Zundert is a small town in the south of the Netherlands, population 22,000. The birthplace of Vincent Van Gogh, it lies in a province that is one of the biggest agricultural provinces in the country. Strawberries and hedging plants are commonly grown. In fact, close to 10% of the Netherlands nursery production takes place right here.
It was only natural then that Johan Jansen chose this town for his idea. Johan is a traveler and most at comfort when close to nature. His travels have taken him all over Europe but also to China. When he was 20, just after having completed his bachelors in business administration, he spent close to six months in China. It was there that his love for tea was born.
For most of us, getting hooked to tea means ordering our favorite brand and ensuring that all the raw material for our choice cup is always at hand. Blame Johan’s childhood for what he did to get his favorite flavor. Having grown up with his parents and grandfather in an agricultural setting with access to a greenhouse full of tomatoes any time of the day; Johan’s solution was decidedly in line with his roots. He decided to breed a tea plant that could be grown right here – in the Netherlands.