From the Windowsill to a Kombucha Revolution: The Refreshing Startup Journey of Erfrischerling Kombucha

Kombucha might not be as popular in Germany as it is in America, but Monique Heberling , founder of Erfrischerling GmbH & Co. KG Kombucha is on a mission to change that. In an interview with Luisa Wagner from Bosch Innovation Consulting, she shares her journey from producing Kombucha on her windowsill to establishing a Kombucha-startup and the lessons other startups can learn from her experience.

?

From Idea to Reality

Monique became aware of Kombucha through her circle of friends. Her passion and study background in nutritional science and food technology led her to start brewing Kombucha as a hobby. What began as a small project quickly grew in scale. Within a year, she decided to turn her hobby into a full-time profession.

"I started with a one-liter jar on my windowsill, and before I knew it, I was producing in eight-liter jars" Monique recalls.

?

Courage to Start

The decision to quit her fixed job and dive headfirst into Kombucha wasn't an easy one. However, Monique emphasizes the importance of weighing risks and being courageous. "What's the worst that could happen?" she pondered. In the worst-case scenario, she could return to an employment relationship. But she saw the startup venture as an opportunity to gain additional experience and grow personally.

?

Challenges and Triumphs

Monique shares the ups and downs of her entrepreneurial journey. From the difficulty of finding suitable premises, dealing with supply shortages, to logistical challenges. But she also highlights the exhilarating moments, like upscaling her production and the joy of seeing her product flourish.

"The most exciting moment was last year when I upscaled the production. It felt so unreal, moving from a small one-liter jar to now producing in 1000-liter tanks" she says.

A unique aspect of her startup journey is product validation. Unlike digital startups that can easily create mockups or prototypes, food startups often need near-perfect products before they can test them with customers. Monique stresses the importance of striking a balance between scalability and investment, especially when the product hasn't been fully validated yet.

Another intriguing point is the formation of a new market category. Kombucha isn't yet recognized as an established beverage category in Germany. This opens up opportunities but also challenges. However, Monique sees it as an exciting chance to shape the market and carve her own niche.

Monique advises other entrepreneurs to be brave and follow their passion. It's crucial to do what you love and be prepared to put in the hard work. She also emphasizes the significance of having support from one's environment.

?

Conclusion

Monique’s journey demonstrates that with passion, courage, and hard work, it's possible to launch a successful startup. Her insights offer valuable lessons for other entrepreneurs, especially regarding scalability, product validation, and the courage to start.

?

More about Erfrischerling Kombucha: https://www.erfrischerling.de/