During the recent South African Botanical Products Association Symposium on February 5, 2026, natural product expert Cyril Lombard shared insights about the marula fruit. He emphasized the fruit’s potential beyond its well-known use in Amarula cream liqueur. “We all know Amarula, but that’s pretty much it,” he explained. Small businesses struggle to find natural extracts because the support system for innovation is weak in South Africa.
Lombard highlighted the contrast with Israel, where companies develop a wide variety of functional products thanks to support from research centers like MarulaLab. “There’s so much potential for marula in health-focused products; it’s just waiting to happen,” he said.
The marula fruit is rich in potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. Studies show it may help with heart health by positively affecting blood lipids. A notable clinical trial from 2008 linked marula juice to cardiometabolic health. This research adds weight to Lombard’s assertion that marketing claims about marula can enhance a product’s appeal, especially regarding blood sugar and cholesterol management.
Lombard also discussed the formation of The Marula Fruit Products Association. This initiative aims to unite stakeholders to facilitate regulatory approval, particularly in Europe. Notably, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recognizes health claims related to potassium, linking it to normal muscular and neurological function.
Despite these benefits, Lombard pointed out a major hurdle: marula fruit spoils quickly. “In Namibia, ripe fruit can turn rotten in just seven days,” he noted. Infrastructure improvements near harvesting areas could help maintain quality. He mentioned that high-pressure processing could extend the juice’s shelf life significantly. Plus, dried marula skin, often discarded, might offer concentrated health benefits.
Lombard sees potential in the health shot market, which is growing rapidly. However, educating consumers about marula’s taste is essential since many only associate it with Amarula. He compared marula’s potential to the acai berry—another product with processing challenges but a successful market story.
“We need collaboration, a shared vision, and solid science to make marula thrive in the health product market,” he concluded.
By joining forces and leveraging available research, the industry could unlock new opportunities. As Lombard puts it, “The moment for marula has arrived.”
For more scientific support on health claims related to potassium and other nutrients, you can check the EFSA guidelines here.
