South African rooibos granted EU Geographical Indication status
Rooibos, a South African herb widely used in tea infusions, received the coveted EU Geographical Indication status within a broader trade deal between southern African nations and the European Union. This means that the term rooibos will be trademarked across the EU and can only be used to describe products hailing from South Africa. Honeybush, a similar plant to rooibos also used as an herbal tea, will benefit from the same status, as well as some South African wines. The agreement was part of a broader deal that included trade arrangements for a variety of goods, including cheese and sugar.