This is a long awaited triumph for the world renowned tea which only grows in a very small region, known as the Cederberg, north of Cape Town and nowhere else in the world.
The term Rooibos has just been included in the European Union's register of iconic geographic indicators. It is the first African food to do so.
Rooibos products can now use the EU's logo to indicate authenticity and quality to European consumers. In so doing it joins famous regional products like Champagne, Port and Gorgonzola.
The South African Rooibos Council says this is only the beginning of getting global recognition for the local tea – the council also wants to crack the nod with the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Join Cape by Design Tours for one of our much-loved Food and Wine Tours.. You could also get to taste rooibos tea in its natural state or even as a Chocolate flavour when we visit our favourite Chocolate factory.