Video: How kombucha became a near $500 million fermented tea empire
CNBC have produced an informative 10-minute video that explains why kombucha is “having its moment”. They do a great job, with high-end graphics, compelling data and seamless storytelling about how kombucha went from a niche farmers’ market beverage to a global phenomenon.
They feature a wide range of brands including GTs, Health-Ade, KeVita, Happy Leaf, Mombucha, Pilot, Suja and Brew Dr.
Registered Dietician Natalie Rizzo shares insights into the benefits of the drink. Both GT Dave, Daina Trout of Health-Ade and Rich Awn of Mombucha offer their opinions. There’s even a VP from Pepsi who addresses GTs claim that by pasteurizing KeVita they are not selling authentic kombucha.
They address the challenges the industry has faced with class-action lawsuits and the 2010 Whole Foods Market recall over alcohol levels.
My only quibble is that they trace kombucha’s origins back 2,000 years to “a physician in Japan” rather than the more commonly accepted origin with the emperor Qin Shi Huang in 221 B.C. China.
If you want to understand the journey commercial kombucha has been on, and what the future potential is, this video is one of the best resources we’ve seen.
