Innovation Lies At The Heart Of Our Business
From our humble beginnings in 2005 to our status today as a global business and brand, red espresso® remains a close group of family and friends made up of ex-corporates and entrepreneurs. Our mix of passion and professionalism combined with our willingness to attempt the seemingly impossible has helped win red espresso® numerous international awards for pioneering café culture and giving people choices that weren’t there before.
In 2005 we created the world’s first Rooibos tea espresso as a naturally caffeine-free alternative to coffee that has five times more antioxidants than green tea and ten times more than regular brewed rooibos tea. We created a range of café style Rooibos drinks and became famous for our much-loved Rooibos red cappuccino® and red latte® that are ideal for coffee drinkers looking to cut down on caffeine, pregnant women not wanting to give up their favourite cappuccino or latte, and people who are simply conscious about living a healthier life.
Since then, we have become the premium beverage choice for our range of café favourite drinks. With our passion for perfecting premium quality and taste, we have proven over the years to deliver on exactly what customers want. Quality drinks start with quality ingredients.
Meet Our Co-Founders
Pete Ethelston, Nic Reid and Monique Ethelston remain at the helm of red espresso ®.
Meet Our Co-Founders
Pete Ethelston
Nic Reid
Monique Ethelston
Locally Manufactured
We manufacture our products in our custom built facility in Paarl. By keeping production local, we ensure the highest quality standards while supporting the community and contributing to the local economy. Experience the difference of a truly South African product, made with passion and expertise.
Family owned since 2005
Since 2005 we are proud to still be a family-owned business. Our passion for quality, innovation and connection is driven by the values of family—trust, care, and a commitment to doing things the right way. This has shaped not only the way we craft our products but also the way we treat our customers, partners, and everyone we meet.
Taste experts
With 20 years in the café industry, we’ve refined our expertise to truly understand what makes an extraordinary drink. We’ve listened to our customers, perfected flavours, and crafted the perfect balance. We don’t just create beverages—we create experiences shaped by years of knowing exactly what tastes good and what our customers crave.
Committed to quality excellence
Quality drinks start with quality ingredients. We are dedicated to delivering the highest standard in every cup. Our focus on quality extends to every step of the process, ensuring that each red espresso drink offers a premium, full-bodied experience that exceeds expectations.
Inventors of the worlds first rooibos espresso
We made history by creating the world’s first rooibos espresso—transforming the humble rooibos plant into a rich, full-bodied coffee alternative. This groundbreaking innovation redefined what’s possible in the café world, offering a bold, naturally caffeine-free espresso that tastes as incredible as it is unique. Over the years many things have come and gone, but our red drinks still remain a firm favourite on café manus around the world.
passion for innovation
Our journey began with a groundbreaking idea: to create the world’s first rooibos espresso. This pioneering spirit sparked a drive for innovation that continues to fuel us today. Over the years, we’ve expanded our passion into a full range of premium café beverages, each crafted to offer unique flavours and exceptional quality. From our rooibos roots we’re committed to constantly evolving and staying ahead of the trends, ensuring every sip is as exciting as the first.
The ability to be agile
We pride ourselves on our ability to adapt quickly to an ever-changing world. Whether it’s shifting consumer preferences, new trends, or unexpected challenges, our flexibility allows us to stay ahead of the curve and deliver exactly what our customers need.
Customer is key
Our customers matter deeply to us, and we’re dedicated to making sure every interaction reflects our commitment to their satisfaction and success. Our success is driven by their trust and loyalty, and we make sure every cup, every conversation, every innovation is all about serving them with the excellence they deserve.
IN THE PRESS
Over the years we’ve been featured by print, web and radio outlets from all over the globe. Read our selection of greatest hits…