The Director of Kaukou Honeybush Tea Company, Mr Theo Adams says the Western Cape-based firm is seeking to woo buyers and investors to their their honeybush tea during the 18th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) scheduled to take place in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur from 07-10 September 2022. The company received support from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) through its Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) Scheme to participate in the showcase.
MIHAS attracts over 9 000 trade delegations from more than 43 countries, making it one of the most important industry meeting places in the halal calendar. Leading suppliers from across the globe participate at MIHAS to showcase their latest agro inventions, innovations and products, but more importantly to build leads, network and do business.
“We are proud producers of honeybush tea and proteas on our Herold Meander farm situated halfway between George and Oudtshoorn just north of the Outeniqua Mountains. Our honeybush tea is regionally sold and our objective is to distribute it nationally and internationally. We want to expand to other regions, especially Asia, hence our participation in MIHAS,” says Adams.
This will be the company’s first international physical expo with the dtic and their goal is to make sure they maximise on the platform and opportunity provided by the department.
“We have previously participated in the Dubai World Expo 2020 virtual exhibition and the Black Industrialist and Exporters Conference. MIHAS will be our first international exhibition that we will attend in person. We hope to identify clients in the halal industry that would be interested in our herbal honeybush tea that is indigenous to South Africa,” he says.
Established in 2018, the company employs 18 permanent and temporary workers seasonally.
“Honeybush tea is an indigenous product and naturally grows on southern slopes in the Garden Route. The tea has huge potential for growth and job creation in the rural areas. We decided to produce and process honeybush tea as it will add substantial value to the natural and indigenous plant,” he adds.
the dtic has over the years assisted hundreds of businesses through its EMIA scheme. The scheme develops export markets for South African products and services.
