Kombucha tea could be the 'next big thing' in drinks

Kombucha is predicted to be the "next big thing" when it comes to the UK's drinks market, according to a recently launched NPD service provider, Tim Day Brands.

The drink is a fermented tea made with sugar and the kombucha culture. It is thought to have been consumed in China, eastern Europe, Russia and Japan for several centuries.

"It has a very mild taste and can be enhanced with different flavours," said Tim Day founder of Tim Day Brands. "It is a very healthy product, that is full of antioxidants," he added.

There has not been a huge amount of research into the health benefits of the drink, but some reports claim that it has antibiotic and antiviral functions, as well as improving liver function. It is also said to improve energy levels, improve metabolic disorders, digestive problems and improve skin health.

The drink can be made using a variety of teas including both black and green, which slightly changes the flavour of the end product.

"I think that the UK will see more entries of kombucha into the market throughout 2009," said Day. "A lot of healthy and functional drinks, such as drinks to ease hangovers, will become popular this year, as well as flavoured beer. We are working with a number of manufacturers to help them launch these type of products."

Tim Day Brands was recently launched in December last year by entrepreneur Tim Day. Day created Wokka - Fusion Vodka, as well as co-founding Extreme Drinks.

The newly launched company is a brand consultancy focused on providing NPD services for consumer goods companies with a particular emphasis in the drinks sector.

Day added: "We are able to offer a complete service of NPD, from brand creation, design and research through to distribution, PR and marketing strategy. We are now actively working with drinks companies that have sought to outsource their entire new product development requirements."