The Western Cape Minister of Agriculture Dr Ivan Meyer has announced that ‘Rooibos’ and ‘Red Bush’ were officially recognised by the European Commission on 31 May, thus officially protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications.  It becomes the first African product to be protected by the European Union.

Rooibos Tea is an iconic beverage of our country, originating from Clanwilliam in the Western Cape, as well as the Northern Cape.  Its name may not be used for Teas originating from any other parts of the world. It is widely available in Europe, as well as in other countries, known for its health benefits. Local Rooibos Teas will now be allowed to carry the EU logo. 

The official statement released by the Western Cape Government follows:

‘Minister Meyer welcomes EU designation of “Rooibos/Red Bush” as protected product of origin.
[Statement by WC Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer]

Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer welcomes the announcement that the European Commission has approved the registration of the designation ‘Rooibos’/’Red Bush’ in its Register of Protected Designations of Origin and Protected Geographical Indications.

According to a statement released by the EU Delegation to South Africa, Rooibos / Red Bush is the first African food to receive the status of a protected designation of origin in the EU register.

Product names registered as protected designations of origin have strong links to their origin since every production, processing, and preparation aspect must take place in that specific origin using recognised know-how. In contrast, a product protected as a protected geographical indication requires that at least one of the stages of production, processing or preparation takes place in the place of origin.

The recognition by the European Commission of the ‘Rooibos’/’Red Bush’ Product of Origin was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 31 May 2021.

Meyer: “Rooibos is one of the most iconic products of the Western Cape, and its inclusion in the EU’s Geographical Indication Register will signal its unique quality to consumers, not only in Europe but all over the world.

The registration will also allow South Africa’s Rooibos industry to use the EU logo – which is well-recognised by consumers in Europe. In addition, the use of the logo will indicate the value of Rooibos as a unique and exclusive product.

Meyer continues: “It will also enable South African producers of ‘Rooibos’/’Red Bush’ to market their products better in the EU. We expect that this will lead to an increase in demand by discerning consumers with the benefits eventually trickling back to farms in the designated production area.”

According to the South African Rooibos Council, the Rooibos industry provides income and employment to approximately 8 000 agri workers. In addition, other jobs are created in upstream activities such as processing, packaging, retailing etc.

This decision by the EU means that the name ‘Rooibos’ or ‘Red Bush’ can only refer to the dried leaves of 100% pure ‘Rooibos’ derived from Aspalathus linearis that has been cultivated or wild-harvested in designated local municipalities of the Western and Northern Cape Provinces.

Head of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Dr Mogale Sebopetsa, says that his Department has been working with the Rooibos Industry since the 1990s to prevent the name from being misused by others.

“The inclusion of Rooibos / Red Bush in the Register recognises the fact that it can only be produced in parts of the Western Cape and Northern Cape Provinces. In this way, we safeguard our heritage for posterity.”

The decision by the EU creates the ideal platform for growing the Rooibos industry.

“Safeguarding our traditions and culture will certainly advance the Rooibos industry’s commercial interests and lead to an increase in production, exports and jobs”, concludes Meyer.’

 

Chris von Ulmenstein, WhaleTales Blog: www.whaletalesblog.com www.chrisvonulmenstein.com/blog Tel +27 082 55 11 323 Twitter:@Ulmenstein Facebook: Chris von Ulmenstein, My Cape Town Guide/Mein Kapstadt Guide Instagram: @Chrissy_Ulmenstein @MyCapeTownGuide