Nic Reid, our Head of Product Development, has won red espresso® the esteemed title of Most Innovative Specialty Beverage from the LUXLife Magazine Food and Drink Awards 2020 based in the United Kingdom for extending our range of coffee alternatives from ground Rooibos tea into a wider choice of Rooibos based products as well as vegan chai latte and superfood latte powders. The winner was judged on the following criteria: business performance, longevity, business growth and significant innovations.
According to LUXLife Magazine: “When it comes to enjoying the finer things in life it’s difficult to think of an experience more indulgent than treating yourself to your favourite meal or snack, and for those working in the Food and Drink sector, ensuring that individuals have access to the best food products and services available is at the forefront of their efforts as they strive to make this possible. The Food & Drink Awards commends those who go above and beyond for their customers and/or consumers to ensure that their appetites are catered for, especially in light of the recent COVID-19 outbreak which has seen many businesses in the food and drink industry face unprecedented challenges over the past few months.
“Over the past few years, the Food and Drink industry has seen the emergence of many food trends and developments as consumer demand becomes much more refined. Consequently, the need for new food products and services that can meet this demand is at an all-time high. The Food & Drink Awards therefore also commend businesses who prove themselves to be innovators in one of the world’s most competitive industries by bringing fresh, exciting ideas forward, and celebrate the outstanding achievements made by those looking to solidify their reputation as industry leaders”.
Pete Ethelston, Co-founder and Managing Director of red espresso®, has been awarded Beverages Entrepreneur of the Year 2020 from the Corporate Vision Magazine Global Small Business Awards based in the United Kingdom. Pete has been at the helm of red espresso® from the very beginning and a true leader and inspiration to us all.
Each year, Corporate Vision Magazine proudly seeks out the very best that the small business community has to offer on a global basis. “Small businesses and their dedicated owners form the solid foundation of our global corporate landscape, despite the trying hardships and obstacles they may incur along the path to success. What is so special about a small business, is that their success is not measured by size, number of employees… not even annual turnover. Instead, its success is demonstrated through innovative products and services, an exemplary reputation within their industry and client/customer satisfaction across the board!”
In November 2017, Nic Reid and Kirsty Reid, the designers behind the red espresso® brand received top honors from the IPSA Gold Pack Awards for their design of our red espresso® packaging.
red espresso® earned the specialty coffee industry’s highest honour by winning “Best New Product” in the Specialty Beverage category at the world’s largest coffee show, the SCAA Specialty Coffee Association of America’s 20th Annual Conference & Exhibition, held in Minneapolis in May 2008. red espresso® made history as the first tea to win in the specialty beverage category, as well as the first South African company to win a SCAA award.
In March 2009, Monique Ethelston, Global Marketing Director for red espresso®, was voted Rising Star of the Year in the prestigious Sunday Times Marketing Excellence Awards. The awards “recognise and reward the marketing discipline in the South African boardroom in its many facets and all that comprises a great marketing campaign, including image, innovation, creativity, pricing and distribution – the complete ambit of the marketing mix.”
In October 2008, red espresso® was awarded the Global Food Award for Product Innovation at the IUFoST (International Union of Food Science & Technology) Global Food Industry Awards, which took place in Shanghai, China.
red espresso® was nominated by SAAFoST (South African Association for Science & Technology) for its technical innovation of pioneering the world’s first tea espresso and, out of 10 shortlisted entries from around the globe, won first prize.
Out of 220 new product entries, red espresso® was celebrated as one of the Top 10 Best New Products at World Tea Expo, held in Las Vegas in June 2008. No official winner was chosen.
In October 2006, red espresso® earned top honour by winning Best New Product in the 2006 SA Food Review/Symrise New Product Competition. “Putting a sophisticated spin on an old stalwart and taking (Rooibos) to a whole new level” was the unanimous response from SA Food Review’s adjudicating panel, who, after year-long deliberations, awarded red espresso® first prize in the competition.