Exhibiting at World Tea Expo 2025

Rooibos North America LLC is a leading importer and wholesale distributor of premium South African botanical ingredients based in Temecula, California. Specializing in rooibos, honeybush, and other herbal teas and botanicals, the company has become the North American hub for sustainably sourced, certified organic products used by food, beverage, nutraceutical, and personal care brands.

Company Overview

Founded by industry veteran Hugh Lamond, Rooibos North America has built a reputation as the go-to partner for authentic South African rooibos and related herbal ingredients. With strong ties to certified growers and processors in the Cederberg region of South Africa, the company ensures full traceability, ethical sourcing, and premium quality in every shipment.

Rooibos North America offers both conventional and organic-grade ingredients, supplied in bulk to B2B clients across North America and globally.

Core Business Activities

The company operates as a full-service ingredient supplier offering:

• Bulk Tea Imports: Specializing in rooibos, honeybush, and hibiscus
• Botanical Ingredient Sourcing: Custom cuts, tea bag grade, extract powders, and essential oils
• Custom Blending and Private Label Support
• Logistics and Regulatory Compliance Services for FDA, USDA, and international standards

With strategically located warehousing in California, the company offers quick turnaround and reliable delivery across the U.S.

Product Portfolio

Rooibos North America supplies a wide range of ingredients to tea blenders, food formulators, and wellness product developers:

• Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis)

  • Organic Rooibos (Cut & Sift, Tea Bag Cut, Extracts)
  • Green Rooibos (unfermented variant)

• Honeybush (Cyclopia spp.)

  • Organic Honeybush
  • Honeybush Extracts

• Rosehip

  • Rosehip Shells
  • Tea Bag Cut (TBC)
  • Rosehip Seed Oil (cold-pressed)

• Lemon Myrtle

  • Dried Lemon Myrtle Leaves (Backhousia citriodora)

• Hibiscus

  • Hibiscus Calyx Whole
  • Tea Bag Cut (Hibiscus sabdariffa)

• Chamomile

  • Dried Chamomile Flowers (Matricaria recutita)

Each product is available in custom grades for teas, functional foods, dietary supplements, and cosmetic formulations.

Specialization and USP

Rooibos North America is distinguished by:

• Direct partnerships with South African growers and processors
• 100% traceability from farm to client
• Kosher, Organic, and Rainforest Alliance certifications
• Processing according to EU and USDA Organic standards
• Ability to offer customized cut sizes, extract blends, and blended teas

Their commitment to ethical and sustainable sourcing makes them a preferred supplier to clean label and eco-conscious brands.

Financial Performance

As a privately owned and tightly focused operation:

• Estimated annual revenue ranges from $3–5 million
• Supplies to over 150 clients across food, beverage, and supplement sectors
• 20% YoY growth in the functional beverage segment driven by rising demand for caffeine-free, antioxidant-rich botanicals

Shipment and Export Insights

• Main distribution center in Temecula, California
• Import volumes exceed 300 metric tons annually
• Ships bulk botanicals to clients across North America, South America, and Asia
• Uses both sea freight and air freight for urgent ingredient shipments
• Warehousing supports just-in-time inventory models

Target Markets

Rooibos North America serves a diverse client base including:

• Tea companies and herbal blend formulators
• Functional beverage brands
• Nutraceutical and dietary supplement manufacturers
• Cosmetic companies using rosehip oil and chamomile
• Private label retailers and co-packers

The company’s strength lies in its agility and depth of inventory to meet small- to large-scale bulk needs.

Capabilities and Infrastructure

• In-house regulatory expertise for U.S. and Canadian compliance
• Lot tracking and quality assurance systems
• Custom labeling and documentation for exports
• Collaboration with certified South African processors
• Frequent site visits and audits to maintain supplier standards

Certifications and Compliance

• USDA Organic
• EU Organic
• Kosher Certified
• Rainforest Alliance Certified
• Compliant with FDA food import requirements
• Supports Fair Trade sourcing practices where applicable

Client Testimonials

“Rooibos North America has been our trusted rooibos source for 5+ years. The quality, consistency, and customer service are outstanding.”
— Purchasing Manager, Organic Tea Brand (USA)

“They helped us develop a proprietary tea blend that’s now our top seller. Their sourcing and technical support are excellent.”
— Formulator, Wellness Beverage Start-up

Recognitions and Achievements

• First U.S.-based rooibos company to offer Rainforest Alliance Certified Rooibos
• Featured in World Tea News, Tea & Coffee Trade Journal
• Partnered in functional ingredient R&D projects with university labs
• Participated in Expo West, SupplySide West, and World Tea Expo

Rooibos North America continues to lead the U.S. market in high-quality rooibos and South African botanicals by combining sustainable sourcing, product excellence, and responsive service.