Faced with an annual increase in production volume and the question of mechanizing leaf processing, a project to use the old machines of the Morlaix tobacco factory is currently underway. After a few trials at the end of summer 2023, it proved possible to exploit the historic industrial heritage of this site, thus marking the town's memory. The mayor and president of the agglomeration, Jean Paul Vermot, is enthusiastic about the project and supports it. The Breton tea route unfolds along the various production and reception sites, creating a new culture of French tea, seen as an asset in the face of competition. New production sites are being set up across the country, and three of them have already chosen to entrust their production to Émile Auté: Sibiril (le Moulin de Kérouzéré), Moëlan-sur-Mer and Landerneau.
MOULIN DE KÉROUZÉRÉ // The first plantation of 2,000 tea bushes was started by Michel Thévot in 2018. A pioneer of Breton tea, this botanical enthusiast has realized a dream by proving that Camellia sinensis is perfectly suited to Brittany. In 2020, for the first harvests, he entrusts Émile Auté with the processing of his production; the white tea produced this spring will rank third in the world in the prestigious World Tea Competition (AVPA). In 2022, Michel added a further 1,000 tea bushes, which today flourish in the marvellous 12-hectare botanical park he created.
MOËLAN SUR MER // Moëlan Théiculture came into being in 2022 thanks to the initiative of Cécile Brunet, who had accumulated several years' experience working alongside Michel Thévot and actively participated in the harvest with Émile Auté. Today, she manages production in three tea gardens covering almost three hectares, cultivated according to the principle of agricultural gardens. This innovative concept, developed by Cécile, aims to avoid excessive crop densification, thus preserving the wild biodiversity present in the region. The flora is also carefully preserved on the cultivated plots, which are planted with different botanical varieties. The five tea gardens are strategically located between the two ports and are treated as separate enclosures. In fact, Émile Auté adapts production and creates specific teas for each plot to respect the unique conditions offered by each one. Some plots are close to the sea, while others are nestled under oak or pine trees. These conditions give the tea bushes a particular terroir, which is reflected in the distinct organoleptic characteristics of each tea produced. Notable clos include Clos des Embruns, Clos de la Vallée and Clos Clémence.
LE JARDIN DES BÉNÉDICTINES // A project initiated by Émile Auté in partnership with the Landerneau town council on the historic site of the Benedictine nuns, in place of the convent's kitchen garden. Today, 500 tea trees have been planted, with a further 250 in the nearby garden of Françoise Guiriec, who now manages the plantations.
