colony that gained independence in 1975. It is an archipelago of two islands with a total area of 1,000 km², located 300 km off the coast of Gabon, just above the equator, in the Gulf of Guinea.

Its soil: exclusively volcanic, naturally rich, free from pollution, and situated in an equatorial climate that ensures the finest aromas.

Two main varieties of Piper nigrum that yield the highest production: Singapura and Paniur.

+350

Farmers organized into
cooperative

90

Hectares of organic production

Certified

100% Organic & Traceable

4 Colors

Black, White, Green, and Red Pepper
Commitment

Be an active participant in your industry

A long-term commitment!

With the support of a French industrialist, LHG was instrumental in establishing the industry and creating the cooperative to manage it.
More than 350 farmers grow pepper plants on 90 hectares of farmland. Each farmer commits to a specific annual production volume. The cooperative is governed by a board of directors appointed by the general assembly.

To ensure complete transparency and maintain this bond of trust, our teams visit the sites at least three times a year. These regular on-site visits allow us to ensure compliance with quality standards, verify that all operations are running smoothly, and meet directly with producers to discuss matters with them.

Production is on the rise, and the recruitment of new farmers is focused on consolidating existing plots to maximize yield per hectare and individual farmers’ income.

By joining this supply chain, you become part of a solidarity movement where every purchase directly supports producer families. You benefit from full traceability, from the producer to your table, guaranteeing the authenticity and exceptional quality of the pepper. It’s a mutual commitment to sustainable and equitable development.

Join us for the experience: because we are committed to complete transparency, you can come see your pepper grow by visiting São Tomé in person.

Expertise

Pepper Processing

Each variety of pepper undergoes a unique processing method to bring out its full aromatic complexity.
White Pepper
Harvested as soon as a few red and yellow berries appear, it is soaked in running water for 10 to 12 days, then washed and laid out on solar drying racks.
Black Pepper
Harvested 7 months after flowering (green berries, firm seeds), it is destemmed and soaked in boiling water for a few minutes, then spread out on racks in solar dryers.
Red Pepper
Selected berry by berry from undamaged berries and placed on the drying racks only during periods of bright sunshine.
Green Pepper

Harvested from fresh plants, green pepper retains its natural color and its fresh, invigorating aroma. It is carefully selected and dried to preserve its organoleptic qualities.

Quality

Benefits of the Program

A Shared Commitment

A guarantee of consistent quality, with processing taking place at a single location. A tightly controlled export chain, with France as the sole destination for this exclusive and exceptional organic pepper production.

A mechanism for pre-financing production in partnership with the cooperative by setting aside an annual quota. A controlled price and clearly identified traceability.

Passion Gives Rise to Excellence

Hom & Ter Production is your preferred partner, ensuring stable production. With the support of the NGO Agrisud, we regularly visit the site to provide training on best agricultural practices and ensure the sector’s development, including its high level of traceability and organic certification.

Commitment

An Ethical and Sustainable Dimension

Respect and Shared Values

Respect for farmers, their land, and consumers. It’s a meaningful approach that embodies strong values.

This supply chain is based on essential ethical principles: fair trade for all stakeholders, from producer to consumer. We guarantee stable prices and clearly traceable products through a system of pre-financing production with the cooperative and an annual quantity allocation.

Every decision is guided by the preservation of São Tomé’s terroir and the ongoing training of producers to ensure the sector’s sustainable development.

With clearly identified origins and traceability, every purchase directly supports farming families and helps preserve the Santomean terroir.

Our Commitments

Three pillars have guided our work for more than fifteen years.
Quality
It means choosing quality with an exceptional pepper and guaranteed traceability from the field to your table.
Equity
Fair trade for all stakeholders: producers, processors, distributors, and consumers.
Sustainability
Protection of the local terroir and ongoing training for producers to ensure the sustainable development of the industry.

On the ground in São Tomé

Take an active role in your industry