The Point.1888 has signed a deal for its client River Cottage for a range of organic kombucha drinks. Thanks to a deal secured by The Point.1888 with Equinox Kombucha, River Cottage-branded kombucha will become a reality in a matter of months.

River Cottage Organic Kombuchas will be made in partnership with Equinox, who have been making organic kombuchas at their artisan “brewery” near Hebden Bridge in Yorkshire since 2013.

“This partnership is significant, not just because it topped our client’s wish list, but also because we expect the timing of our launch should make it incredibly rewarding,” says Louise Williamson, head, specialist brands, The Point.1888. “While we continue to battle a global outbreak of COVID-19, there is a significant rise in the demand for immunity-boosting foods and beverages, particularly kombucha.” 

River Cottage, a food and events business brought on The Point.1888 back in February 2019 to help it generate further brand awareness and encourage the nation to eat more sustainably and ethically through the introduction of a broader range of consumer products.   

Since starting work with the brand, The Point.1888 has helped to secure six new partnerships for River Cottage, including an organic and eco-friendly coffee producer; one of the leading organic breweries in the U.K.; a bee’s wax plastic-free, food-safe wrap manufacturer; and an award-winning organic artisan cider producer. Now, the brand has moved on to kombucha. 

 “I’ve been a big kombucha fan for a few years now,” says Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, owner, River Cottage. “I think it’s a fantastic drink, and I believe it’s not only helped me to maintain a diverse gut biome, but also to reduce my alcohol consumption by offering a complex and delicious alternative without a load of sugar and additives. I’ve been brewing my own at home and sampling almost any kombuchas being sold in the U.K. that I could get my hands on. But it frustrated me that so many of them are imported from abroad and pasteurized, so they are no-longer ‘live.’ When I sampled the Equinox range, I was blown away by the quality and delighted to note that it was fully organic, completely live and being made right here in the U.K. It’s been a fantastic experience to collaborate with Daniel and Rupert at Equinox to create a range of completely original River Cottage kombuchas, based on some of our favorite ingredients, from the Garden, Orchard, Hedgerow and Meadow.”

With the River Cottage kombucha range now in production and packaging designs being finalized, The Point.1888 and Equinox are currently holding meetings with retailers to agree where the range will be stocked. It is expected to be in stores by the end of September.