Rooibos tea enjoys solid growth in South Africa and abroad
According to South African Rooibos Council, the local rooibos industry registered a landmark growth last year, contributing $70 million to the country's national domestic product. This has made rooibos the only segment of the local tea market that has grown consistently both locally and internationally, with international consumption outstripping local demand. International exports to more than 30 countries reached about 6000 tons last year, which represents a threefold growth since 2000. Top importers of rooibos tea are Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, the UK and the US. About 15000 tons of rooibos are produced each year, of which between 4500 and 5000 tons are sold domestically and the rest is either exported or used for the production of various products for skin care, baby care, herbal tea, lifestyle programs and color cosmetics.