Profile: Holos Kombucha, Sussex, England
On May 17 we featured a Guest Posting by Joseph at Holos on How to make a SCOBY Leather Bag. This interview with company co-founder Naomi Partridge tells the story of the brand.
I was introduced to Holos by Reeti Roy and Elena Dieckmann of Imperial College who had visited them after my feature on their production of SCOBY leather.
Holos Kombucha was founded in 2018 by a small group of friends in London. Holos is a Greek word that means wholeness in body, mind, and spirit. The business was born from a desire, as long-time kombucha fans, to offer quality, all-natural kombucha and to make a positive impact in the world. Holos now has a busy, expanding facility in West Sussex.
Offerings and availability
A variety of green teas, yerba mate, rooibos, and Earl Grey form the basis for their “traditional and authentic” kombucha delivered in glass bottles in a range of flavors:
Ginger & Hibiscus, Citra Hops, Raspberry & Elderflower, and Basil & Mint.
They also sell canned kombucha soda, offered as an “access point” for shelf-stable, no-sugar alternatives for the soda drinker looking for a healthy choice. It has just five calories and is sweetened with a stevia derivative. Available in four flavors:
Raspberry & Lemon, Apple & Elderflower, Ginger & Turmeric: Fiery, and Pineapple & Mint.
The authentic “shallow-brewed” kombucha black cans are available in Sunset Hops and Sparkling Oolong flavors. They are an experiment aimed at the sober-curious drinker looking for an alternative to beers and sparkling wines.
Their products are available online directly from Holos and shipped by Amazon and Ocado. They are also stocked at Whole Foods, and cafes and restaurants across the UK. New customers can use the code GINGER15 for a 15% discount on their website.
HOLOS also supply home brewers with starter kits.
Yorkshire Tea
One of the more robust commercial black teas sold in the UK is Yorkshire Tea. The company asked them to develop a kombucha based on their tea. The collaboration has produced drink that uses the Holos culture and is aimed at converting traditional British tea drinkers to kombucha.
Social Purpose: Employing survivors of modern slavery
Holos was founded with the express purpose of offering a service to benefit survivors of slavery in a safe, supportive, and sensitive way.
Naomi and her co-founder Megan had traveled to Asia to volunteer with women who had been trafficked. On their return to the UK, they specifically established Holos to benefit this work. They set aside 25% of their shares for The Holos Foundation – a charitable body focused on rehabilitation for survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking in the UK.
They work with charity partners who provide accommodation, counseling, and casework support for survivors of slavery, trauma, and human trafficking. The partners connect them to those who are ready and looking to learn new skills. The company offers a rotating number of women the opportunity to do meaningful work that gives them feelings of confidence, pride, and productivity..
Podcast
Listen to the podcast to learn more about the Holos story.
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