Grant Rushmere and Richard Bowsher have bought and caught the zeitgeist for all things African. Their offering? A born and bred indigenous product that is one ‘BOS’ beverage. After years of working internationally on a brand called Afro, Grant has learnt a thing or two about branding Africa and a good deal about how to turn a good cup into a great can. Why rooibos?

Grant explains: ‘While developing the Afro brand I worked extensively with rooibos, blending it with all sorts of different flavours. I realised that its natural sweetness makes it the perfect carrier for fruit flavours. Some of the world’s best, blended teas use rooibos as a base. With its healthy, healing properties being increasingly recognised locally and internationally, the obvious choice was to start with rooibos and build the product from there.’

Because ice tea is a drink that hasn’t nearly been harnessed to its full potential. An ice tea could have it all – entertainment, refreshment, health… and a conscience. So here it is: made from first grade organic rooibos blended with all-natural flavours and robustly beneficial ingredients. The word BOS captures the energy and irreverence of South Africa. It’s a little quirky, a little crazy and a little left off centre.

The packaging represents a purity of purpose as well as the insouciance of the BOS brand. Potent symbols of African mythology, the lion and Sirius, brightest star in the night sky, are set against a backdrop of bold African colours that reflect the flavours and functions of the range.For Grant’s business partner, Richard, the seeds of BOS stemmed from his own piece of heaven on earth: Klipopmekaar Rooibos Tea Farm and Private Nature Reserve situated in the bio diverse wonderland of the Cederberg mountains. Richard has located Klipopmekaar at the vanguard of organic rooibos farming installing solar power, environmentally conscious design, entrenched recycling systems and challenging conservation projects.Grant had the brand concept and secret recipe, Richard had the farm and international entrepreneurial experience; they both had the vision: to take BOS from seed to sale point. ‘What can be achieved when you combine care in every aspect of a product – from the harnessing of the ingredients, to the packaging, to the promotion? This pursuit is our motivation,’ explains Grant. Both Grant and Richard have ambitions to build an ethical business; and together with their dynamic team, they plan to entertain and engage their consumers through off-the-wall, out-the-box creative marketing initiatives. BOS is not just an ice tea; it’s also an experience and a way of looking at life.So where to from here? When asked about their hopes and dreams for BOS, Richard’s reply is quite tongue in cheek:  ‘Our main goal is for BOS to become a verb and adjective in Kazakhstan,’ he concluded.

BOS Ice Teas are sold nationwide at selected outlets.
Available in 275ml slim line cans with recommended retails price ranging from R9.90 – R14.00 per unit.