North Shore business supports war-ravaged Ukraine

Kc Kombucha founder Gail Matthew has a friend living through the Ukraine war. A dollar from every bottle of her new flavour sold will help his family access the basics they need to survive. Further profits will be donated to the Red Cross Ukraine Appeal.

Kc Kombucha’s new flavour, KcU Passion for Ukraine, boasts a vibrant purple hue and an exquisite tropical zing, says Gail.

The fourth release from the boutique kombucha brewer based on Auckland’s North Shore contains real passionfruit, organic butterfly pea flower, blue cornflowers, purified water, organic sugar, organic green tea and kombucha culture.

The new drink delivers all the health benefits associated with traditionally brewed kombucha plus its sales will help people living in war-torn Ukraine.

Kc Kombucha founder Gail Matthew says her family, like most Kiwis, was saddened by the events in Ukraine. Their desire to do something to help is further driven by a personal connection – they have a friend living through the war.

A dollar from every bottle of the new flavour sold will be used to support him to get access to the basics he and his family need to survive and further profits will be donated to the Red Cross Ukraine Appeal.

“Sadly, his story is a common one – forced to move away from his home, friends lost in the war, separated from family and facing a daily struggle to get by.”

Despite the hardship, he loves his country and does not want to leave.

KcU Passion For Ukraine will be stocked in bars and restaurants across New Zealand and available from kombuchacity.co.nz for $37 for a six-pack or $68 or a 12-pack.

It’s the fourth flavour in the range, joining Kc2 Japanese Lime, Kc3 Springtime and Kc4 Boysenberry Burst on the shelves. All Kc Kombucha drinks are traditionally brewed, naturally fermented low-sugar kombuchas, made with wholefoods, free from preservatives, additives and artificial flavours.

A qualified naturopath, Matthew founded Kombucha City in 2016, and launched Kc Kombucha in 2019, fueled by a desire to create a healthy, great-tasting drink that would take kombucha into a whole new domain – Kiwi bars and pubs.

Unique bottles and packaging takes this centuries-old brew out of niche health product territory and gives it sophisticated mass-market appeal for a growing community of Kiwis redefining social drinking and seeking healthier, alcohol-free alternatives.

“As a non-drinker I wanted a healthy, flavour-filled beverage I could enjoy all night without resorting to high-sugar soft drinks or juices. I also wanted people who do choose to drink spirits to have a low-sugar, healthier mixer option.”