Hong Kong, August 14-17, 2024 — South African teas will take center stage at the upcoming Hong Kong International Tea Fair, scheduled to be held from August 14-17, 2024. The South African Consulate accredited to Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR has been actively collaborating with South African tea producers, exporters, and importers to ensure that the country’s finest teas, including the globally renowned Rooibos, Magwa, and Majola teas, are prominently showcased at the event.
The Rooibos tea, which originates from the unique A. Linearis shrub found in the Cedarberg mountains of South Africa, is one of the country’s most recognized exports. The global market for Rooibos tea has been on a significant growth trajectory, valued at USD 1.5 billion in 2023 and projected to reach USD 2.44 billion by 2032, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.59% during the period from 2024 to 2032. This growth is driven by increasing consumer interest in health-conscious products, with strong market demand in North America, Europe, and particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, led by China.
For the first time, Magwa and Majola teas will be exhibited at an international fair, marking their debut in China, including Hong Kong. These teas are produced in the Mpondo Kingdom along the Wild Coast of South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province. Magwa Tea Estate, reputed to be the largest tea plantation in the Southern Hemisphere, spans over 1,703 hectares, while Majola Tea Estate covers 385 hectares. Both estates are known for their rich soil and unique climate, ideal for tea cultivation.
The Magwa tea plantation has a storied history, having been established in the mid-to-late 1960s by the Mpondo King Botha Manzolwandle Sigcau as a rural employment initiative. The plantation has since grown to become a significant economic contributor, with the Magwa Tea Estate forming part of the broader Lambasi area, which totals over 10,000 hectares and features stunning natural landscapes, including waterfalls and forests.
The Magwa Estate has previously won prestigious awards, such as the International Award for Commercial Prestige in 1991 and the International Quality Award in 1993, both from Spain. The Majola Estate boasts organic certification, underscoring its commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
The Hong Kong International Tea Fair, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), is a highly anticipated annual event that showcases a wide variety of specialty teas and exquisite tea wares from tea-producing and tea-trading regions around the world. Countries such as China, India, Japan, Sri Lanka, and South Africa are among the key participants.
The Fair is designed to cater to both trade buyers and the general public, offering a range of tea-related activities including tea tastings, tea art performances, competitions, seminars, and workshops. The event also features Click2Match, an AI-enabled business matching platform that connects buyers and exhibitors globally.
With an expected attendance of over 20,000 visitors from Hong Kong and abroad, the 2024 Hong Kong International Tea Fair presents a significant opportunity for South African tea producers to expand their global reach and showcase the rich flavors and heritage of South African teas on an international stage.
