GT Dave: Kombucha is Coming Back! (But How Soon May Depend on Your State)

Last week we had the scoop on Synergy kombucha, and their plans for two product lines. On Friday, I spoke with GT Dave himself, and he shared a few more exclusive updates about the reintroduction of product and when we can expect to see Synergy back in our local grocery stores.

As we reported earlier, the original GT's kombucha, that so so many of us love, will be coming back with their same great flavors, same great taste, and same packaging, but with a slightly different label (AP5 code for "above .5 alcohol).

So when will we see our favorite kombucha back on the shelf?

According to GT, "It could be anywhere from one to thirty days, depending on which state you live in. Theoretically, one state could have the product tomorrow, while it may take another state 30 days to get product back."

The product is all ready to go, and GT is just waiting for retailers and distributors to figure out details like where the product will be stocked in stores, and from a business standpoint, if the product will move categories as far as management and buying. E.g., does the product move from the grocery section and buyer to the specialty section and buyer? Or does it stay in grocery? Basically, there are a few t's to be crossed and i's to be dotted from a business standpoint.

Where will kombucha be in your local store? Will the price change?

That's still unclear, according to GT, and placement may vary according to retailer or state. And in states like Utah where grocery stores do not stock any beverages with alcohol, it's unclear if it will be stocked in grocery stores at all.

With regards to the new BP5 line (below .5 alcohol), well, they're "still working on it" and have no concrete launch date as of yet. "We want to ensure we put out the best product possible that lives up to our high expectations"

So what's the takeaway?

Expect to see the same great kombucha that you know and love back on shelves very soon. How soon will, unfortunately, depend on your state and local retailer. But, it is ready to go!