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As a pionneer of the tea industry in Mauritius since 1886, the family business Corson Tea Estate aims to offer teas of excellent quality to its customers, while respecting and promoting the art of tea-drinking, Mauritian style.
For over a century (118 years), the company, led today by Mrs Mylène Corson Merle, has strived to improve the quality of the tea grown on Mauritian ground:
• by rigorously selecting the plant stock and cultivars
• by keeping the ancestral picking techniques, selecting only the tender leaves and the bud
• by referring to scientific studies to improve cultivation methods
• by modernising production methods
• by creatively diversifying its products in order to respond to market expectations and needs
• by keeping up with international trends.
Corson is the second largest tea producer in Mauritius, with around one hundred factory and field employees, an annual production of 450 000 kg of tea for 2.3 million leaves harvested. With a turnover of Rs 50 million, the company operates in conjunction with 425 small scale farmers and 33 tenant farmers.
A dynamic enterprise with a family feel
The Corson family, settled in Mauritius since the 18th century, became a pionneer of the tea industry a century later with a five-acre plantation. A passion for tea, esthetic appeal and refinement have been the company's guiding principles, while adopting a tradition of innovation.
| 1792 |
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Arrival in Mauritius of Joseph Marie Corson from St Malo, Britanny, France. |
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| 1872 |
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Joseph Jules Corson, his grandson, leaves Mauritius for Ceylon to improve his knowledge and skills in the tea industry. |
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| 1886 |
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Joseph Jules Corson is the first to introduce tea leaves of the Ceylon (Sri Lanka) Hassam Hybrid. |
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| 1893 |
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Auguste Jules Corson, son of Joseph Jules Corson, is honoured with a membership of the Chamber of Agriculture for his achievements in the tea industry. |
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| 1919 |
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Corson introduces vanilla tea on the local market, which soon becomes the favourite perfumed tea in Mauritius. |
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| 1956 |
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Marie Jean Raoul Corson travels to large tea-growing countries, such as Sri Lanka, Malawi, Kenya, in order to improve the growing methods. He also travels to London, the tea trade's hub, to master the intricacies of the international market. |
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| 1972 |
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The tea production reaches 323 000 kg per annum. |
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| 1980 |
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Elizabeth Corson, wife of Marie Jean Raoul, heads up the company with, from 1995, the help of her daughter, Mylène Merle. |
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| 1997 |
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Corson participates in the 2nd International Tea Symposium in Vienna, in order to keep abreast of international trends. |
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| 1998 |
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Large investments in sophisticated machinery allow Corson to introduce convenient tea-bags on the market. |
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| 1998 |
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Launch of the new line La Théière des Iles Perfumed teas, attractively presented in metal boxes (caddies) for freshness. This line is mainly aimed at the tourist market. |
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| 2004 |
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Launch of a new range of teas which includes 12 flavours, available in two collections Les Classiques (1886) and Les Fruités. Corson introduces the 10-sachet box, specifically designed to cater to the palate's every whim. |
Business Card
| Main Contact |
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Mrs Mylène Merle |
| Commercial Director |
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Mrs Deborah Adam |
| Address |
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Sir Charles Lees Street, Curepipe |
| Tel |
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(230) 670 49 21 |
| Fax |
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(230) 674 44 86 |
Did you know?
• Corson still have a few tea plants over 100 years old.
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