Honeybush (Cyclopia spp.): From local cottage industry to global markets — The catalytic and supporting role of research

Honeybush tea (Cyclopia spp.), one of the traditional South African herbal teas with a long history of regional use, remained a cottage industry until the mid-1990s when researchers were instrumental in the development of a formal agricultural and agro-processing industry. It is one of the few indigenous South African plants that made the transition from the wild to a commercial product during the past 100 years. Research activities during the past 20 years included propagation, production, genetic improvement, processing, composition and the potential for value-adding. The present review provides an up-to-date and comprehensive record of the development of the South African honeybush industry, against the background of the historical highlights in the making of an industry. It provides a blueprint of the processes and actions involved in the development of a new agricultural and agro-processing industry from an herbal plant. Insight into challenges faced by the industry and future research needed to keep it competitive are provided.

► Cyclopia spp. are used to produce honeybush tea.
► It is one of few indigenous South African plants that has been commercialised.
► Most of the tea is currently sold on international markets.
► The history and development of the industry during the past 20 years is described.
► Research undertaken to date to support the industry is summarised.