Originally posted by: Elizabeth Dobos | March 27, 2018 World Tea News

Kombucha, the wildly popular fermented tea, gets a special showcase with the new Kombucha Pavilion debuting at World Tea Expo, June 12-14 in Las Vegas.

Produced in partnership with Kombucha Brewers International, the Kombucha Pavilion offers 10-15 furnished, turnkey booths in a dedicated area on the exposition floor to kombucha producers who want to showcase their brews.

“We’re thrilled about the partnership, getting Kombucha Brewers International onboard is exciting,” said Frank Fazio, director of new business development for World Tea Media.

Hannah Crum, founder and president of Kombucha Brewers International, believes coming together at World Tea Expo is a great opportunity for small to medium kombucha producers to have real conversations with buyers, including retailers and distributors. “It’s a natural symbiosis and this is the first of many years of working together,” she said.

Kombucha has experienced consistent annual growth in the natural and conventional retail segments. In recent years, the fermented tea has grown 30 percent in natural and 50 percent in conventional, said Fazio.

“Kombucha is the fastest growing RTD beverage in the world currently and this is a fantastic opportunity for emerging kombucha brands to showcase their products to a diversity of retail buyers,” said Brian Keating, founder of the Sage Group, a consultancy and think tank focused on the specialty tea and natural products industries. It is also a great venue for kombucha companies to interact with tea companies, said Keating.

Energias Market Research predicts the global kombucha market will experience a compounded annual growth rate of 17.7 percent between 2018 and 2024. A key factor in the rising demand for kombucha is the growing demand for healthy and natural food and beverages. The probiotic-filled beverage is known for supporting gut health.

“As many as one new brand per week pops up,” said Keating, who believes being a part of the Kombucha Pavilion is a great way for a kombucha company to become more embedded in the tea industry. “As the epicenter of tea trade and commerce, World Tea Expo is particularly excited to welcome the kombucha industry.”

Crum will speak at the expo. “An Introduction to Kombucha Brewing and Expanding Marketplace” takes place from 10 to 11 a.m. June 12 in Room 226 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Potential exhibitors can contact Fazio for more information at frank.fazio@informa.com.