Following a recent article in the Cape Town Business News reporting the creation of a revolutionary new beverage called Red Espresso. The idea is that instead of using the traditional recipe of extra strong coffee, Red Espresso will be made from super strong Rooibos tea.

Now as bit a coffee and tea drinker myself I'm thinking that I drink espresso when I need a bit of a boost and tea - specifically Rooibos, when relaxing. Will the Red Espresso be extra relaxing? Further more the question beckons, is the next step to create an super relaxing version of the popular Red Bull?

As an entrepreneur I congratulate the folks who cam up with this one as it really is something that few others have thought of and no-one yet brought to market. As a Coffee and tea drinker I have to suggest a bit of cautious optimism, just because your market research suggest that consumers think its a great idea, does not mean its going to be flying off the shelf. Either way - the best of luck to.

I sincerely hope that my pessimism comes back to haunt me on this one.
Ben

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Article here:

Fledgling South African company red espresso has rocked the local beverage industry and taken top honors in the prestigious 2006 Food Review / Symrise New Product Competition celebrating world-class local innovation in local products, with the successful development and launch of the world’s first tea espresso.

red espresso espresso product is a Rooibos tea playing by coffee’s rules. The original world first, this groundbreaking innovation has been realised on South African soil and pioneered by a small local team who have cracked not only a new brand, but an entirely new beverage category – trademarked internationally.


A premium espresso product, red espresso contains only 100% Super Export Grade Rooibos tea specially ground for use in espresso machines – just like coffee. Naturally caffeine-free and boasting 4 X more anti-oxidants than traditionally brewed Rooibos tea, it is the original in fusing two fast-track global trends: café culture and good health.


Like coffee, red espresso is the basis for a delicious range of espresso-based drinks – including red cappuccinos, red lattes, fresh reds (Rooibos tea and fruit juice) and red shakes. According to red espresso Managing Director Peter Ethelston, “It’s not a traditional tea and it’s not coffee. In fact, red espresso straddles the two markets – offering a drink that has the sophistication of café culture combined with extraordinary health properties.â€