A Limpopo-based company from Ga-Matlala Ramoshebo village is gearing up to enter the German export market. Setsong Tea Crafters will be one of 30 companies representing South Africa at the Anuga International Food and Beverage Trade Fair in Cologne, scheduled for October 4-8, 2025.
This opportunity has been facilitated by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), which has established a national pavilion to promote proudly South African products at the fair. This initiative is part of the department’s broader efforts to help local companies explore export opportunities globally.
Nondumiso Phaahla, co-founder of Setsong Tea Crafters, expressed enthusiasm about showcasing their unique products in Germany, aiming to attract the attention of international importers seeking high-quality food and beverages. Anuga, recognised as the world’s largest and most significant food and beverage fair, draws distributors, retailers, and wholesalers from across the globe.
Phaahla is confident that their indigenous black bush and red root tea products will resonate with international buyers. In South Africa, Setsong’s offerings are already available in stores such as Spar, Food Lovers Market, and Dischem.
While the company is currently working to meet local demand, Phaahla is optimistic about the potential success in Germany. She stated that the trip is a chance to represent their village on an international platform, especially as demand for organic foods and beverages continues to rise worldwide.
Plans are also in motion to expand their production facility to accommodate anticipated domestic and international demand resulting from their participation in Anuga. Phaahla noted that while Germany is a primary target, they are eager to connect with food importers from various regions at the fair.
Should they secure export orders, the impact on the company could be substantial, necessitating an increase in production and creating new job opportunities. Established in 2014, Setsong currently employs 35 permanent staff and is poised to roll out expansion plans, including the construction of a state-of-the-art factory in the village.
The company’s production facilities, consisting of seven rondavels, serve as an agro-processing centre, covering various stages from harvesting to packaging. Phaahla highlighted that they are also developing an agro-tourism component, hosting tea tours that are gaining popularity among visitors, further establishing their site as a hub for tea and indigenous knowledge.