Despite hard times for some deciduous growers there are encouraging signs that a number of smaller Western Cape export industries are thriving, among them rooibos tea of which more than 4 000 tons will be exported this year to keep pace with demand in countries like Germany - an increase of 1 200 tons over the previous year. The honeybush industry - the plant makes a most flavoursome tea - has grown by 50% over the past year, and the value of buchu exports is expected to show a steady 7% a year increase from the present R20 million a year. Wine, a significant export commodity, is showing signs of coming to terms with international market fluctuations and demands while the swing to more healthy eating augurs well for the CapeÕs olive industry. It produces about 90% of the countryÕs total and has shown a demand exists for exporting table olives - along with it investment. Ostrich meat exports are doing very nicely, thanks largely to the foot and mouth scare in the UK and Europe and the CapeÕs renowned quality boat building, much of it for export, already exceeds R300 million a year.
Several Western Cape exports thrive
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