In 2012, Remedy Drinks emerged from a humble kitchen bench in Melbourne, Australia, founded by Sarah and Emmet Condon with a clear mission in mind: to create a beverage that combined health benefits with exceptional taste.
At the time, the shelves of Australian supermarkets were filled with drinks that either lacked true nutritional value, pretended to be healthy, or were genuinely beneficial but fell short on flavour. Recognising a gap in the market, the couple decided to launch a brand that would defy these shortcomings.
From kitchen to global brand
What started as an experimental home brew soon blossomed into a global brand that would take the beverage industry by storm. The first product was kombucha, a naturally fermented sparkling tea, which was virtually unknown in Australia at the time.
The couple had to educate Australians about what kombucha was, why fermentation was beneficial, and, perhaps most importantly, convince consumers to take that initial sip of this unfamiliar drink.
Despite the early challenges, the Condon’s’ persistence paid off. Early adopters embraced the product, helping to spread the word and build a loyal following.
“Through word-of-mouth, kombucha moved from a niche health food item to a mainstream staple. Remedy has helped turn kombucha into a fridge essential for so many people today,” said Georgia Vile, chief marketing officer, Remedy Drinks.
Product range
What began with kombucha has since expanded into a full range of better-for-you beverages. While kombucha remains at Remedy’s core, the company has diversified with products like Remedy Sodaly, an all-natural soft drink alternative, Remedy Shots 60ml functional shots, Remedy KICK, a natural energy drink, and Remedy Switchel ACV, a modern take on an old-fashioned apple cider vinegar hydration tonic.
This expansion reflects the company’s commitment to offering a variety of delicious, health-
conscious drinks.
“As we’ve grown, so has our mission, to shake up the drinks industry and prove that healthy choices don’t have to be boring,” said Vile.
Remedy’s drinks are now enjoyed across the globe, including in the UK, Canada, the US, and beyond, making healthy alternatives more accessible than ever before. The journey from a small-scale operation to a global brand has been marked by significant milestones.
“We’ve gone from launching in cafes and health food stores to becoming the number one selling kombucha in Australia,” said Vile.
Expanding into independent supermarkets, opening additional factories to meet demand, and ultimately taking Remedy global, have all been pivotal steps in the company’s growth. Remedy has also expanded its product range to include several new offerings, all while remaining true to its roots of all natural, functional drinks.
A particularly notable achievement was Remedy’s move into a state-of-the-art fermentary in Dandenong South in 2022, which has allowed the company to scale production while maintaining its commitment to quality.
“Our Fermentary is where the magic happens,” said Byrne. “It’s the size of two MCGs and houses over 1,000 pots of brewing kombucha,” said Vile.
The large-scale facility enables Remedy to continue producing small-batch-quality kombucha, but at a scale that meets the needs of a growing
global market.
Customer-centric innovation
One of Remedy’s most distinctive features is its commitment to customer feedback. The company places great importance on listening to its consumers and using that feedback to shape product development.
“Customer feedback is at the heart of everything we do at Remedy,” said Vile. “We’re constantly listening, whether through brand research, direct conversations, or our engaged online community.”
Remedy’s fans often provide valuable insights that lead to improvements or new product ideas.
“After hearing from our fans, we’ve even brought back old fan-favourite flavours,” said Vile, demonstrating the importance of community in Remedy’s ongoing evolution. This focus on listening to consumers has enabled the company to stay ahead of trends and deliver products that meet customer needs.
Crafting quality
At Remedy, quality control is a key priority. The company’s products are brewed using traditional methods, with no shortcuts taken in the brewing process. Remedy’s kombucha is brewed in small batches, using only the highest-quality ingredients.
“We never use concentrates or pasteurise our kombucha,” said Vile. “We brew the traditional way for 30 days, which ensures that all sugar is converted into healthy organic acids.”
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The brewing process begins with organic black and green teas, which are carefully selected for their high polyphenol content. The tea is then fermented using Remedy’s original SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast), which has been used in every batch since the company’s founding.
“We’re committed to keeping our drinks raw, real, and full of live cultures,” added Vile.
Quality is further ensured through extensive testing. Remedy’s on-site labs conduct chemistry, R&D, and sensory tests on every batch, ensuring that each product meets the company’s rigorous standards.
“It all starts with quality ingredients,” said Vile. “Our team works tirelessly to create products that are not only great tasting but also packed with functional benefits like live cultures, organic acids, and antioxidants.”
Committed to sustainability
Sustainability is another core value for Remedy. The company’s commitment to brewing for better means that it is constantly striving to improve its impact on both people and the planet. Remedy has invested in a 5 Green Star-rated fermentary to ensure that its brewing processes are as sustainable as possible. “We’ve also focused on reducing waste and minimising our environmental footprint,” said Vile.
The company continues to explore ways to make its packaging more sustainable and has implemented ethical sourcing practices for its ingredients.
“Whether it’s sourcing locally grown ginger or ensuring that our suppliers meet strict environmental and employee welfare standards, we take sustainability seriously,” added Vile.
Remedy Drinks is part of a broader trend toward healthier beverages, as more consumers seek alternatives to sugary soft drinks. This shift in consumer preferences is one that Remedy has been able to capitalise on, thanks to its commitment to providing beverages that are both healthy and delicious.
“Consumers are increasingly seeking healthier options to support their everyday well-being,” said Vile. “Simple swaps, like Remedy Sodaly, are resonating because they deliver great taste without additives.”
The company’s focus on natural ingredients and functional benefits, particularly those related to gut health, has played a significant role in the rising popularity of kombucha and other fermented drinks.
Remedy’s ability to offer a better-for-you option without compromising on flavour has made it a standout in the functional beverage market.
The future
As Remedy Drinks continues to grow, the company remains focused on innovation.
“We pride ourselves on rapid innovation,” said Vile.
The company’s ability to quickly adapt to consumer trends and bring new products to market, often within six months, has allowed it to stay ahead of the competition. While the details of upcoming launches are under wraps, Remedy is preparing to unveil its next product innovation in May.
“Big things are coming,” said Vile, “And we’re gearing up for a launch that will be worth the wait.”
Looking ahead, Remedy Drinks plans to continue innovating and pushing the boundaries of what functional beverages can be. The company’s goal is not just to follow trends, but to create drinks that serve a true purpose and meet the evolving needs of consumers.
For Remedy, the future looks bright. With its commitment to quality and sustainability, Remedy Drinks is poised to continue shaking up the beverage industry, one sip at a time.