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
Organic Farming
4 Colors
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 land. Each farmer commits to an annual production volume. The cooperative is governed by a board of directors appointed by a general assembly of farmers.
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 increasing through the optimization of production yields for each producer.
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
White Pepper
Harvested as soon as a few red and yellow berries appear, it is left to macerate in running water for about twelve days, then washed and spread out on solar dryers.
Black Pepper
Harvested 7 months after flowering (green berries, firm seeds), it is destemmed, blanched for a few minutes, and 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 before full ripeness (green berries, tender seeds), green pepper retains its natural color and its fresh, invigorating aroma. It is carefully selected and dried in direct sunlight to preserve its color and 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.
Above all, we have more than 15 years of experience working with the same farmers, the same processing teams, and the same organic certification body.
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 respectful and sustainable development of the industry.
With clearly identified origins and traceability, every purchase directly supports farming families and helps preserve the Santomean terroir.
Our Commitments
Quality
Equity
Sustainability
On the ground in São Tomé
