Afriplex
Afriplex is a South African B2B contract manufacturer and developer of proprietary botanical APIs, extracts, and complementary medicines, serving pharmaceutical, cosmetic, nutraceutical, food & beverage, and licensed cannabis clients.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2001
- HeadquartersPaarl, South Africa
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Afriplex does
Afriplex (Pty) Ltd is a South African botanical extracts and contract manufacturer founded in 2001, headquartered in Paarl, Western Cape, with a regional sales office in Johannesburg. The company develops and manufactures proprietary Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) including Afriplex GRT™ (Rooibos-derived for metabolic syndrome), Afriplex Corac-Q™ (respiratory health), Folicin A/T (hair loss), and Pelargonium S70 (respiratory infections), alongside botanical extracts (Rooibos, Honeybush, Buchu, Moringa, Kigelia), essential oils, functional ingredients, and the LIPOZOME® liposome delivery platform. Afriplex operates cGMP-compliant manufacturing facilities including spray drying, solid dosage forms (via the 2017 acquisition of Edelweiss Pharmaceutical), a 1,000 sqm tea packing plant, and a dedicated Cannabis Laboratory, and is described as the only licensed GMP cannabis manufacturer in South Africa. The business model is B2B contract manufacturing and ingredient supply to pharmaceutical, cosmetic, nutraceutical, and food & beverage companies, supported by GL
Afriplex firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Afriplex
- Legal name
- Afriplex (Pty) Ltd
- Website
- https://afriplex.co.za
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2001
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Afriplex is a South African B2B contract manufacturer and developer of proprietary botanical APIs, extracts, and complementary medicines, serving pharmaceutical, cosmetic, nutraceutical, food & beverage, and licensed cannabis clients.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where Afriplex is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Paarl
- HQ country
- South Africa
- HQ region
- Africa
Offices2 records
Markets served
Afriplex business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Botanical Extracts Manufacturing: Manufacture and supply of botanical extracts (liquid and powder) to pharmaceutical, cosmetic, nutraceutical, and food & beverage industries. Products include Rooibos, Honeybush, Buchu, Rosehip, Moringa, and other African indigenous plant extracts.
- Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs): Development and manufacturing of proprietary APIs including Afriplex GRT™ (Rooibos), Pelargonium S70, Folicin A/T, Rosehip C, and cannabis-derived APIs. Supported by APIMF development.
- Contract Manufacturing Services: cGMP-compliant manufacturing of final products including tablets, capsules, syrups, drops, creams, teas and other dosage forms for CAMs and health supplements.
- Laboratory Services: Routine laboratory analysis, CTD compilation, stability testing, and quality control services. In-house GLP-compliant laboratories for general chemistry, instrumentation, microbial analysis.
- Functional Food & Beverage Solutions: Product development and conceptualization of novel functional food and beverage products using botanical extracts, including vegan milk alternatives and functional teas.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | B2B ingredient and API sales |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Afriplex product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Afriplex manufactures and supplies standardized botanical extracts, proprietary Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), and contract-manufactured finished dosage forms (tablets, capsules, syrups, drops, creams, teas) for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and food & beverage companies. It is the only SAHPRA-licensed GMP cannabis manufacturer in South Africa and offers cGMP-compliant contract manufacturing, GLP laboratory testing, CTD compilation, and APIMF development services alongside its proprietary LIPOZOME® liposome drug delivery platform.
Product overview
Afriplex is a South African botanical extracts supplier and contract manufacturer established in 2001, specializing in Complementary & Alternative Medicines (CAMs), pharmaceutical ingredients, and functional food & beverage solutions. The portfolio centers on proprietary Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) including Afriplex GRT™ (rooibos-based metabolic disorder treatment), Afriplex PS70 (Pelargonium-based respiratory treatment), Folicin A/T (hair loss treatment), and Afriplex Corac-Q™ (respiratory health). The company offers a comprehensive range of botanical extracts, essential oils, and plant materials derived from African indigenous plants (Rooibos, Honeybush, Buchu, Moringa, Baobab), supplemented by cannabis manufacturing capabilities (vapes, edibles, distillates, CBD isolates). Manufacturing services include cGMP-compliant tablet/capsule production, spray drying, GLP laboratory testing, CTD compilation, and the proprietary LIPOZOME® liposome drug delivery technology. The company operates cannabis testing and extraction facilities under SAHPRA licensing and acquired Edelweiss Pharmaceutical in 2017 to expand solid dosage manufacturing capacity.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Afriplex GRT: Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient derived from rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) targeting metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cholesterol management
- Afriplex PS70
- Pelagon
- Afriplex Corac-Q
- Afriplex Bromelain
- LIPOZOME
- Afriplex C-Ferin
- Afriplex Moringa B
Products and services
- Afriplex GRT™ Proprietary rooibos-derived API standardized on aspalathin flavonoid, marketed to pharmaceutical manufacturers for metabolic syndrome, diabetes and cholesterol management applications.
- Afriplex PS70 (Pelargonium S70) Pelargonium sidoides-derived API for respiratory infections, sold to pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturers in liquid form for use in multiple dosage formats.
- Folicin A/T API phyto extract from Elephantorrhiza elephantina acting as a 5α-reductase inhibitor, supplied to pharmaceutical customers for male pattern baldness, BPH, acne vulgaris and androgenic alopecia formulations.
- Afriplex Corac-Q™ Plant-based respiratory health API combining Aspalathin (from Rooibos), Quercetin, Zinc and Vitamin D, marketed to nutraceutical and pharmaceutical manufacturers for antiviral and immune-stimulating formulations.
- Afriplex® Bromelain Proteolytic enzyme extract from pineapple stem standardized in a range of GDU strengths, supplied to pharmaceutical, topical, veterinary and supplement manufacturers for anti-inflammatory, mucolytic and digestive applications.
- Afriplex® Moringa B Water-soluble Moringa oleifera powder extract standardized on B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12) at 100% NRV, supplied as a functional food and nutraceutical ingredient.
- Afriplex® C-Ferin Honeybush (Cyclopia spp.) extract standardized on Mangiferin at 5% and 30% concentrations, supplied as a nutraceutical and functional beverage ingredient.
- Pelagon Range Pelargonium sidoides extract range standardized on unique flavonoids for food supplement applications with antibacterial, antiviral and immunomodulatory properties, positioned for the European market.
- Botanical Extracts Portfolio Liquid and spray-dried powder extracts of African indigenous plants (Rooibos, Honeybush, Buchu, Pelargonium, Moringa, Aloe Vera, Echinacea, Sutherlandia, Kigelia, Rosehip, Baobab), supplied as bulk raw materials to pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic and food & beverage manufacturers.
- Essential Oils Natural and essential oils (Rosehip, Buchu, Baobab, Marula, Moringa) produced by cold pressing or steam distillation, supplied to cosmetic and food supplement formulators.
- Cannabis Finished Products SAHPRA-licensed GMP-manufactured cannabis products including vapes, edibles (gummies), distillates and CBD isolates, supplied to licensed cultivators and brand owners for local and export markets.
- Functional Teas CBD-plated Rooibos tea and immune-boosting functional teas with liposomal Pelagon™ extract, supplied in bulk, sachet or finished GMP-compliant packaging for brand owners and retailers.
- Functional Vegan Milk Ingredients Plant-based milk concentrates (macadamia, almond, cashew, pecan, oat) with optional botanical fortification using Rooibos, Honeybush and Moringa extracts, supplied as functional beverage ingredients.
- Afriplex Propolis Extract Standardized propolis extract with antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and immunomodulatory properties, supplied as an active ingredient for cosmetic and food supplement formulations.
- LIPOZOME® Liposome Technology Commercialized liposome drug-delivery technology sold to formulators, offering improved bioavailability, protection against degradation, unpleasant flavour masking and targeted delivery of active ingredients.
- cGMP Contract Manufacturing Services Contract manufacturing of finished CAM and supplement dosage forms (tablets, capsules, syrups, drops, creams, teas) at cGMP standards, supplied to brand owners seeking turnkey production.
- GLP Laboratory Analysis Services GLP-compliant laboratory services covering general chemistry, instrumental analysis (HPLC, TLC, GC), stability testing and microbial analysis, delivered to pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cannabis clients.
- CTD Compilation Services Common Technical Document (CTD) compilation support for SAHPRA Complementary Medicines registration, delivered to clients seeking regulatory dossier assistance.
Quantifiable outcome
- CBD isolate extraction technology developed for local cannabis - first in South Africa
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Afriplex
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Afriplex technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
Afriplex partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Cannabis Research Institute (CRI)coreAfriplex is a member of the CRI and their dedicated Cannabis Laboratory was nominated as the laboratory of choice by the Institute. The CRI leads novel research and development projects in collaboration with international research organizations. Afriplex works with CRI on cannabis processing facilities, track & trace systems, and regulatory compliance.
- CloneLabs (Pty) LtdcoreAfriplex provides analytical services to CloneLabs, a biotechnology company providing licensed cannabis cultivators with high-quality clones propagated using micropropagation techniques. CloneLabs leverages Afriplex's quality control and analysis capabilities.
- Business DayminorMedia partnership for The Business Day Cannabis Economy LIVE webinar series. Provides platform for discussing cannabis industry topics and economic opportunities.
- WesgrominorTrade, tourism and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and Western Cape. Supports Afriplex's export initiatives and positions Western Cape as a medicinal cannabis hub.
- House of HempcoreStrategic partner that received SAHPRA's first Cannabis Cultivation License. Afriplex and House of Hemp worked together for seven years to meet local standards and international legislative requirements for cannabis production.
- Technical University of Dortmund (Prof. Oliver Kayser)minorInternational research collaboration on novel cannabis research projects. Collaborative research aims to develop new technologies and products for the cannabis industry.
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)corePartnership for development of Afriplex GRT™, the first SA-developed Rooibos API. SAMRC conducted research indicating rooibos flavonoid compounds play a role in cholesterol regulation and blood glucose level management.
- Agricultural Research Council (ARC)corePartnered with SAMRC and Afriplex in developing Afriplex GRT™ API. ARC contributes agricultural expertise for rooibos cultivation and raw material quality.
- Activ'InsideminorAfriplex is the local agent for this innovative French company offering novel actives for nutraceutical applications including Memophenol (brain memory), SkinAx2 (beauty from within), and Safr'Inside (mood balance).
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)coreCollaboration on APIMF (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Master Files) development program supporting APIs like Folicin A/T and Afriplex GRT. CSIR assists with safety and efficacy data generation.
- Edelweiss PharmaceuticalminorAcquired by Afriplex in 2017. Acquisition complemented Afriplex's existing business and offered Edelweiss clients access to botanical APIs, R&D services, quality assurance, and CTD compilation support.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves12 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Afriplex competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Horphag Research: Swiss/US supplier of branded, patented polyphenol ingredients (e.g., Pycnogenol). Comparable in the strategy of building IP-protected, science-backed branded ingredients from a single botanical source — similar to Afriplex GRT™ and Folicin A/T.
Broad incumbents
- Givaudan: Swiss global leader in flavors, fragrances, and natural ingredients (including the Naturex botanical portfolio). Overlaps with Afriplex on botanical extracts and functional food/beverage ingredients, but operates at much larger scale with broader portfolio.
- Symrise: German major in flavors, nutrition, and cosmetic ingredients with a meaningful botanical extracts business. Competes for the same functional food, beverage, and personal care brand-owner customers as Afriplex, though as part of a much wider portfolio.
- Kemin Industries: US-based ingredient manufacturer for human/animal nutrition, health, and beauty. Overlaps with Afriplex on functional botanical ingredients and F&B solutions, though at significantly larger scale and broader category exposure.
Direct peers
- Botanic Healthcare: Indian manufacturer of standardized herbal extracts, APIs, and nutraceutical ingredients with global B2B distribution. Comparable on standardized botanical APIs, dosage forms, and contract manufacturing.
- Sabinsa: US/India-based manufacturer of branded, science-backed botanical extracts and specialty ingredients. Comparable to Afriplex's proprietary API/branded ingredient strategy (e.g., GRT™, Corac-Q™).
- Indena: Italian manufacturer of high-quality standardized botanical extracts and APIs for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Most directly comparable to Afriplex in business model (plant-derived APIs, cGMP, global B2B sales).
- Nexira: French supplier of plant-based ingredients for nutraceutical, food, and beverage markets. Comparable B2B ingredient model and focus on functional/scientifically validated botanical actives.
- Martin Bauer Group: German-headquartered global leader in botanical extracts, teas, and plant-based ingredients for beverages, nutrition, and pharma. Comparable to Afriplex in vertically integrated plant-to-ingredient model and tea-packing capabilities.
- Euromed: Spanish producer of standardized botanical extracts for pharma, nutraceutical, and food applications. Closely aligned with Afriplex on standardized extract portfolio, cGMP manufacturing, and API development focus.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Afriplex social profiles
Digital presenceAfriplex compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Afriplex financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Afriplex leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Afriplex subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
Afriplex funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Afriplex M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Afriplex
What does Afriplex do?
Afriplex manufactures and supplies standardized botanical extracts, proprietary Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), and contract-manufactured finished dosage forms (tablets, capsules, syrups, drops, creams, teas) for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and food & beverage companies. It is the only SAHPRA-licensed GMP cannabis manufacturer in South Africa and offers cGMP-compliant contract manufacturing, GLP laboratory testing, CTD compilation, and APIMF development services alongside its proprietary LIPOZOME® liposome drug delivery platform.
Is Afriplex a public or private company?
Afriplex is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Afriplex founded?
Afriplex was founded in 2001. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Afriplex based?
Afriplex is headquartered in Paarl, South Africa, in the Africa region.
How does Afriplex make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Botanical Extracts Manufacturing is the primary driver. The others are active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), contract Manufacturing Services, laboratory Services and functional Food & Beverage Solutions.
Who are Afriplex's main competitors?
Horphag Research is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are Givaudan, Symrise and Kemin Industries. Direct peers are Botanic Healthcare, Sabinsa, Indena, Nexira, Martin Bauer Group and Euromed.
Does Afriplex have an API?
No public API is recorded for Afriplex.