For Rooibos Ltd, the year started off with a celebration of National Rooibos Day and the appointment of a representative to grow the Chinese market. A company's continued existence is, to a large extent, a function of the commitment of its employees. At Rooibos Ltd's year-end function last year, 11 employees received long-service awards – one of them for 35 years of service. New products with Rooibos as ingredient range from Rooibos-infused ginger beer to toffees with Rooibos and chai spices. We've also included recipes for you – iced teas, a cocktail and Rooibos-smoked chicken. Here's to a new year and a new beginning with Rooibos!
Rooibos Ltd appoints a representative for China
Kieran van Zyl has been appointed as Rooibos Ltd's representative in Greater China to help develop the Chinese market to its full potential and to focus on enhanced service delivery to this market. He is well suited for the task at hand as he has spent the past four years in China, studying Mandarin and facilitating FMCG partnerships between Chinese and foreign companies.
Celebrating second National Rooibos Day!
On 16 January 2018 National Rooibos Day was celebrated at various Rooibos establishments in and around Clanwilliam. Rooibos Ltd hosted a special event for its employees and visitors. Says Gerda de Wet, Communication Manager at Rooibos Ltd: "National Rooibos Day is about acknowledging this unique plant. Rooibos is found nowhere else in the world but in the Cederberg region. Yet, it is creating a growing global market."
RUBRO exhibits at Food Matters Live in the UK
Rooibos Ltd client RUBRO exhibited its ready-to-drink Rooibos at Food Matters Live, which is the UK's only cross-sector event for the food and drink industry, retailers and foodservice providers. Watch RUBRO's Jo Hoets talk about her take-out of the event and the benefits of RUBRO's Rooibos.
11 of Rooibos Ltd's staff members receive long-service awards
Last year at Rooibos Ltd's year-end function, Arend Redelinghuys, Marketing Director of Rooibos Ltd, thanked the staff for their hard work and made special mention of the loyal employees who have helped to ensure the company's success over many years. He handed out long-service awards to 11 employees.
Rooibos Ltd again helps to expand Klein Jakkalsies Maths Diary project
In 2017, Rooibos Ltd was approached for financial assistance to produce mathematics diaries for Grade 4 to 7 learners from Graafwater Primary School. The company immediately decided to sponsor the first batch of booklets. Now Rooibos Ltd is helping the project to be rolled out to Sederberg Primary School as well.
Recipes with Rooibos for you to make
Rooibos is used in recipes worldwide to add flavour, nutrition and colour to iced teas, cocktails and food. Here is a selection of drinks and dishes for you to try out: various delicious iced teas, a cocktail with whisky, cranberries, pineapple and Rooibos, Rooibos-smoked apricot chicken and more.
Rooibos could reduce the risk of "type 3" diabetes
Researchers at Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, USA, have discovered a strong connection between Alzheimer's and insulin resistance in the brain – also referred to as type 3 diabetes. Research has shown that Rooibos has the potential to delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes, but its effect on type 3 diabetes and Alzheimer's still needs to be investigated.
South Africa: Theonista launches low-sugar, Rooibos-infused ginger beer
The ginger beer produced by Theonista – a small craft beverage company in Woodstock, Cape Town – is made with fresh ginger, lemon, and a proprietary fermentation technique that incorporates organic Rooibos. It also contains 40% less sugar than more commercial brands.
USA: Honest Tea introduces Cinnamon Sunrise Herbal Tea
Honest Tea has added Cinnamon Sunrise Herbal Tea to its product line-up. This unsweetened brew is made from Rooibos, cinnamon and ginger.
USA: Rooibos-based Bössi Kids Tea comes in various flavours
Bössi Kids Tea offers children a healthy alternative to sodas and fruit juices as this all-natural drink is made from antioxidants-rich Rooibos. It contains no caffeine, artificial flavours or artificial colours. It is available in three flavours: Strawberry, Mango and Watermelon.
South Africa: Darling Sweet now makes Rooibos Chai toffees
Local toffee manufacturer Darling Sweet has introduced a new toffee flavour – Rooibos Chai. Hentie van der Merwe, one of Darling Sweet's partners, says the following about their new toffees: "The toffee is flavoured with a locally produced 100% natural Rooibos extract and the Chai spices are a secret mix that we came up with in the kitchen."
Germany: Aldi sells pet-friendly beer made with Rooibos
In the run-up to Christmas last year, the German retailer Aldi sold a range of beer and wine designed for dogs and cats. The dog-friendly beer is non-alcoholic and un-carbonated. It is brewed with ingredients such as Rooibos, barley malt, dandelion, nettle and chicken flavouring.
UK: TIOSK loose-leaf Rooibos sold on Trouva
Trouva, which curates products from independent boutiques, has added Tiosk's loose-leaf Rooibos to the product range on its website. "Naturally caffeine free, this refreshing infusion is copper red with a smooth, slightly sweet orange flavour."
UK: London Fields Soap Company's Rooibos Tea Bar Soap sold on Trouva
Made by the London Fields Soap Company in small batches, the Rooibos Tea Bar Soap is 100% natural. "The simple luxury of the bar soap is having a moment, and we love the natural scent of these bars, created using real teas and essential oils."
