In 2005 Pete and Monique Ethelston left their successful corporate careers behind and went backpacking through the Himalayas on honeymoon. While sitting in an internet café in Kathmandu they received an email from Pete’s long-time business partner and friend, inviting them to try a Rooibos espresso upon their return. Monique, a tea drinker and health guru, and Pete, an entrepreneur and avid sportsman, were both intrigued by this idea, of a healthy alternative to coffee made from herbal Rooibos tea that grows only in their native country, South Africa.

Pete and Monique had already decided to combine their passions for health, wellness and economic upliftment to start a business together. A product that was both healthy and able to create significant employment in South Africa, seemed a perfect fit. When they got back from honeymoon, they teamed up with Monique’s brother, Nic Reid, and Pete’s long-time business partner and friend, Oliver Ryder, to launch red espresso®. Nic helped make and pack red espresso®, and found the first 1000 café customers in South Africa by selling it from the boot of his car! And Oliver, our CFO from the very beginning, helped Pete establish the business commercially.