Our Process
From Wild Fynbos to Your Cup – A Transparent, Ethical Journey
At The Honeybush Co, we manage every step of the supply chain from harvesting to final infusion with the utmost respect for nature, people, and product quality. Our process is built on three pillars: regenerative agriculture, scientific precision, and inclusive business practices.
Sourcing: Wild & Regenerative by Design
We harvest from over 17,000 hectares of pristine land in South Africa’s Langkloof Valley, across five ecological clusters:
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Uniondale
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Joubertina
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Haarlem
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Outeniqua
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Molenrivier
These areas are home to indigenous Cyclopia species, including:
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C. intermedia (Bergtee): mellow, woody
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C. subternata (Vleitee): fruity, floral
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C. longifolia : full bodied, rich in colour
Our supply includes both wild-harvested and regeneratively cultivated honeybush — all of it fully traceable and ethically sourced.
We also source organically cultivated honeybush.
Sustainability in Action
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Sustainable Harvesting Plans (SHPs) co-developed with landowners and harvesters
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Rotation-based wild harvesting (plants are harvested every 3 – 5 years
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Invasive alien clearing
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Fair value share model for local harvesters and communities
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Bioprospecting Permits and access agreements with The National Khoisan Council and The San Council of South Africa
Harvesting: Human Hands, Herbal Wisdom
- Mature C intermedia plants are harvested when they have at least 4 years of growth.
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Only 90% of each honeybush stand is cut to promote regrowth.
- Cut material is bundled (30–40kg) and hand-carried from mountainous slopes.
- Each batch is tagged for traceability, from bush to processing facility.
Processing: From Green to Gold
Our upgraded facility uses low-emission steam fermentation and certified hygienic practices to maintain both flavour and function.
Step-by-Step:
Step 1: Cutting
The whole plant is chopped into fine particles of 1-5mm and then fermented.
Step 2: Fermentation
Fermentation is performed at a high temperature (60-80C) usually with the help of Steam heated fermentation tanks.
Step 3: Drying
Material is hot-air dried for moisture control.
Step 4: Sieving & Grading
The final product is sorted into final cuts and formats.
Step 5: Packing
The final product is prepared for 1. Bulk, 2. Retail Tea Boxes, or 3. White Label Packing
Ethical from Start to Finish
Human-powered harvesting
Lab-verified quality
Transparent pricing & sourcing
Wild + cultivated supply
Fully permitted by DFFE and Cape Nature
Indigenous recognition and compliance
Let’s Brew a Better Future—Together.
Whether you need a supplier, a co-creator, or a trusted infusion customers
—The Honeybush Co is ready. From our mountains to your market, let’s grow something meaningful.