Brewing Wellness One Bottle at a Time

Ritu Rajbhandari, founder of Rituals Kombucha, has combined her passion for natural living with a creative flair for fermentation. In the process, she has crafted a brand that champions gut health, sustainability and artisanal quality. With a focus on small-batch brewing and locally sourced ingredients, Rituals Kombucha blends global trends with Nepali heritage, offering unique flavours that reflect her commitment to wellness and innovation. Through her business, Rajbhandari is not just selling a beverage; she is cultivating a culture of mindful living.

In a bustling world where health and sustainability increasingly take centrestage, Rajbhandari is quietly revolutionising Nepal’s beverage landscape with her brand, Rituals Kombucha. A trailblazer in the country's burgeoning kombucha industry, Rajbhandari has combined her passion for wellness, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a deep appreciation for tradition to create a product that not only nourishes the body but also resonates with the heart.

Rajbhandari’s foray into kombucha began with her personal health journey. Struggling with gut health issues and seeking a natural remedy, she stumbled upon kombucha – a fizzy, fermented tea known for its probiotic properties. The drink’s transformative effects on her wellbeing were undeniable. As she delved deeper into the science and art of fermentation, kombucha quickly became more than a health fix; it turned into a passion project. “Once I started making kombucha at home, I realised its potential to be more than just a drink,” Rajbhandari recalls. “It was a way to heal, create and connect.” This realisation marked the beginning of Rituals Kombucha, a brand that she envisioned as a bridge between ancient fermentation traditions and modern wellness trends.

Starting a kombucha business in Nepal wasn’t without challenges. As a relatively new concept, kombucha required significant effort to educate the market. Many consumers were unfamiliar with its taste, benefits and even its pronunciation. Rajbhandari knew that creating awareness would be as crucial as crafting the perfect brew. She focused on using local ingredients to appeal to Nepali sensibilities while ensuring her product met global standards. By incorporating flavours like ginger, lemongrass and tulsi (holy basil) – ingredients deeply rooted in Nepali culture – Rajbhandari struck a balance between innovation and tradition. “The idea was to create something that felt both exotic and familiar,” she explains. “I wanted people to connect with the drink on a personal level, not just as a health trend but as something that reflects our culture and values.” 

Fermentation, the heart of kombucha brewing, came with its own set of hurdles. Achieving consistent flavour, carbonation and quality was a meticulous process. Early on, Rajbhandari faced challenges like contamination and batch inconsistencies, common for newcomers in the fermentation space. But her determination paid off. She spent months perfecting her technique, ensuring every bottle of Rituals Kombucha delivered the right balance of taste, effervescence and health benefits. “It’s a craft,” she says. “Every batch tells a story, and every sip carries the love and effort that went into making it.”

Launching Rituals Kombucha wasn’t just a culinary challenge – it was a logistical one too. Navigating Nepal’s bureaucratic systems for food safety compliance and permits required patience and persistence. Sourcing high-quality organic ingredients like tea, sugar and SCOBYs (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) at scale was another hurdle. “I was determined to maintain quality,” she shares. “Compromising on ingredients wasn’t an option, even if it meant higher costs or longer production times.”

Another challenge was the lack of proper infrastructure. From unreliable utilities to limited distribution channels, the logistical difficulties of running a beverage business in Nepal were significant. Yet, Rajbhandari found innovative solutions, such as partnering with local suppliers and leveraging social media to create awareness and build a loyal customer base.

The Covid 19 pandemic brought its own set of challenges and opportunities. With supply chain disruptions and reduced demand from cafes and restaurants, Rajbhandari had to adapt her business model. Direct-to-consumer sales through online platforms became a lifeline, allowing her brand to reach health-conscious individuals seeking immunity-boosting products during the crisis. “People became more aware of their health during the pandemic,” she observes. “That shift in mindset created a new audience for us, one that truly values what kombucha has to offer.”

The target audience is as unique as the product itself. Rajbhandari’s core clients include health-conscious urbanites, young professionals and expats who appreciate the benefits of probiotic beverages. She has also tapped into wellness communities, such as yoga studios and gyms, and forged partnerships with upscale cafes and organic stores. “Building a community around kombucha has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this journey,” she notes. “It’s not just about selling a product; it’s about fostering connections and promoting a healthier lifestyle.”

Rajbhandari’s marketing strategies reflect her commitment to authenticity and education. She uses social media to share the story behind Rituals Kombucha, offering glimpses into the brewing process, highlighting the health benefits, and celebrating the local ingredients that make her product unique. Collaborations with health influencers and sampling events at farmers’ markets have also helped her reach a wider audience. “We focus on storytelling,” she says. “People don’t just buy kombucha; they buy into the idea of wellness, sustainability and local craftsmanship. "What sets Rituals Kombucha apart is its blend of local flavours, artisanal brewing methods, and a strong focus on sustainability. From eco-friendly packaging to supporting local farmers, Ritu has made conscious choices that align with her brand’s values. “Our kombucha isn’t just a drink – it is a ritual,” she emphasises. “It’s about slowing down, savouring the moment, and being mindful of what you consume.” 

While Rituals Kombucha has carved a niche in Nepal, Rajbhandari has her sights set on global markets. She believes the authenticity of her brand and the unique Nepali flavours can resonate with international audiences seeking artisanal and culturally rich products. “Exporting isn’t just about expanding; it’s about sharing a piece of Nepal with the world,” she says. “It’s a way to showcase our traditions and innovation on a global stage.”

For those looking to start their own ventures, Rajbhandari offers sage advice: “Be prepared for challenges, but don’t lose sight of your vision. Passion, persistence and adaptability are key. And always remember why you started.” She also emphasises the importance of community and collaboration. “Your journey becomes much more meaningful when you build something that benefits not just you, but also the people and environment around you.”

As Rituals Kombucha continues to grow, Rajbhandari remains committed to her mission of promoting health, sustainability and tradition. She envisions a future where kombucha is as common in Nepali households as a cup of tea and where her brand becomes a global ambassador for Nepali innovation and wellness. “At the end of the day, it’s about creating something that lasts,” she shares. “Not just a product, but a legacy.” Through her dedication and vision, Rajbhandari is not just building a business – she’s brewing a movement, one bottle of kombucha at a time