In this newsletter, we explore how Rooibos continues to make an impact - from global trade events to cutting-edge research and sustainable innovation.

We highlight Rooibos Ltd’s support of the Tea Exporters Association AGM, showcasing the company’s role in strengthening international partnerships and promoting South Africa’s heritage in the tea industry.

We also share exciting new research revealing how Rooibos supports gut health, with fermented Rooibos reducing inflammation and unfermented Rooibos helping to maintain a strong intestinal barrier.

All this and more below!

Rooibos Limited was proud to co-sponsor the 26th Annual General Meeting of the Tea Exporters Association (TEA), held on 12 September 2025 at the Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka. 

The gathering welcomed senior government officials, diplomats, and international tea trade representatives, with keynote remarks delivered by Ms. Martha Tesfaye Woldemichael of the IMF.

In its letter of thanks to Rooibos Ltd, TEA expressed its appreciation for Rooibos Ltd’s valued support, noting the company’s role in strengthening global partnerships and promoting South Africa’s unique contribution to the international tea and herbal infusions market.

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A new three-year study has found that Rooibos tea may play a powerful role in supporting gut health. Researchers tested both fermented (red) and unfermented (green) Rooibos extracts on intestinal cells and found each offered distinct benefits. 

Fermented Rooibos proved especially effective in reducing inflammation, performing as well as a common steroid drug, while unfermented Rooibos helped strengthen the gut barrier – potentially preventing “leaky gut” and related digestive issues.

These findings add to decades of research confirming Rooibos’ antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but for the first time show how different types of Rooibos benefit the gut in unique ways. With digestive disorders affecting more than 40% of people globally, the results highlight Rooibos’ potential as a natural, gut-friendly therapy – and reinforce its place as more than just a refreshing drink.

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Groundbreaking research from Walter Sisulu University has shown that adding green Rooibos extract to tilapia feed helps fish grow faster and use feed more efficiently. Led by Professor Grace Okuthe, the study found that green Rooibos outperformed both standard feed and fermented Rooibos, with improvements in growth rates, feed conversion and overall fish health. Researchers believe the benefits come from Rooibos’ unique bioactive compounds, which enhance gut health, nutrient absorption and DNA protection.

The findings open new opportunities for sustainable aquaculture while reducing environmental impact, as more efficient feed use means less waste in water systems. With tilapia being one of the world’s most farmed fish, this innovation could create a valuable new market for South Africa’s Rooibos industry. 

It also highlights how a heritage crop can contribute to global food security and rural economic growth, while strengthening South Africa’s role in biodiversity-driven innovation.

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At the opening of the African Biotrade Festival in Johannesburg, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singh highlighted Rooibos and Honeybush as examples of how South Africa’s indigenous plants have grown from local traditions to global icons. “Honeybush and Rooibos, once brewed in village kitchens, now grace shelves in Paris, Tokyo and New York,” Singh said, adding that these plants are not just commodities but “cultural symbols” and “ecological anchors” that reflect generations of traditional knowledge.

Singh emphasised the importance of caring for and utilising indigenous plants responsibly, paying tribute to the elders, farmers and healers who safeguarded this wisdom over centuries. He noted that the continued success of Rooibos and Honeybush represents both a celebration of Africa’s biodiversity and an opportunity to harness it sustainably for future generations.

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