Winning awards since 2005

At red espresso®, every product begins with a simple goal — to create something exceptional. From our world-first Rooibos Espresso to our expanding range of premium café beverages, our work has been recognised on the global stage with a number of international awards. These accolades celebrate not only the quality of our products, but the passion and innovation behind every cup.

2025 | South Africa

SAAFoST New Innovative Product Runner Up

Our Instant Matcha Latte was awarded for its originality, taste, convenience, sustainability, and market relevance - highlighting our commitment to premium, wellness-focused products.

2024 | United Kingdom

Corporate Vision Magazine Beverages Entrepreneur of the Year

Pete Ethelston was recognized for his business leadership, innovation and sector success across the globe.

2024 | United Kingdom

LUXLife Food & Drink Awards Most Innovative Specialty Beverage Company

Nic Reid was honoured for creating our innovative café-quality drinks range for the home – from our rooibos espresso and red cappuccino® to matcha, superfood, and chai lattes as well as gourmet hot chocolates. Judges found these to be best in class and most relevant in meeting today’s consumer need for quality, convenience and better-for-you choices.

2020 | United Kingdom

Corporate Vision Magazine Beverages Entrepreneur of the Year

Pete Ethelston was honoured for his business leadership, reflected in the company’s enduring success, innovative product range, and exemplary reputation within the industry.

2020 | United Kingdom

LUXLife Food & Drink Awards Most Innovative Specialty Beverage

Our Spiced Chai and Vanilla Chai were recognised for product innovation as the world’s first vegan chai range for the café and the home. Designed to taste great with dairy and plant milks and deliver a rich, creamy chai drink.

2017 | South Africa

IPSA Gold Pack Awards Top 10

Nic Reid was celebrated for his packaging design excellence across our full red espresso® range.

2009 | South Africa

Sunday Times Marketing Excellence Awards Rising Star

Monique Ethelston was recognized for her marketing excellence in creating the red espresso® brand.

2009 | South Africa

Cosmopolitan Magazine Mover and Shaker of the Year

Monique Ethelston was recognized for her entrepreneurialism and leadership as co-founder of the red espresso® company.

2008 | China

IUFoST Global Food Award for Product Innovation

red espresso® rooibos won first place for its breakthrough technical innovation as the world’s first tea espresso.

2008 | USA

World Tea Expo Top 10 New Product

red espresso® rooibos earned global acclaim for innovation.

2008 | USA

SCAA Best New Specialty Beverage Product

red espresso® rooibos made history as the first tea and the first South African company to win at SCAA.

2006 | South Africa

Food Review/Symrise Best New Product

Our debut year brought top honours for redefining rooibos into an espresso and creating the delicious red cappuccino®.