By Evan, Host of Episode Up
Hello, everyone! I'm Evan, your host, and in this episode, we took it to another level by chatting with Aurelija, one of the founders of Yala Kombucha. Her journey is one of passion, dedication, and taking an unconventional approach to the beverage industry.
Aurelija and her team launched Yala Kombucha in the UAE, introducing kombucha brewing to the region. Kombucha is a healthy, fermented tea that offers a delightful alternative to conventional sugary soda drinks. Captivated by kombucha during their travels and dissatisfied with the high-sugar content of most sodas, Aurelija and her husband Ignas decided to make a healthier but equally refreshing beverage option. With over 800 experiments in flavor profiles, the team has managed to strike a harmonious balance of sweetness, acidity, and health benefits.
Starting as a homebrewed project, Yala Kombucha grew out of Aurelija's kitchen into a successful startup, thanks to a 'nano-brewery with a kombucha bar' concept. Friends and neighbours loved their homemade kombucha so much that they decided to bring it to the Ripe Market. Notably, their commitment to organic growth led them to bootstrap the business, from the kitchen to an award-winning Kombucha brand.
Aurelija explains that they are selling to about 30% of their capacity, making room for potential partnerships and untapped market segments. They are also planning to move from a nano brewery to a larger brewery - a significant step that increases their production capacity to allow Yala Kombucha to reach more kombucha lovers.
One cannot overlook the value of sticking to one's vision and focusing on what you believe in from Yala Kombucha's journey. Being open to changes, continuous learning, and embracing market demands is essential for growth. But more importantly, their growth is rooted in creating a top-quality product that doesn't compromise by using high-end equipment and maintaining the highest standards in their brewery.
The new beverages industry is just heating up, and it's exciting to see startups like Yala Kombucha shake up the game with kombucha. If you’re keen to try a healthier, tastier alternative to common soda, kombucha might just be your new favourite drink!
Join us in our next episodes as we continue to explore innovative startups that challenge the status quo. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more insights into the startup world, and if you found this post informative, share it with other entrepreneurs.
Until next time, keep brewing those brilliant ideas!
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Video production by Dubai based Evamotion video creative agency specialising in making video series for businesses. Hosted by Evan Vilius.