South African Rooibos Makes List of EU’s Protected Designations

THE Western Cape government has welcomed the European Commission’s registration of Rooibos in its lists of Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).  

According to a statement released by the EU delegation to South Africa, the country’s favourite tea is the first African food to receive the status.

“Product names registered as PDO have strong links to their origin, since every production, processing, and preparation aspect must take place in that specific origin using recognised know-how,” the Western Cape government explained in a statement.

In contrast, PGI requires that at least one of the stages of production, processing or preparation takes place in the place of origin.

The provincial government said the recognition by the EU was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 31 May 2021.

According to reports, Rooibos has joined the likes of Champagne and Irish whiskey to be included in