KBI was formed in response to the Kombucha Crisis of 2010 where Whole Foods voluntarily recalled all Kombucha in its stores due to a potential labeling issue. The consequences of that were costly and brought a rapidly growing industry to a screeching halt. The post-traumatic stress of that crisis was stifling communications and paranoia spread throughout the community. Reformulation allowed the industry to breathe a small sigh but larger issues were still looming.

Alex LaGory and Hannah Crum of Kombucha Kamp founded KBI to bring everyone together in order to create solutions and a safe space to discuss the unique challenges of brewing Kombucha commercially. United now, we work proactively to educate regulators, establish best practices and collaborate to grow the Kombucha market. And it is working!

From a humble start of 40 original founding companies, KBI has grown to over 200 400 members worldwide representing every continent (except Antarctica – lol!) and we are just scratching the surface of our potential. 20th Century Soda is dying as 21st Century people demand healthier options that also deliver on taste. Kombucha provides refreshment, probiotic organisms and nutrition in a living form which leads to a palpable sensation of “feeling good” that is one of the driver of the exploding marketplace.

Therefore, this is a perfect time to come together, create a community of like-minded people, and enjoy the benefits of the old and true adage, “There is strength in numbers.”  If any of our members faces a regulatory challenge, our experienced membership base and leadership are there to to find resolution. We actively lobby at the state and Federal level for regulations that help our industry to keep up with the increasing consumer demand and rapid growth.

Our collective visioning is helping us shape the future of the industry, rather than letting it be shaped by external forces.  We are protecting and preserving the booch for generations of drinkers to come! Now, that’s a worthy cause.