The KOMBUCHA MARKET
Markets • Trends • Definitions
Background • Perspective • Competition
Ingredients • Nutrition • Health Claims
Health Risks • Testing • Tasting
Resources • Suppliers
Expanded Table of Contents
Executive Summary. Legend, Lore, Myth, Hippies, "Mother Cultures," and more.
WHAT IS KOMBUCHA. Definitions, History
ALTERNATIVE TERMS for KOMBUCHA. We say "Kombucha" ... you say "Kombbucza."
KOMBUCHA PRODUCTION. Basics, including photographs of SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast).
THE SCIENCE OF KOMBUCHA. An overview of basic biology, with constituents – bacteria, yeast, fungi – and other ingredients.
KOMBUCHA HEALTH & SAFETY. An assessment of known – and perceived – risks.
KOMBUCHA MARKET PROFILE. Topline data (U.S. Kombucha Ready-to-Drink Retail Sales Estimates via Mass Market, Vertical / Natural Channels).
MARKET CATALYSTS. Lifestyle-driven consumption, alternative therapy and health quests, and preferences by age and taste.
BUSINESS & KEY OPPORTUNITIES. National, regional chains, beverage distributors, non-grocery outlets, independent food and beverage retailers, college campuses, farmer's markets, restaurants, product demos, beverage carts, kiosks.
CHALLENGES / OPPORTUNITIES. Complex decisions for Kombucha manufacturers.
RISKS & BARRIERS. Unparalleled growth runs into potential dangers.
PRODUCT TESTING. Test results from third party laboratory analysis.
PRODUCT TASTING. Sensory (organoleptic evaluation) by a professional food and beverage critic: Appearance. Aroma. Taste. Mouthfeel. Finish. A new standardized guide for Kombucha products.
COMPANY / PRODUCT DIRECTORY. Summarized profiles of 24 commercial Kombucha brands, with contact information, SKU details, and distribution areas.
BEYOND BEVERAGES. Kombucha utilized in non-beverage products.
KOMBUCHA BOOKS. Publications – in and out of print – from various consumer and technical sources.
ONLINE and SOCIAL MEDIA. The presence of Kombucha on blogs, Web sites, and emerging social media formats.
TRADE RESOURCES. Business media, trade shows, beverage industry resources.
SCIENTIFIC and MEDICAL STUDIES. Bibliography of science-based studies on Kombucha.
GLOSSARY. Definitions and terms for Kombucha, functional beverages, and tea.