International Society of Beverage Technologists

ISBT is the only organization whose sole interest is the technical and scientific aspects of soft drinks and beverages. With members from around the world, membership is open to any person engaged in the science, technology, or production of soft drinks or beverages, including those suppliers to the beverage industry whose principal occupation is substantially technical in nature. This includes individuals employed by bottlers, franchise companies, packaging, flavor, ingredient, and equipment suppliers who are engaged in scientific or technical positions.

ISBT enhances the promotion, development, and dissemination of knowledge relating to the art and science of beverage technology for the non-alcoholic beverage industry.  Focus areas of activity include (but are not limited to) beverage formulation, production, packaging, equipment, and distribution. We do this by:

Most of our activities center around our annual conference (BevTech), our regional events (Asia Pacific, Canada, Europe, India, and Latin America), and our 9 technical committees:

  • Beverage Gases
  • Beverage and Ingredient R&D
  • Beverage Operations & Processing
  • Packaging Technology
  • Quality
  • Retail Equipment and Fountain Technology
  • Sanitation and Microbiological Control
  • Sweetener
  • Water Quality & Treatment

ISBT also has a series of online microlessons designed to provide an important and easily available resource for our global community of beverage professionals.  The Beverage Institute by ISBT® currently offers 9 courses covering everything from the Fundamentals of Beverage Technology to more specialized courses on Microbiology, Sweeteners, Gases, Water, and more.  More information about these courses can be found at https://www.isbt.com/isbt-beverage-institute.asp.

Membership rates, benefits, and more can be found at https://www.isbt.com/membership.asp.  KBI members can enter Kombucha in the Discount Code field to get $50 off your first year’s membership.

Brendan Multala, Kombucharista, Rochester, NY

Q: When did you first discover kombucha?

A: I remember it so clearly! I was in about eighth grade and I saw a Kevita bottle in the cooler section while shopping with my mom and thought “Oh, this is new and interesting.” It took a bit to convince my mom to purchase it, since the cost of kombucha can begin to add up, but I absolutely loved the taste of the Lemon Cayenne kombucha that Kevita offered and solely drank that for years. Once I got my first job, I admittedly spent a large percentage of my paycheck on kombucha.

Q: Why did you start your own kombucha company?

A: I truthfully did not intend on owning a business. I witnessed my dad owning businesses growing up and saw what a challenge it could be at times, along with how much grit someone needs to have to follow through. Once I graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with my B.S. in Economics, however, I was able to better analyze the market. I quickly realized there were flavors that were missing from the marketplace, those being cocktail flavored kombucha. I began experimenting with a mule flavor and realized I had found my niche. That is how Kombucharista was born; I wanted to make a mocktail that didn’t have added simple syrups or soda for consumers that don’t drink but wanted a product that could also be mixed with liquor to create a healthier, classic cocktail. Everyone wins!

Q: What is your favorite flavor of kombucha?

A: To this day, the very first flavor I tried when I was 13 is still my favorite. The Kevita brand has a Cayenne Lemon flavor that is refreshing and light; even though I have seemingly unlimited amounts of my own kombucha I still find myself putting numerous bottles in my shopping cart.

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

A: I have been a server or bartender since I was 18, and I still am. I have met amazing customers who want to support my business so I am still part time in the service industry (for now).

Q: What is a saying that you live by?

A: I have had a quote written down that I keep by my desk since my last semester of college. It says, “Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.” It’s a quote by Henry Ford that reminds me to go with my gut. It’s gotten me this far so I think it’s been a good reminder!