SOUTH AFRICA – South African beverage firm, BOS Brands, has launched a Rooibos espresso dubbed Bospresso.
Rooibos also known as bush tea or red tea, is a herbal hot beverage drink originating from a leguminous plant, widely enjoyed in South Africa.
The new product, according to reports by Bizcommunity, bears the little green frog seal, making it the first Bos product boasting of attaining the Rainforest Alliance certification.
The Rainforest Alliance seal indicates that the product is produced using methods that support the three pillars of sustainability i.e., social, economic, and environmental.
“By adding the Rainforest Alliance Certification, it signals a further step toward better farming practices, fighting against the climate crisis, conserving our forests and protecting the human rights of farmers and workers.”
Will Battersby – CEO of Bos Brands
Commenting on certification for its hot tea product, Will Battersby, CEO of Bos Brands, said, “Bos aims to uplift communities and the environment. We buy all of our organic rooibos from Klipopmekaar Rooibos Farm in the Cederberg who are transforming agriculture through biodiversity preservation and organic farming methods.
“By adding the Rainforest Alliance Certification, it signals a further step toward better farming practices, fighting against the climate crisis, conserving our forests and protecting the human rights of farmers and workers.”
The certification is timely as enlightened consumers across the globe are look for ethical and sustainable certification of products they consume.
“It is always a proud moment to have local brands join the Alliance. More so, we are incredibly excited that Bos will be the first Rooibos brand to market the product locally and globally from farm to shelf bearing the new Rainforest Alliance seal.
“This is a sign of commitment from Bos, aligning with the values of the Rainforest Alliance by investing in more sustainable sourcing of products that protect nature and respect people.” Marla Naidoo, director, Southern Africa, Rainforest Alliance, said.
Bospresso is made with fine cut, organic rooibos and is naturally sweet, with notes of honey.
Packaged in a 750g bag, the product is already available to the foodservice industry with a growing list of restaurants and coffee shops serving Bospresso rooibos cappuccinos. It is also available through Bos Brands’ recently revamped online store.
The introduction of Bospresso to the BOS Brands stable, reflects the high level of interest from consumers in drinking premium Rooibos products.
Recently, the European Commission approved the registration of rooibos in its register of protected designations of origin, making it the first African food to receive the status.
The recognition of the products’ origin empowers consumers to distinguish quality products and trust that they are enjoying authentic quality products linked to the region of origin, knowledge and know-how of its producers.
The tea which has been popular in Southern Africa for generations, joins Champagne, Irish Whiskey, Porto, Queso Manchego and other iconic products already registered.
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