Scottish kombucha business brews up success

About the business

Founded in February 2020, Raw Culture produces authentic craft kombucha from its headquarters in Aberdeen. Founders Chris Geary and Ash Keenon, former oil and gas colleagues turned business owners, spent lockdown developing their kombucha recipe and building their brand aesthetics before launching their products in August 2021.

Thanks to Business Gateway we were able to focus on how best to bring our products to market and have made valuable connections within the food and drink industry. We are now focused on growing the business and capitalizing on our unique positioning as Aberdeen’s first commercial kombucha brewery.

How Business Gateway has helped

Through Business Gateway’s start-up services, Chris and Ash accessed regular 1:1 support from a dedicated business adviser, as well as specific advice on their business plan which helped them adapt to challenges during lockdown, including a delay to their initial business launch.

The business benefited from access to Business Gateway’s wider network as Chris and Ash were introduced to industry organisations, including Opportunity North East (ONE) and Scotland Food and Drink, as well as a food and drink expert within Scottish Enterprise. This support increased their knowledge and helped them strengthen their position within the industry. Raw Culture won ‘Best New Product’ at the North East Scotland Food and Drink Awards 2022.

Chris and Ash are now focused on continued growth and, using skills developed at a Business Boost Strategy workshop, have created a robust strategy to meet their long-term objectives for the business.

Chris said: “Although COVID-19 initially delayed our launch, we used the time to further develop our products and build a solid brand image. Lockdown forced us to take our time, and this resulted in four great flavours of kombucha that we are extremely proud of.

“Bringing the products to market has truly exceeded our expectations. We have surpassed our sales targets and completely underestimated the demand for our kombucha, in the best way possible. Our signature hand selected hop varieties are what make our range of kombucha a unique and refreshing experience.

“Thanks to Business Gateway we were able to focus on how best to bring our products to market and have made valuable connections within the food and drink industry. We are now focused on growing the business even more, capitalizing on our unique offering in Scotland.”