The Western Cape Provincial Government has committed itself to increasing its support of the Honeybush tea industry, recognising honeybush as one of the unique, indigenous products from South Africa that has the potential to reach niche markets around the world. This announcement was made by Gerrit van Rensburg, minister of Agriculture in the Western Cape, at a honeybush industry seminar in George. He emphasised the value of ‘local things that distant rivals cannot match’ and pointed out that despite globalisation, the demand for regionally unique products is growing.
More than 70 guests, represented by Honeybush tea producers, government officials, processors, industry role players, researchers and students gathered to celebrate the kick-off of the industry’s new strategic plan that was developed by the South African Honeybush Tea Association (SAHTA). The cornerstones of the strategic plan are to improve tea quality, cultivation and breeding material, explains Marlise Joubert, SAHTA chairperson. At the same time the industry has big plans to expand marketing locally and around the globe. Currently, the honeybush industry is worth nearly R11 million per year and is set to grow over the next decade as more farmers begin to realise the potential of this endemic fynbos crop, and more health-conscious consumers around the world discover this sweet, African herbal tea.
