The story of Food & Allied Group is one of passion, optimism and faith in the country's future. At a time when few Mauritians believed in the future of Mauritius as it gained independence, the young entrepreneur Michel de Spéville was among those taking action. This is how, from the breeding of a few chickens in 1966, the Food and Allied group has considerably expanded over the last four decades to emerge into a widely diversified group with seven sectors of activity: food industry, farming, commerce, business services, hotels, training & education, and logistics. Pioneering in the field of poultry production, the company sought to help reduce the volume of imported poultry meat through local production. This attempt at improving food security would soon become the leitmotiv of the Food & Allied Group's development, before starting its diversification process.Leading the way in most sectors where it is involved, the group has grown in line with the country's economic development. In the nineties, Food & Allied goes beyond the Mauritian territory and engages in the first regional prospects through the setting up of Avitech in Madagascar. Prospects that will be confirmed later… Strong values have always been central to the development of the group. Above and beyond

Our glory days were between the 1960′s and the early 1980′s, thanks to government backing and a very favourable international environment, when the price of tea, as a sought-after commodity, experienced several successive increases. However, the end of the 1980′s reveals an opposite trend and government is forced to subsidise this struggling sector of the economy. 1994 witnesses a decisive turn for the local industry, when government, which owned most of the factories, decides to disengage from tea production, as it was no longer competitive on the London market. The landscape of the island's high ground changes as many tea plantations make way for sugar cane fields. Nowadays, there are 680 hectares of tea plantations in Mauritius. Virtues of Tea "Tea awakens wise humours and thoughts. It refreshes the body and calms the spirit. If you are discouraged, tea will restore your strength." – Emperor Chen-Nung One day of the year 2737 BC, when the Chinese emperor Cheng-Nung was resting under a tree, some tea leaves, floating on the wind, fell into his cup of hot water. The water soon turned an amber colour. The emperor tasted it and was immediately filled with an ineffable feeling of well-being. Thus was tea born. This imperial beverage is reputed for its innumerable virtues. Since times immemorial, Chinese medicine has used tea leaves in the manufacture of remedies. Its anti-oxidant and phenolic properties, reinforced by the action of its components – catechins, caffeine, theanine, among others – make tea a preventive drink. It protects against various illnesses: cancer, cholesterol, cardiovascular diseases… One could even speak of Tea-rapy! Its popularity spread to the West, where Europeans discovered for themselves this concentrate of goodness. In 1680, the Countess of Bedford instituted the "five o'clock tea" in England. Tea is served with small cakes and scones. This ritual is the moment to spend some time in good company and to share treats. More than a drink, tea nourishes and restores the spirit. It stimulates body and soul. From hot, tea became an iced drink, thirst quenching and refreshing. With time, it became flavoured, a subtle balance between its natural benefits and a fresh fruity taste. A real pleasure for the palate and the body.

The IBL Group operates in six main sectors of the economy in Mauritius: Commerce, Engineering, Financial Services, Logistics, Aviation & Shipping, Retail, Seafood & Marine. This diverse portfolio, coupled with strong partnerships with a number of large international companies, sound strategic choices and competent management, has ensured the growth and development of IBL into one of the largest groups in the business private sector. more Ireland Blyth Limited (IBL) is one of the largest business groups in Mauritius. It was incorporated in 1972 after the merger of two leading companies, Blyth Brothers and Ireland Fraser which had been trading in Mauritius since the early 19th Century. In 1994, IBL became a public company and was admitted to the Official List of the Stock Exchange of Mauritius. The Group is a 100% Mauritian entity, with a turnover in excess of Rs 17,5 Billions (2011-2012 financial year). It employs more than 7000 people. 

From the breeding of a few chickens in 1966, the Food & Allied group has considerably expanded over the last four decades to emerge into a widely diversified group with five sectors of activity: agro-industry, services, commerce, hotels and logistics. A pioneer in most sectors where it is involved, the group has grown in line with the country's economic growth. Besides, its permanent concern for the country's development and its citizens' progress has inspired its long-term approach through small gradual steps. When it entered the poultry sector in the 60s, the country is scarcely independent and has to stand on its own feet. By developing this sector, the Food & Allied Group aims at reducing the country's dependence on food imports. In the 80s, Food & Allied consolidates its agro-industrial foundation by engaging in the production of other foodstuffs such as flour, dairy products or fruit and vegetable canning. At the same time, the group engages in the first regional prospects through the setting up of Avitech in Madagascar. Prospects that will be confirmed later… Once its agro-industrial base is well anchored and the country starts emerging from mere production sectors as from the 90s, the Food & Allied Group follows suit and begins to diversify in services. It develops the freight, transport and maritime representation sectors before engaging in those of IT, creative advertising and business hospitality.

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 (125 years), the company, led today by Mrs Deborah Corson Adam, has strived to improve the quality of the tea grown on Mauritian ground :• by rigorously selecting the plant stock and cultivators• 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.Golden PekoeOur choicest selected natural black tea. The aroma of the bud and the health giving properties of tea for a natural flavour.It’s packaging varies between the loose packet of 125 and 500 grams, or else under our brand name “Théière des Iles” containing 50 or 125 grams. Natural black tea to the more practical box of 25 teabags x 2 grams with tags and envelopes.It was our grandfather, Raoul Corson, who attributed “Golden Pekoe” to the natural black tea due to its golden colour forming the ring of the cup of tea and the pekoe for the special two leaves and a bud to make a perfect cup of CorsonTea.VanillaTimeless classic tea consumed by Mauritians for its unique delicate flavour.Packed in loose teas of 125, 250 and 500gms or in caddies of 50 and 125gms under our brand name “Théière des Iles”. Packed in a box containing 25 tea bags x 2 grams with tags and envelopes, or in a pouch/zip but tag less. This pouch is very practical as it keeps the freshness of both the tea and its flavour perfectly.It was Auguste Jules Corson who introduced, in 1919 the famous vanilla tea on the local market which today, remains the most popular tea amongst the Mauritian people.CardamomeThe ally of tea, the spice cardamome relaxes the body and brings about a feeling of well being. A very subtle flavour and very much appreciated with or without milk.Packed either under our brand name “Théière des Iles” in 50 and 125gms loose tea, or in a box containing 25 tea bags x 2 grams with tags and envelopes.MasalaThe famous masala spiced tea contains clove, pepper, cardamome, cinnamon, and ginger. It is excellent during winter season with its perfect flavour.Only available in a box containing 25 tea bags x 2 grams with tags and envelopes.LemonA refreshing flavoured tea served either hot or chilled. It is ideal without milk after meals or when feeling tired during the winter season. You can even add a slice of lemon and honey to it.Packed either under our brand name “Théière des Iles” in 50 and 125gms loose tea, or in a box containing 25 tea bags x 2 grams with tags and envelopes. Also available in catering pack of 100 tea bags x 2 grams with tags and envelopes.Earl GreyA delicate blend of black tea with bergamot and lemon aroma. Packed only in a box containing 25 tea bags x 2 grams with tags and envelopes.A classical flavour created by Charles, second Earl of Grey, at the end of the 18th century.Passion-MangoAn exquisite fusion of passion fruit and mango, mixing exotism and originality to spark off the fun. Ideal after meals without milk or else chilled Iced Tea during the summer season. A beautiful and pleasant flavour, and tastes good.Only available in a box containing 25 tea bags x 2 grams with tags and envelopes.Coco-VanillaA tropical flavour from the islands, a perfect mix of coconut and vanilla. A real pleasure for the palate. Ideal after meals without milk or served chilled Iced Tea during the summer season.Only available in a box containing 25 teabags x 2 grams with tags and envelopes.MintRecommended after meals for a feeling of freshness, without milk. However it makes a wonderful iced tea too. Its flavour perfumes the room and very pleasant to drink.Available under our brand name “Théière des Iles” in 50 and 125gms loose tea and also in a box containing 25 tea bags x 2 grams with tags and envelopes.Honey/CaramelA tea which marries the sweetness of honey with delectable caramel for a pleasant aroma and taste. A wonderful afternoon tea with a cloud of milk. Quite a new flavour which is very much appreciated.Only packed in a box containing 25 box of teabags x 2 grams with tags and envelopes.Ice TeaA fairly new product with all its goodness for the summer season for school canteens, pool bar, restaurants and in every home. Only found in two flavours : Peach and Lemon.It’s packaging is very practical : each pouch with a zip contains 24 tag less teabags representing 6 liters of homemade iced tea.Very easy to make :- Only one minute of brewing for the preparation of one liter of iced tea- Add sugar to your taste- Must be served very chilled- Can be kept in your fridge for one weekThere are no colouring, additives and nor conservatives. An ideal drink for diabetics.