The last of the rooibos has been cut and collected, and with the season wrapped, we’re taking stock of how things played out on the ground. To sum up, it was a good run with things going well, efficient processing and operations, and, overall, full of positives.
Our main focus this year was Long Cut Rooibos, and it paid off. This cut brings out the deeper flavour notes that give off the signature strong colour and high density we aim for. Across the board, quality was excellent, clean, bold, and true to standard.
High daytime temperatures and dry conditions held steady for most of the season, which helped us avoid the kind of disruptions that can throw off a harvest. While yields from producers came in a little lower than usual, this wasn’t unexpected, although the same trend has been seen industry-wide, and we planned accordingly.
Operationally, things stayed tight. Equipment held up well, with very few breakdowns. The harvest itself stayed on track, and in the end, we crossed the finish line a bit earlier than scheduled. That kind of timing speaks to the efficiency of the crew and the systems in place.
There’s always something satisfying about a season that runs this smoothly. From quality control to final product, every step showed the value of experience and attention to detail. We’re proud of what’s been produced and excited to get this season’s rooibos into cups across the world.