South African tea debuts at the Hong Kong International Tea Fair, flying South Africa’s flag high
21 August 2024
South Africa was one of the countries that participated during this year’s Hong Kong International Tea Fair. Three South African companies participated during the Hong Kong International Tea Fair that took place from 15- 17 August 2024, namely Rooibos Pty, Magwa Estate Tea and Rooibos Laagar.
The Hong Kong South African Consulate Booth where these teas were showcased drew quite an interest. It was one of the busiest booths as many people came to experience and learn more about the South African tea sector, tea culture and about South Africa in general.
To promote South African tea, the South African Consulate in Hong Kong organised presentations introducing the brands that were exhibited, sharing the stories about South Africa’s tea culture, places of origins of these tea brands as well as through tea tasting. The Booth was filled with a buzz and excitement as people were indulging in these teas and in proudly South African stories, taking photos to capture the moment close to the colourful banners that shared proudly South Africa’s story and the tea plantations, enjoying the round table sessions and conversations over a cup of tea.
The Political and Economic Consul, Stella Sigcau from the South African Consulate in Hong Kong, took the audience through the tea culture of South Africa, South Africa’s tea heritage, market share and its global presence whilst the representatives of the South African tea brands indulged people at great length on the diverse teas and their benefits.
This also provided a platform to promote tourism including cultural tourism, as the South African teas are inextricably linked to the country’s culture, history and geographical location. When one talks of Rooibos, one thinks of Cederberg where it originated, the beautiful Western Cape province where Cederberg is located, the majestic Cederberg mountains known for the wind carved sandtstone formations, the San rock paintings as well as beautiful spring flowers. It is also a world heritage site.
When one talks of Magwa, one thinks of the beautiful Magwa falls in the Lambase area in Lusikisiki the capital of Eastern Mpondoland where the plantation is located, the Wild Coast, the friendly amaMpondo people, their rich culture, history and heritage, the Mpondo Kingdom’s rich environmental heritage, flora and fauna (Mpondoland is internationally recognised as a botanical hotspot of plant endemism with the world’s plant diversity), the beautiful rivers and oceans. Of importance is also how the tea culture is important to this heritage as well as how this tea culture is embedded to the lifestyle of the people in the area and its contribution to the Economy of the beautiful Eastern Cape province.
The tea sector as reported has grown significantly including in South Africa becoming one of the key economic contributors. It is reported to be the second most consumed beverage after water, even beating coffee in some parts of the world. It is reported to be a multi-billion-dollar industry globally that can support economies of major tea-producing countries, including South Africa. Currently rooibos tea is exported to over 30 countries and is reported to have gained a very strong foothold in global markets in exports. Its market growth as reported is attributed to the increasing consumer interest in health.
The Magwa Estate has won in the past - The International Award for Commercial Prestige in 1991 (Spain) and International Quality Award in 1993 (Spain). The Majola Estate has organic certification, reflecting commitment to environmental stewardship. Magwa debut for the first time in such a global event and performed very well drawing quite an interest in the tasty tea from the rural parts of South Africa. It is expected that more South African tea brands will participate during the 2025 Hong Kong International Tea Fair.
South African Consulate in Hong Kong