On the couch: 55 Years of Annique Rooibos – A South African Innovation & Export Success Story

This episode of 'Lunch with Pippa Hudson' celebrates the 55th anniversary of Anique Rooibos, a South African skincare brand built on the traditional use of rooibos tea. The story begins in the late 1960s with Dr. Anique Theron, who discovered rooibos’s soothing effects on her colicky, allergic baby after accidentally mixing it with milk. This serendipitous moment sparked her journey into skincare innovation, leading to the development of a range of products that combined rooibos with modern ingredients like hyaluronic acid and bakuchiol. Over five decades, the brand has grown into a major exporter, now present in 16 countries, with a strong focus on direct selling that empowers thousands of women across South Africa and Namibia. The brand’s authenticity is reinforced by rooibos’s Protected Designation of Origin status in the EU, underscoring its unique South African origin. Anique Rooibos has evolved from a mother’s remedy into a global wellness brand offering 150 products across skincare, supplements, cosmetics, and even fragrances. The company maintains a deep emotional connection with its customers through heritage items like the iconic 30th-anniversary teapot and continues to innovate while honoring its roots. Despite growing competition, the brand remains a leader by blending tradition with science, quality, and social impact. The episode highlights how a simple act of care led to a legacy of empowerment, sustainability, and national pride.