Yugen uses Ball packaging for new line of kombucha drinks

Belgian start-up Yugen has collaborated with Ball Corporation to launch a new range of kombucha packaged in printed cans.

Each can of unpasteurised Yugen contains four herbs, blended with pure organic juice. Three variants are available: apple-mint, ginger-lemon and mango-turmeric.

Currently sold in Belgium, Yugen has plans to expand its reach into other European markets such as Germany, the Netherlands, France and Scandinavia.

Yugen is looking to capitalise on the increased popularity of kombucha fermented tea drinks. According to figures from Mintel, the number of new kombucha launches in Europe in the first half of 2019 outperformed the whole of 2018.

Chris De Backer, co-founder and brand manager of Yugen Kombucha, said: “Cans are awesome. Not only do they protect our product but they’re also eco-friendly, being the most recycled beverage packaging in the world.

“Lightweight and unbreakable, they’re convenient to carry around on a day out at the beach, the mountains, festivals and sporting events. Plus, retailers are picking up on the trend towards canned beverages. They are reshaping their store layouts to better cater for the grab-and-go demands of today’s mobile consumers.”  

Matthijs Jansen, sales director Benelux at Ball Beverage Packaging Europe, added: “We really had a ball working with Yugen on these cans. In close collaboration with their designer Wim Vandersleyen, we effectively produced these cans to everybody’s approval.”

Earlier this year, Ball provided packaging for Icelandic beverage company Ölgerðin’s new Ava sparkling fruit water brand.