The UAE region’s kombucha sector is still in its infancy, despite the beverage’s growing popularity on a global scale. But with pioneer businesses like YALA, kombucha is poised to take up in this area. The company’s founders, Aurelija Lapieniene and Ignas Lapienis who were driven to close the market gap for a delicious and healthful beverage, created YALA Kombucha, the company’s signature kombucha tea brand. During the development stage, the founders won a startup competition, securing a shop prize, and received the keys in June 2022, where they built everything by themselves.
Kombucha is a sweet, fizzy beverage produced with fermented tea and other herbs that is a healthy substitute, and having it doesn’t come with any hard and fast rules. This fermented tea can be consumed any time of the day and can complement other food items just like any soda drink does.
The creators of YALA are providing a range of flavor-infused kombucha, reshaping the beverage industry of this region.
Launching A Healthy Alternative
While it is hard to deny that most soda drinks are loaded with sugar and artificial flavors, having an alternative drink that’s equally good tasting is quite important.
Aurelija shares, “The UAE has a short history with kombucha, with only a few brands in Dubai. However, the market is still emerging compared to the Western world, where kombucha is already a popular soda alternative.”
Kombucha is relatively new with a few brands in Dubai, but, with a healthy and amazing taste, it’s sure to gain immense popularity in this region.
The idea of Kombucha originated overseas, and the company’s founders believed it would be interesting to offer a better soda substitute, as sugar and other preservatives and sweeteners are found in practically all soda drinks.
They wanted to introduce something nutritious and refreshing that didn’t taste bad. They attempted to experiment with more than 800 distinct tastes during the COVID period. And currently, they are successful in achieving a great balance in the taste.
A Specialty Store
When a company’s commitment is to deliver healthy beverages, focusing on quality becomes paramount. The YALA Kombucha bar is no exception in this case. Alongside focusing on serving top-notch kombucha, they are also offering a cozy experience to their customers.
YALA Kombucha Founders being accustomed to small, quality-focused stores in Scandinavia, decided to open a specialty store in the UAE region, which is generally known for its large and varied stores.
Intrigued by the concept of socializing over drinks, like in Western countries. YALA decided to create a halal, non-alcoholic community-focused brewery with a pleasant ambiance.
The founders were captivated by the concept of people socializing over drinks, similar to bars in the UK or New York. However, since the UAE is non-alcoholic and adheres to halal principles, they wanted to create a community-oriented space where people could enjoy healthy and appealing beverages.
The Souq Al Mina-based bar offers the option to refill bottles upon request, promoting sustainability by reducing the need for recycling or production. Additionally, they have developed their own bar equipment, including cooler rooms, boilers, filling machines, and can sealers. Responding to consumer demand for eco-friendly alternatives, the founders have also introduced cans for easier transportation and storage.
As a nano brewery, they produce and serve the drink onsite, giving customers a unique experience. Using herbs and natural ingredients, they offer various flavors, including ginger and berries, without artificial additives.
Establishing In The Kombucha Universe
From serving some amazing varieties of kombucha, the company has also managed to earn global recognition in this field.
Aurelija shared, “Less than a year of establishment, we managed to pull out a global award in the kombucha universe. So it was organized in Spain and the committee consisted of well-recognized wine tasters and kombucha experts.”
With different parameters, including smell, taste, texture, aftertaste, longevity, and fizziness in the competition’s list, YALA’s Lemon Ginger flavored kombucha was the best that stood up to the test. With confidence in their product quality, the brand offers taster cups at events, and its bar experience has converted even kombucha skeptics into fans.
Filling The Market Gaps
With a healthy alternative in the market, the company is generating revenue from multiple sources, becoming a widely recognized brand.
YALA bar is expanding its B2B presence, with restaurants and hotels recognizing their kombucha drinks as ideal companions to meals. Aurelija and Ignas have identified a gap in the restaurant and hotel industry in the UAE region, providing kombucha as an alternative beverage to the typical fine dining beverages such as champagne. Additionally, their presence at events is highly sought after due to their convenient kegerators, which are fridges with a tap, like a tap tower.
Future Plans Of The Company
The company is deciding to break even soon and the founder lets us know more about their plans and how everything turned out since they started in this field.
YALA’s business plan is to break even by 2025, which is not that far. So the founders are expanding broadly business to business (B2B). Their B2B part is expanding because this is a niche product and a niche market. So many places that want to have kombucha are collaborating with YALA Kombucha.
For enhanced production, they are setting up a full warehouse next year, as they are looking forward to getting more precise and streamlined processes. In addition, Aurelija and Ignas intend to set up a real bottling line similar to the canning line, which will have larger fermenters, higher ceilings, and a large brewery.
In terms of staff capacity, the business is looking to expand its workforce to manage these various revenue streams and to develop new products. In addition to the canned kombucha, these products include a new premium line of sparkling teas, and refillable kegs for their B2B customers.
Conclusion
Despite the global presence and popularity, this fermented tea drink is relatively new to the UAE region. To introduce the concept of a healthy drink among the general masses of this region, the founders of YALA Kombucha are bringing this new line to the market and making up for the gaps with a healthier drink through a friendly and community-driven approach.
The Founders, Aurelija and Ignas, have big dreams for their company’s growth and future and are enthusiastic that kombucha will hold a special position in the market because it tastes better and feels fantastic due to its unique properties and compatibility with the UAE lifestyle.
Learn more about how YALA Kombucha is made through their feature on the UAE business channel Episode Up, hosted by Evan Evaldas Vilius, Video Producer and Director.
Follow Aurelija Lapieniene on LinkedIn.
Find YALA Kombucha on Instagram and visit their website https://yalabucha.ae/
Follow Evan Evaldas Vilius on LinkedIn.
Find more business interviews on Episode Up’s official YouTube.
