The South African rooibos industry entered 2026 amid climatic uncertainty, shifting global trade conditions and increased regulatory oversight, according to Dawie de Villiers, chairperson of the South African Rooibos Council.
De Villiers said the industry’s defining feature is its ability to balance resilience with restraint.
“Rooibos is not a volume-driven commodity. Its long-term value lies in quality, origin integrity and responsible stewardship. As the industry navigates 2026, stability rather than expansion will remain its strategic anchor.
“Our approach prioritises reliability and trust factors that underpin both local livelihoods and global confidence in our product,” he said.
Navigating climate variability & global demand
Rooibos production remains inherently variable, reflecting its dry-land nature and reliance on natural rainfall within a narrowly defined geographical area. Estimated production for 2025 is approximately 15 000 tons, down from 17 000 tons in 2023, continuing a cyclical pattern linked to rainfall distribution, planting cycles and environmental conditions.
Over the past two decades, annual production has fluctuated between 13 000 and 25 000 tons, underscoring both the resilience of the system and its sensitivity to climate variability. Importantly, combined local and international demand has remained relatively stable at around 18 000 tons per year, reinforcing industry consensus that sustainability, plant health and soil resilience must take precedence over volume-driven growth.
Related stories
- Indigenous farmers see little gain from rooibos agreement
- Rooibos leads global surge in herbal extract market
- The abalone crisis: Why SA’s coastal war never ends
- Sona 2026: Illicit trade and tariffs push farmers to breaking point
With drought and heat stress affecting growing regions, the current season’s harvest cannot yet be reliably estimated.
“It is encouraging to see export markets and product channels continuing to expand. At the same time, increasingly engaged consumers are paying closer attention to product origin and authenticity when making purchasing decisions. As a single-origin product, Rooibos has a compelling story to tell.
“The industry’s growth offers lessons for other niche agricultural sectors, such as honey-bush, baobab or specialty herbal products. By prioritising reliability and brand credibility, Rooibos exporters are able to compete on the global stage,” De Villiers said.
Climate variability remains the industry’s most significant structural risk. Irregular rainfall, rising temperatures and erratic seasonal patterns continue to influence yields and long-term planning.
The SARC reports that the export sector now supports thousands of rural households, with small-scale farmers forming a critical part of the supply chain. Income generated through exports sustains communities in the semi-arid Cederberg region, supporting local processing and packaging enterprises.
Outlook: Cautious confidence
Looking ahead, the rooibos industry’s priorities are clear: climate resilience, regulatory readiness, market diversification and continued investment in research, quality and traceability.
“The industry is realistic about risk, but confident in its foundations. Rooibos has shown that with collaboration and good governance, it is possible to build value without compromising integrity.
“This is not just about the product, it’s about sustaining communities, supporting rural economies and maintaining SA’s reputation abroad,” De Villiers said.
READ NEXT: Voices of fed-up farmers shake the Union Buildings
