Accolades for Local Kombucha Brewer
Aug 5, 2025 · Alan – MyNMB.co.za
Stellenbosch: The Aurora International Taste Challenge returned for its 7th year at the close of July 2025, gathering culinary visionaries, industry insiders, and discerning taste-makers from across the globe. Rather than simply recognising excellence, this dynamic event served as a compass, steering both passionate food lovers and mindful shoppers towards trusted, expertly-evaluated products that set benchmarks in quality and taste.
At present, if you find yourselves in the following outlets in and around Nelson Mandela Bay: The Grassroof, Continental Butcheries – Glenhurd, Sunridge and Walmer, Raak, Yumm, Shakti Fusion, Super Hub, Baobab Juice and Smoothie Bar, Three Sages and Hello It’s Me at the Boardwalk and Walmer, look out for NMB’s very own Artisan Kombucha brand.
As owner, Janine Meyburgh says; “We finally did it! After years of dreaming about entering the Aurora International Taste Challenge, we took the leap — and what an experience it’s been! We submitted our two most popular flavours at the time, and what made it even more special was that the South African Food & Beverage Awards teamed up with Aurora this year. So we ended up entering two amazing events at once. Double win!”
Aurora have recognised that the global drinks industry is undergoing significant shifts driven by consumer demand for beverages that prioritise health, convenience, and sustainability. Kombucha, juices, and ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic beverages stand out for their rapid growth and innovative production methods.
Kombucha continues to ride a wave of global popularity, bolstered by increasing consumer interest in health-conscious choices and functional beverages. This year’s entrants featured significant flavour innovation, moving well beyond traditional offerings. Producers introduced novel ingredients aimed at boosting nutritional benefits, clearly reflecting consumer demand for healthier lifestyles. Furthermore, kombucha’s natural low-sugar content and probiotic qualities aligned perfectly with contemporary wellness trends, facilitating its broader acceptance and increasing mainstream appeal.
And this is where local Kombucha – Artisan Kombucha – did very well, joining Kombucha Vallesana from Mexico as one of two identified for an ‘Exceptional Taste Experts Agree’ Award.
As the judges say; “The highest quality kombuchas stood out distinctly, featuring exceptionally balanced and nuanced flavour profiles. These top-tier examples achieved an impressive harmony between sweetness and acidity, coupled with enjoyable carbonation that enhanced their complexity. Clearly produced from superior ingredients and brewed meticulously, these premium kombuchas represented outstanding craftsmanship, reinforcing kombucha’s position as a sophisticated, internationally recognised beverage.”
“Being part of the very first SA Food & Beverage Awards was such a vibe. It wasn’t just about fancy trophies — it was about being part of something that celebrates real, quality products, and helps people discover food and drinks that have actually been assessed by chefs, sommeliers, and people who know their stuff. So when they awarded us, it really meant something,” said Meyburgh.
Artisan Kombucha started their kombucha brewery back in 2015. Over the past 10 years, they have tweaked everything — from processes and packaging to flavours and fermentation times — but one thing’s never changed: attention to detail and high standards.
“It’s taken a while to feel confident enough to step onto an international stage. If we’re honest, we probably should’ve entered ages ago… but hey, we’re here now, and we’re so grateful we finally did!” said Janine.
Why Kombucha?
Artisan Kombucha all started in Janine’s home kitchen. The family had moved to a low-carb, high-fat lifestyle, and suddenly Glen and Janine were staring at their children asking, “What do they drink now?” At the time it was cordial (sugar bomb), milk, or water.
After chatting with Tanya Wyatt, she suggested brewing kombucha — mainly for the kids. Turns out, the whole family fell in love with it. The Meyburghs brewed so much that they couldn’t keep up with drinking it themselves, so they decided to test the market. And their first customers were Grassroof and Raak — back when Raak was still in Newton Park.
Artisan Kombucha quickly realised something: kombucha is either really good or pretty awful.
“We wanted to be the ones delivering the good stuff — the kind that’s enjoyable, refreshing, and genuinely beneficial,” says Janine
So why should anyone drink kombucha?
- Probiotics – Great for gut health
- Antioxidants – From the tea, helps fight inflammation
- Energy & Immunity – May boost your system naturally
- Hydration – Tasty way to keep fluids up, especially in summer
What makes Artisan Kombucha different?
- There are a few kombucha brands around Gqeberha, but we honestly believe we’re in a class of our own. We’re all about flavour, drinkability, and integrity.
- No aluminium or plastic bottles – only glass (better for your body + the planet)
- We welcome your empties back for recycling
- And we never compromise on quality