Rooibos, which is exclusively farmed in the Cederberg and Sandveld areas of the Western Cape, is fast becoming one of the most attractive agricultural products to invest in.
According to the South African Rooibos Council, South Africa holds a competitive advantage in a number of fruit and beverage sectors, including Rooibos, which if fully exploited, could place the country amid the top export producers of high-value agricultural products.
About half, or rather 6,000 and 7,000 tonnes of Rooibos is consumed locally, while the balance is exported to more than 30 countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, the UK, and US.
Nicie Vorster, the spokesperson for the SARC, said the world was increasingly counting on agriculture to produce more nutritious food, and Rooibos fitted the mould.
“Major Rooibos markets view the tea as a premium healthy lifestyle product and promote it in its pure and unblended form, which health-conscious consumers want more of. The increased emphasis on health and well-being globally is fuelling a revival and preference for experiences and products that promote wellness," he said.
Vorster said it was not only Rooibos’ health benefits that make it highly sought-after, but also its versatility as it is also used in beauty products, alcoholic drinks, confectionary and everyday foodstuffs, such as yoghurt and cereal.
The Rooibos industry currently employs an estimated 8,000 farmworkers and additional employment is created in upstream activities, such as processing, packaging and retailing.
- African News Agency (ANA)
