09 Nov 2020 SA’s new coffee labelling regulations published

On 1 November 2021, strict new rules on what manufacturers may label as coffee will come into full force in South Africa, as part of ongoing regulatory efforts to prevent consumers from being misled.

The new amendments were published on Friday 30 October 2020 by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.

The new requirements mean that some of South Africa’s beloved brands, that have been popular sellers for generations will not be classified as coffee anymore. Products in the categories “mixed coffee” or “coffee mixture” must contain 75% ground coffee.

As a result of these amendments, a new category called “chicory and coffee mixture” was introduced. This category makes allowance for products containing 50% chicory.

Products such as Ricoffy contains only 32,5% chicory and therefore doesn’t contain the sufficient ground coffee to qualify under either heading, according to Business Insider editor, Helena Wasserman.

Wasserman said, “when the rules kick in, Ricoffy will have to make a plan…If they don’t change their ingredients, what will they call themselves? A hot drink, maybe?”…..

BusinessInsider SA: Read more here