This festive season local brewers and mixologists are making the most of South Africa’s rich plant life, by using indigenous ingredients when developing unique beverages for local and international markets.
Adele du Toit, spokesperson for the SA Rooibos Council said the value of indigenous plants are starting to be recognised globally.
“There is a growing awareness of the importance of indigenous plants in new product development and the differentiation it offers marketers. Their use in alcoholic beverages is arguably among the most exciting developments and opens up new opportunities for beer, wine and brandy producers alike,” Du Toit said.
Many cocktail bars in South Africa have started incorporating local plants like Rooibos in their beverages. Cause & Effect in Cape Town is one such example. Other local entrepreneurs, like Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela, have developed a line of Rooibos infused beer.
Du Toit said that the promotion of local plant life has major economic value and could in turn improve the outlook for rural communities where many of these species exist.
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