Type Kombucha | Introduced 2009 | |
 | ||
Manufacturer Top Shelf Beverages, Inc. Country of origin United States of America Variants Black Currant; Chai Cola; Strawberry Hibiscus; Grape; Raspberry Ginger; Asian Pear; Raspberry Lemonade Website www.clearlykombucha.com | ||
Clearly Kombucha is a brand of kombucha brewed by Top Shelf Beverages, Inc. in San Francisco, California. In 2009, Alison Zarrow and Caleb Cargle began brewing kombucha at home. The team formed Top Shelf Beverages, Inc. the following year and now distribute their Kombucha in more than 25 states.
Contents
History of the Company
Top Shelf Beverages, Inc. was founded in 2009 in Palo Alto, California by Alison Zarrow and Caleb Cargle. They sold their product, then called "Top Shelf Ultra Premium Kombucha" in 6.3 oz. champagne style bottles, marketing it as an upscale alternative to alcohol. In 2010, they changed their product's name to "Clearly Kombucha" and have since been selling it in 12 oz. clear bottles.
In 2012, Clearly Kombucha launched in Northern California with several flavors in the 12 oz. bottles. Clearly Kombucha then launched nationally in August 2013.
Trademark Infringement Lawsuit
in 2013, The Clearly Food & Beverage Company (“Clearly Food”) of Canada, producer of Clearly Canadian, sued Top Shelf Beverages for trademark infringement in U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington, Judge James L. Robart presiding.
Top Shelf Beverages counter sued Clearly Food and sought summary judgement against Clearly Food claiming trademark abandonment, fraud and lack of confusion. During the proceedings the court sanctioned both Top Shelf Beverages and their attorney for breach of court mandated confidentially and inappropriate delays during the discovery phase of the lawsuit.
Ruling on Top Shelf Beverage’s request for summary judgement, the court rejected the majority of Top Shelf's motions and the suit was subsequently settled out of court in 2015.
Flavors
The original flavors of Clearly Kombucha were Asian Pear, Tangerine, Raspberry Ginger, and Black Currant. Current flavors now also include Strawberry Hibiscus, Chai Cola, Grape, and Raspberry Lemonade.
In November 2015, the company launched a very limited edition run of "The World's First Pumpkin Spice Booch."
Product Attributes
Clearly Kombucha is a raw kombucha (fermented tea) brewed from Fair Trade ingredients including whole leaf green tea. In 2013, Clearly Kombucha received its Non-GMO Project Verification, USDA Organic Certification, Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Kosher certifications. Unlike many other kombuchas, Clearly Kombucha is cold-filtered, which removes the sediment.
Awards
Whole Foods Local Forager Contest