News in brief: a round-up of industry stories

We visit different corners of the industry to bring you a selection of stories in bitesize form.

Functional fizz

Ukrainian kombucha brand Spraga has launched into the UK with four functional flavours: Original, Ginger & Lemon, Pomegranate and Apple & Pear.

Initially available through independent cafés and retailers via wholesalers including CLF, Spraga – which recently won gold in the Innovation award at LUNCH! – is preparing for wider national distribution.

Made using organic tea, organic cane sugar and a living SCOBY culture, Spraga is naturally fermented, rich in probiotics and offers a healthy and tasty alternative to traditional soft drinks. The drinks are free from sweeteners and concentrate and made with natural and organic ingredients, with no preservatives or colourings. They are naturally fermented and unpasteurized.

“Since we started our Spraga journey, we have been on a mission to prove that healthy drinks don’t have to be boring,” says brand founder Nykyta Izmaylov. “That’s why we’ve created a range that’s focused as much on flavour as it is on functionality. We know that the gut-health trend is set to stay, and 67% of UK consumers are actively trying to reduce their sugar intake too. We’re really excited to be bringing a new product range to the UK where we see strong opportunity to recruit new customers into the kombucha category.”

Hunter & Gather strengthens team

Wellness brand Hunter & Gather has appointed functional nutritionist and best‑selling author Pauline Cox MSc as director of functional nutrition. In her new role, Cox will support the brand’s nutritional strategy across product development, education and community engagement. Her expertise in women’s health, metabolic wellbeing and functional nutrition will shape the brand’s next generation of products, ‘ensuring they are grounded in robust science and designed to support real world health outcomes’. She will also expand Hunter & Gather’s educational output, translating complex nutritional science into clear, practical guidance for consumers.

Commenting on her appointment, Cox says: “Hunter & Gather has always stood for integrity, innovation and a genuine commitment to improving health through real food and evidence-based nutrition. I am delighted to be part of a brand that stands for the same principles as I do.”

Adds brand co-founder Jeff Webster: “Pauline has been a trusted voice in functional nutrition for years and her appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for Hunter & Gather. Her expertise strengthens our commitment to evidence-backed product development … We’re thrilled to welcome her into the team as we enter this next era.”

Next-gen energy

TENZING’s Natural Energy+ Lion’s Mane is the first SKU in the brand’s new functional drinks subrange.

The blend pairs lion’s mane for focus and mental clarity, with magnesium and vitamin D to support energy release, alongside naturally sourced caffeine from green coffee to provide sustained energy without the crash.

The launch also introduces a sharper visual identity designed to make the functional benefits clearer and easier to navigate.

“This launch marks the next stage of our growth, as we expand the role energy can play in people’s daily lives,” says founder Huib van Bockel (pictured sitting on the right). “The next generation demands more from their energy drinks. They don’t want a short burst that leaves them feeling worse later, they want energy that supports how they feel, perform and live. With Natural Energy+, we’re building on what TENZING is known for: good energy that’s 100% from nature, low calorie, with no junk and no crash. Adding powerful functional ingredients like lion’s mane allows us to offer more targeted benefits without compromising on what energy should be.”

A certified B Corp, TENZING is committed to sourcing high-quality ingredients responsibly with Rainforest Alliance certification.

MOMO and Natoora talk rhubarb

South London-based brewer MOMO Kombucha is launching a limited-edition Tomlinson’s Forced Rhubarb Kombucha in collaboration with produce supplier Natoora.

The seasonal release, brewed at MOMO’s site in New Covent Garden Market, uses forced rhubarb grown by Robert Tomlinson – one of 12 remaining producers in Yorkshire’s ‘Rhubarb Triangle’ still using traditional forcing methods.

“It’s a huge honour to partner with Natoora, an inspiring organisation which exists to fix the food system by sourcing radically seasonal produce from small-scale growers,” says MOMO Kombucha co-founder, Josh Puddle. “With a shared commitment to quality and artistry, Natoora and MOMO are natural partners.”

The flavour is released annually to coincide with the forced rhubarb season and has developed a following in recent years.

From every bottle sold 10p will be donated to Natoora’s Farm Fund, which supports young farmers using agroecological methods.

By Jane Wolfe, contributor