A practical guide to stocking iced tea and kombucha
Iced tea and kombucha have moved from niche to mainstream, driven by shoppers looking for chilled drinks that feel a little more grown-up and a little less sugary. Both sell well as an alternative to standard fizzy drinks, and they are especially strong wherever there is a health-minded or younger crowd.
What kombucha actually is
Kombucha is a lightly sparkling drink made by fermenting sweetened tea with live cultures, which gives it a tangy, refreshing taste. The lines we carry, from Equinox and Hip Pop, are craft-brewed and many are vegan; several are lower in sugar than typical fizzy drinks, though this varies by product, so read the individual can. Because it is made by fermentation, kombucha can contain tiny traces of alcohol, but commercially sold lines like these are classed as soft drinks (under 0.5% ABV) and sold without age restriction.
Iced tea: the easy crowd-pleaser
Iced tea is the gateway line for many customers. Lipton's peach and lemon iced teas are familiar, easy to merchandise and sit comfortably next to colas and flavoured drinks. They are a reliable everyday seller, while kombucha and living sodas give your fridge a more distinctive, premium edge.
Who it suits and how to merchandise it
These drinks work for independent cafés, delis, farm shops, health and fitness venues, offices and events, and for retailers building a more grown-up chilled range. Group the kombucha together so shoppers can compare flavours, and keep iced tea near the mainstream soft drinks where it catches the eye. Pair the range with health drinks, low and no sugar drinks and vegan canned drinks for a fuller better-for-you fixture, or see the full canned drinks range.
Recipes, dietary information and stock can change. Always check the live product page and on-pack labelling for current flavours, allergen and dietary details before ordering or reselling.