Exhibiting at International Food & Drink Event (IFE) 2025

Kaukou (Pty) Ltd, based in the pristine mountain village of Herold in the Western Cape of South Africa, is a vertically integrated producer and exporter of premium Honeybush tea and Protea flowers. With a mission to bring the natural richness of South African biodiversity to global markets, Kaukou has built a reputation for sustainable cultivation and processing practices that prioritize both quality and environmental stewardship.

Situated on the Herold Meander Farm, Kaukou capitalizes on the ideal microclimate and fertile soil of the Outeniqua mountain range, enabling the company to produce 100% naturally grown and harvested botanicals. The company supplies directly to health-focused beverage brands, tea packers, natural product distributors, and floral retailers across Europe, Asia, and North America.

Core Products

Kaukou offers two core product lines that reflect South Africa’s indigenous botanical heritage:

1. Honeybush Tea (Cyclopia spp.)

• Bulk Fermented Loose Leaf Honeybush Tea
• Bulk Green (Unfermented) Loose Leaf Honeybush Tea
• Fermented Tagless Tea Bags (Retail and B2B formats)
• Green Tagless Tea Bags

Each variety is naturally caffeine-free, rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, and valued for its smooth, slightly sweet flavor and therapeutic benefits. The teas are wild-harvested and air-dried, maintaining their chemical integrity without synthetic processing.

2. Protea Flowers

• Cultivation and export of various species of Protea, South Africa’s national flower, including Protea cynaroides, P. repens, and others.
• Targeted at niche floral wholesalers, retail florists, and decorative event suppliers in global markets.

All Proteas are hand-picked, quality-inspected, and packed for export under strict phytosanitary conditions.

Unique Selling Propositions (USP)

Kaukou differentiates itself with the following strengths:

• Origin-based authenticity: Located in the heart of the Honeybush growing region, ensuring traceability and terroir-based quality.
• Sustainable Wild Harvesting & Cultivation: Adheres to eco-conscious and regenerative farming techniques.
• Direct-from-farm exports: Reducing middlemen, ensuring freshness, transparency, and fair pricing.
• Custom B2B formats: Available in bulk cut leaf, fine cut, and ready-to-pack teabag configurations.

Their operations emphasize minimal processing, allowing the natural bioactive compounds of Honeybush to remain potent and unaltered.

Target Markets

Kaukou exports to clients in:

• Europe (Germany, France, Netherlands)
• North America (USA, Canada)
• Asia (Japan, South Korea)

Their client base includes:

• Health and wellness tea brands
• Organic tea wholesalers
• Functional beverage manufacturers
• Specialty and natural grocery chains
• Floral wholesalers and design firms

Export and Performance

According to export records sourced from platforms such as CapeTradePortal and TradeAtlas, Kaukou has steadily increased its shipment volumes, with over 100 documented Honeybush tea shipments since 2019.

Their tea products are exported both in raw loose-leaf form and as finished goods under white/private-label contracts. Kaukou's Herold Meander Farm location provides easy access to Cape Town port logistics, enabling efficient overseas shipments.

Capabilities and Infrastructure

Kaukou’s operations are centered around:

• On-site drying and fermentation facilities for tea processing
• Natural spring-fed irrigation systems for floral and tea cultivation
• Hand harvesting and manual quality control
• Eco-friendly packaging and labeling options
• Bulk container packing for sea freight

The company's close attention to harvest timing, drying temperature, and fermentation length ensures product consistency and bioactive retention in every batch.

Certifications and Quality Assurance

While formal certifications were not found publicly, Kaukou follows:

• Phytosanitary standards required for botanical and floral exports
• Sustainable harvesting protocols aligned with Cape Floristic Region conservation goals
• Internal batch testing for moisture, microbial levels, and active compounds

They collaborate with local agricultural research institutes to ensure adherence to best practices for wild crop management.

Customer Testimonials and Market Feedback

“Kaukou’s Honeybush has become a key ingredient in our wellness tea blends—highly aromatic and consistently fresh.” – Herbal Tea Brand, Germany
“Exceptional flower quality. The Proteas arrive vibrant, long-lasting, and beautifully packed.” – Floral Design Studio, Netherlands

Their reputation is built on consistent product integrity and personalized client service, often working directly with buyers to tailor product cut, blend, or packing requirements.

Notable Achievements

• Export presence in 10+ international markets
• Over 100 international shipments of Honeybush tea products since 2019
• Sustainable wild harvesting practices contributing to local biodiversity
• Featured on the Cape Trade Portal as a South African export leader in indigenous botanicals

Kaukou (Pty) Ltd continues to play a vital role in the global awareness and availability of Honeybush tea and South African flora, representing not just a product but a regional identity rooted in sustainability, wellness, and agricultural craftsmanship.