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Local brand lands deal

Warren HatelyAugusta Margaret River Times
Local business rok Kombucha's Ben Tucker with owner Trent Carroll.
Camera IconLocal business rok Kombucha's Ben Tucker with owner Trent Carroll. Credit: Warren Hately

A Margaret River business has enjoyed a big breakthrough despite the COVID-19 pandemic, with rok Kombucha winning a major distribution deal with Woolworths.

Founder and managing director Amanda Carroll said the local company’s drinks would be on supermarket shelves across the State from June.

“The addition of rok’s products to Woolworths’ WA shelves sees a truly healthy, locally made and premium authentic alternative to the current kombucha category available,” she said.

The win comes after the company pushed last year for national labelling standards to distinguish authentic kombucha from unhealthy, high-sugar alternatives using the same name. Ms Carroll said four flavours in 365ml single-serve and shareable 750ml bottles would be available through the Woolworths deal and was the only authentic kombucha sold through the retail giant.

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The partnership was also timely because the company was hit hard by COVID-19 restrictions and the closure of many hospitality clients, she said.

“A huge part of our business is the cafe/restaurant trade, so we have seen a severe reduction in turnover,” Ms Carroll said.

“Woolworths will help us stay afloat and allow us to reach more customers across WA.”

Based in Margaret River’s light industrial area, rok Kombucha has also benefited from a new bottling facility partly funded by a $250,000 State Government agribusiness grant.

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