Author: KBI Admin

Meet Our Members – Boro Beverage (NC)

Carly Erickson, Boro Beverage, Carrboro, NC, USA Q: When did you first discover kombucha? Growing up in California, I remember drinking kombucha in high school and even being exposed to it in my early childhood. I feel like I didn’t necessarily become an avid drinker until my mid twenties (about 10 yrs ago). It was […]

Tuesday, 11th September 2018

Carly Erickson, Boro Beverage, Carrboro, NC, USA

Q: When did you first discover kombucha?

Growing up in California, I remember drinking kombucha in high school and even being exposed to it in my early childhood. I feel like I didn’t necessarily become an avid drinker until my mid twenties (about 10 yrs ago). It was more about a curiosity on how to make and the health benefits and less of a “drink fad.” I was already canning and preserving food and kombucha was another one of these intriguing DYI things.

Q: Why did you start your own Kombucha company?

Truthfully, it evolved from a local demand and a ethical need. Making kombucha began as a hobby and a desire to lessen food waste (as a farmer). I was pickling food we grew on farms and kombucha was another fermentation we were able to create. My community kept asking for it! I grew the business organically based off of the need to strengthen our local food economy and provide another option of how to consume local food. I also have an entrepreneurial spirit (thanks Dad!) and am always thinking of new business ideas! This one flourished the most!

Q: What is your favorite flavor of kombucha? 

Krækiber (crowberry) from Kombucha Iceland is heavenly. These little dark blue berries are foraged all over the island and pair perfectly with the acidity of kombucha! I am also super fond of these folks!

Q: What is your former/current other life or career?

My background includes 20 years in the food and beverage industry and studies in Sustainable Agriculture. I no longer work actively on farms however am working toward building my own self sufficient homestead. I have currently been working in the craft beer world for the past 10 years.

Q: What is a saying that you live by?

It may be cheesy but I have always been a fan of “Live the life you love, Love the life you live” in other words “you do you, boo” Make the most of the life you live and don’t be afraid to dream big… otherwise you may not reach your fullest potential

 

Meet Our Members – Brewguru (South Korea)

Daniel Fransham, Brewguru, Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Q: When did you first discover kombucha? Back in 2014, living in Korea, never having tried another person’s kombucha, I ordered a scoby from the states to satisfy my curiosity. Ironically, it was not until well after starting my company that I got the opportunity to try some kombucha […]

Friday, 7th September 2018

Daniel Fransham, Brewguru, Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Q: When did you first discover kombucha?

Back in 2014, living in Korea, never having tried another person’s kombucha, I ordered a scoby from the states to satisfy my curiosity. Ironically, it was not until well after starting my company that I got the opportunity to try some kombucha from the states and actually compare it to what I had.

Q: Why did you start your own kombucha company?

When I first tried my own kombucha I knew that this was a product that would have a lot of potential in the Korean market because it fits alongside many other fermented foods in the Korean diet, it is a delicious fizzy tea drink, its organic, natural and had absolutely no competition at that time, whereas in the states it was really starting to trend upwards. I felt like I had the perfect product, at the right time, in the right place, and I was determined to be the right person to make it happen.

Q: What is your favorite flavor of kombucha? 

I love Whalebird’s Dry Hopped Pamplemousse that I discovered at this years KBI conference.

Q: What is your former/current other life or career?

I ran a real estate tech start-up in New Zealand for 3 years (rather unsuccessfully) it made me aware of my business shortcomings so in 2010 I started a Bachelor in Entrepreneurship at Massey University, graduating in 2013.

When in Korea visiting my wife’s family she decided she didn’t want to return to New Zealand and so I ended up teaching English before starting the first commercial Kombucha Company in Korea.

Q: What is a saying that you live by?

If what you want to achieve was easy then everyone would be doing it, and there would be no sense of self-satisfaction once you have achieved it, so make sure that what you are doing has purpose and never give up, no matter what obstacles get in your way.

This is the only thing that enabled me to create and survive running a business in a foreign country where I still don’t speak the language!!

 

Meet Our Members – YeaBucha! (NJ)

  Briana Hanks, Brooke Furtick, Brittany Phillips, YeaBucha!, Brick, NJ, USA   Q: When did you first discover kombucha? We first discovered kombucha in 2010. Every summer we worked in our dad’s dental office and he often took to Whole Foods for lunch. He was always interested in trying new things, and once we tried our first […]

Friday, 7th September 2018

 

Briana Hanks, Brooke Furtick, Brittany Phillips, YeaBucha!, Brick, NJ, USA

 

Q: When did you first discover kombucha?

We first discovered kombucha in 2010. Every summer we worked in our dad’s dental office and he often took to Whole Foods for lunch. He was always interested in trying new things, and once we tried our first sip of GT’s Kombucha we were hooked!

Q: Why did you start your own kombucha company?

We started YEABUCHA for two main reasons. Initially, we loved kombucha but didn’t love the price tag that came along with buying it regularly. Then, in the spring of 2017 we experienced the greatest loss of our lives when our dad passed away at the age of 65. We saw our dad who seemed so healthy on the outside suffer because he was unhealthy on the inside. Unfortunately, we see this too often in society today. As we dove into the kombucha world we learned more about the vast health benefits that come from consuming it daily. Out of our love for drinking kombucha and desire to help others attain optimum health came the idea for YEABUCHA. We wanted to facilitate others to start on a home brewing journey, so we created a kit that has everything necessary to get brewing. We share with our community how easy it is to “ferment yourself” and take ownership over their gut health.

Q: What is your favorite flavor of kombucha?

Nothing beats your own home brew, that’s for sure! But we got to try so many amazing flavors at KombuchaKon 2018 and meet some incredible people in the industry. When we’re out and about or traveling, our go-to brands are Brew Dr. Kombucha, Health-Ade and Boro Beverage. We also love Boochcraft hard kombucha!

Q: What is your former/current other life or career?

We are three sisters Briana, Brooke and Brittany originally from Boston. Briana now lives in South Carolina and is a stay at home mom who home schools her two daughters Ashlee and Rylee. Brooke is the driving force behind YEABUCHA. She is an entrepreneur who currently lives in New Jersey and runs three other businesses including a Marketing Firm, a health and wellness business and a rental property business. Brittany lives in Massachusetts and spends her days teaching middle school strings and orchestra in Cambridge Public Schools, and her nights overseeing the creative team at her local church.

Q: What is a saying that you live by?

“Ferment yourself!” This is the YEABUCHA slogan of encouragement to empower others to brew their own kombucha! Yes, buying commercially brewed kombucha is great when you’re on the go, but home brewing allows our community members to make kombucha a part of every day for the whole family. We encourage others to take ownership of the fermentation process from the comfort and convenience of their own kitchen, and we help our brewers realize just how it easy it is to ferment by yourself!

 

Webinar Series: Alcohol & Flavour Management in Kombucha Products

ALCOHOL & FLAVOUR MANAGEMENT IN KOMBUCHA PRODUCTS  DATE: 1/16/2019 1 pm on Zoom WHO: Aubrey Dyer COST: Free (members); $20 (non-members) The presentation will discuss some of the challenges involved producing a beverage that is authentic, has great flavour and of course meets legal requirements on a commercial scale. The Flavourtech Spinning Cone Column will […]

Thursday, 6th September 2018

ALCOHOL & FLAVOUR MANAGEMENT IN KOMBUCHA PRODUCTS 
DATE: 1/16/2019 1 pm on Zoom
WHO: Aubrey Dyer
COST: Free (members); $20 (non-members)

The presentation will discuss some of the challenges involved producing a beverage that is authentic, has great flavour and of course meets legal requirements on a commercial scale. The Flavourtech Spinning Cone Column will be explained in detail and some of the approaches taken to alcohol adjustment in the Beer and Wine industries discussed.

Presentation Topics

  • The Challenges and Constraints in Scaling Up: Some of the challenges involved in producing a beverage that is authentic, has great flavour and of course meets legal requirements on a commercial scale.
  • Introduction to the Spinning Cone Column (SCC): The Flavourtech Spinning Cone Column will be explained in detail and some of the approaches taken to alcohol adjustment in the Beer and Wine industries discussed.
  • Alternative processing options
  • SCC deployment options

Webinar Host


Aubrey Dyer spent 20 years in a range of technical and commercial roles in the New Zealand Food and Beverage industry before taking responsibility for the Americas Region for Flavourtech in early 2011. Since then he has worked closely with many premium food and beverage companies, assisting them to develop and produce market leading products with Flavourtech’s processing technologies.

About Flavourtech
Flavourtech has been in business for over 40 years with extensive expertise high-quality in flavour, alcohol, tea and coffee processing.

About Scan American Corporation
Scan American Corporation were founded in 1977 and specialize in distribution and support unique equipment from around the globe

Meet Our Members – Mama’s Brew Shop (New Zealand)

  René Schliebs and Liv McGregor, Mama’s Brew Shop, Helensville, AK, New Zealand Q: When did you first discover kombucha? I’ve been home brewing since the early 2000’s after trying some kombucha that my friend had made for me. Brewing from here naturally evolved from my existing passion for all things fermented, and of course […]

Wednesday, 5th September 2018

 

René Schliebs and Liv McGregor, Mama’s Brew Shop, Helensville, AK, New Zealand

Q: When did you first discover kombucha?

I’ve been home brewing since the early 2000’s after trying some kombucha that my friend had made for me. Brewing from here naturally evolved from my existing passion for all things fermented, and of course my career as a nutritionist. 

Q: Why did you start your own kombucha company?

In 2015 I became friends with co-founder Liv McGregor. We were both avid home brewers and one night some months later we decided to launch our own company, Mama’s Brew Shop. Our first brewery was at home in my garage. We quickly outgrew the garage and took over a defunct butcher shop turning it into New Zealand’s first and only kombucha tap room, The Kombuchery. Mama’s Brew Shop’s brewery is housed within The Kombuchery.

Q: What is your favorite flavor of kombucha? 

Daily Organics Winter. This was the first New Zealand brand that I fell in love with before launching Mama’s Brew Shop. It’s authentic, warming and delicious!

Q: What is your former/current other life or career?

I’m a nutritionist and medical herbalist. As well as a full-time Mum to Willa 4 and Loch 2. I was consulting as a natural fertility specialist for 15 years before launching Mama’s Brew Shop helping hundreds of couples conceive. 

Q: What is a saying that you live by?

Always be kind. You never know someone else’s story.

 

 

Meet Our Members – GloryBucha Kombucha (WA)

Debra J Chrapaty, GloryBucha Kombucha, Bellevue, WA, USA Q: When did you first discover kombucha? I was first introduced to kombucha by a work colleague about 10 years ago. She loved it and said that when she was on a kombucha regiment she always felt her best. So I tried one of the better selling […]

Wednesday, 5th September 2018

Debra J Chrapaty, GloryBucha Kombucha, Bellevue, WA, USA

Q: When did you first discover kombucha?

I was first introduced to kombucha by a work colleague about 10 years ago. She loved it and said that when she was on a kombucha regiment she always felt her best. So I tried one of the better selling brands. I still remember being at my desk, taking a sip and then asking her,”how do you drink this stuff?” and then handing her the bottle. About 5 years after that, I began planning for my wedding. I was a technology executive at the time who sat behind a desk all day and came home to a glass or two of wine. I wasn’t feeling good or looking good and I wanted to be my best for my wedding, so I tried kombucha again. This time I was a bit more “prepared” for what kombucha was and how it tasted. I still recall the crossing over moment when I really began to enjoy kombucha, although I still cannot say why. Since then I have never looked back! Drinking kombucha has helped boost my energy, my acuity and my fitness level. GloryBucha Kombucha was inspired by my first encounter with kombucha and the idea that kombucha does not have to be a taste you have to “get used to” but rather, one you crave. I drink GloryBucha Kombucha everyday and I crave it.

Q: Why did you start your own kombucha company?

I really can’t answer this except to say that I love kombucha so much and it’s made such a difference for me that I wanted to bring truly delicious kombucha to the world. Here I mean kombucha everyone will want to drink; even people who say they “hate” kombucha. I was lucky to meet our brewmaster, Lowell Profit. He is an incredible craftsman and and together we were able to forge the mission of our company which is to make it easy for everyone to make healthy choices.

I could say that with obesity impacting more than a third of the US population and childhood obesity on the rise; and with about 74% of Americans complaining about gastrointestinal issues, that I wanted to bring a product to our community that’s healthy and rich in probiotics and antioxidants. Or that our brewery is in northern Washington so it’s also exciting to support local partners by using only fresh, local ingredients and employing folks in our community to create and deliver GloryBucha Kombucha. But in reality, I opened a kombucha brewery for the sheer love of kombucha brewing and to be a part of the tradition and craftsmanship brewing this incredible drink. We were lucky to have King 5 News capture the journey and purpose of GloryBucha Kombucha. You can see it here :
http://www.king5.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/evening/glory-bucha-a-new-kombucha-brewery-in-arlington-is-on-a-mission-to-change-lives/281-532918505

Q: What is your favorite flavor of kombucha? 

Wow, this is a tough question because I am a kombucha fanatic! I buy and drink every brand of kombucha I can find and I seek it out even when I go to a different city or country. I am proud to say, as a member of the KBI community, that I am finding more and more amazing brewers and fun, different flavor combinations. It is so energizing and inspiring to see the industry flourishing. Lately I have really been enjoying some of the hops brews and really like Heath-Ade’s Hops-Mint. But around February, GT’s Pure Love took the show for me. It is just beautiful, from the bottle design to the hibiscus scoby, it really is pure love!

To bring our customers some new amazing kombucha tastes, we are excited to introduce our new flavor line called GloryBucha Sensations. Our Sensations products include fresh ingredients like jalapeno, mint, habanero, sage and hops. Ingredients that tantalize the taste buds. Our tagline is Flavor, Fizz, Fabulous and our Sensations products are proving to be that and more!

Q: What is your former/current other life or career?

Living the dream to me means a lot of things. Certainly building GloryBucha Kombucha is on the top of list. But I also have had a great career over many decades as a technology executive building brands like Wells Fargo, Microsoft, Cisco, Zynga and E*TRADE. I am also an angel investor in many technology and products companies. My career is and continues to be an amazing journey, where I get to focus on the product and technology companies that fascinate me the most and help to bring them forward.

Q: What is a saying that you live by?

My favorite expression was passed on to me by my mother who died when I was in my 20’s. She said, “Deb – You get what you give in life.” That is why I am proud to give our customers and the world healthy, delicious GloryBucha Kombucha! We say “Drink smart; Feel glorious.” What better gift can I share with people then the gift of feeling glorious?

 

 

Meet Our Members – Moody Culture (PA)

  John Schaffer and Lisa Harpster, Moody Culture, State College, PA, USA   Q: When did you first discover kombucha? Our first sip of kombucha was at Wegman’s in 2012.  I actually wasn’t a fan at all at that point.  How things have changed!  Q: Why did you start your own kombucha company? I had […]

Monday, 3rd September 2018

 

John Schaffer and Lisa Harpster, Moody Culture, State College, PA, USA

 

Q: When did you first discover kombucha?

Our first sip of kombucha was at Wegman’s in 2012.  I actually wasn’t a fan at all at that point.  How things have changed! 

Q: Why did you start your own kombucha company?

I had started experimenting with my own recipe, playing with what worked and what most definitely did not.  When I got to the point where I loved the taste, I brought Lisa in to experiment with flavors.  We started giving it away to friends and family and suddenly we didn’t have enough for us!  People were really enjoying it and we thought we may be on to something here.  Lisa and I both like to juggle various ventures, so this was an exciting opportunity for us to pursue together. 

Q: What is your favorite flavor of kombucha? 

Undoubtedly, Health Ade’s Lemon Ginger.

Q: What is your former/current other life or career?

I’m in private wealth management, estate planning, and law, and also enjoy lots of house projects.  Lisa was in pharmaceutical sales, the performing arts, teaches and loves creative art projects.  As I said, we both like to juggle a bit. 🙂 

Q: What is a saying that you live by?

Be Sound. (John)  Keep an open heart. (Lisa) 

 

Meet Our Members -Zentient Culture (Australia)

  Roger Elfenbein, Zentient Culture , The Entrance, NSW, Australia Q: When did you first discover kombucha? Whilst holidaying in the surfing town of Byron Bay Australia in 2015. Had my first sip of a Remedy Ginger Lemon kombucha at a local cafe and was instantly hooked on the refreshing and great tasting flavour. Q: Why […]

Monday, 3rd September 2018

 

Roger Elfenbein, Zentient Culture , The Entrance, NSW, Australia

Q: When did you first discover kombucha?

Whilst holidaying in the surfing town of Byron Bay Australia in 2015. Had my first sip of a Remedy Ginger Lemon kombucha at a local cafe and was instantly hooked on the refreshing and great tasting flavour.

Q: Why did you start your own kombucha company?

I had always found fermented foods really interesting due to their complexity, unique processes and benefits to health. I’m a big believer in food as medicine and so after discovering kombucha I couldn’t wait to share it with others.

Q: What is your favorite flavor of kombucha? 

Health-Ade Pomegranate. I’ve lots of respect for Health-Ade staying true to their small glass jar brewing process.

Q: What is your former/current other life or career?

With a background in Food Science, prior to taking the plunge with Zentient Culture I had spent 16 years in research and development for large multinational food and beverage companies. It was a journey that had led me to passionately believing in whole plant based foods and I’m thrilled to be able to share this in my local community with Zentient Culture Kombucha.

Q: What is a saying that you live by?

“Be the Change You want to See in the World” – Gandhi

 

 

Meet Our Members – Snowy Owl Kombucha (NY)

Tara Sasiadek and Anna Bystran, Snowy Owl Kombucha, Buffalo, NY, USA   Q: When did you first discover kombucha? Around five years ago I started loving Synergy’s Chia Seed Kombucha for it’s tasty and strange texture. Being big into cooking, gardening, and generally making a tasty mess, I looked into making it at home. It […]

Wednesday, 29th August 2018

Tara Sasiadek and Anna Bystran, Snowy Owl Kombucha, Buffalo, NY, USA

 

Q: When did you first discover kombucha?

Around five years ago I started loving Synergy’s Chia Seed Kombucha for it’s tasty and strange texture. Being big into cooking, gardening, and generally making a tasty mess, I looked into making it at home. It became a weekly ritual with my partner, and the more I learned about it, the more it seemed like a great addition to a healthy life. I am a cancer survivor, melanoma in my early 20s, and so the benefits of acetic acid and immune support were particularly attractive to me.

Q: Why did you start your own Kombucha company?

At first we were just making new flavors every week and posting them online. People started asking for the kombucha or for tips on how to start it themselves, and it was amazing sharing it with everyone. As you know, SCOBYs proliferate, so at a certain point we had almost 10 gallons going in our kitchen and I thought: maybe this is meant to be something more!

Q: What is your favorite flavor of kombucha? 

We have great local Kombucha in Buffalo: right now I have Barrel and Brine’s Elderflower flavor in my fridge, along with Bootleg’s Blueberry Lavender. I am on a huge floral flavor kick right now.

Q: What is your former/current other life or career?

I am an artist and my sister/co-pilot Anna is a scientist, so we bring a good balance of creativity and precision to the mix. Before I went into entrepreneurship, I was a teacher for 10 years.

Q: What is a saying that you live by?

“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” -Samuel Beckett

Meet Our Members – Quetzal Kombucha (Canada)

Myriane Lefebvre and Martin Desaulniers, Quetzal Kombucha, Shawinigan, QC, Canada Q: When did you first discover kombucha? Myriane: When I was a kid my mom used to make her own kombucha. Later, as a young adult, I started making my own for my personal consumption. Martin: First time I tasted kombucha, it was a RISE […]

Wednesday, 29th August 2018

Myriane Lefebvre and Martin Desaulniers, Quetzal Kombucha, Shawinigan, QC, Canada

Q: When did you first discover kombucha?

Myriane: When I was a kid my mom used to make her own kombucha. Later, as a young adult, I started making my own for my personal consumption.

Martin: First time I tasted kombucha, it was a RISE Kombucha (Ginger) that Myriane bought from the store. I was hooked immediately. We later started our company in the exact same commercial space Myriane bought that bottle. Isn’t it amazing?

Q: Why did you start your own kombucha company?

Martin: We began to brew kombucha for fun in our apartment. We shared it with friends and colleagues, who asked for more. At the time, we both worked for a microbrewery (Le Trou du diable), our colleagues were the kind of people who weren’t easily impressed by drinks, and still they wanted to buy kombucha from us. That’s when we started to believe that we probably had something good.

Q: What is your favorite flavor of kombucha? 

Martin: That’s a good question. I guess it would be Turmeric Sunrise from Aqua Vitea, which is one of our inspirations.

Q: What is your former/current other life or career?

Myriane: I’ve studied Biochemistry and Sociology. I worked almost 10 years in a microbrewery (Le Trou du diable) and 6 years as a wine advisor at the “Société des alcools du Québec”.

Martin: I used to work in marketing and management. Still doing it for a product I love, in an industry I’m passionate about.

Q: What is a saying that you live by?

Gratitude is the catalyst to abundance and giving.

Myriane: “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Martin: Do what you love, and you’ll never work another day in your life.