How to set up a craft beer and kombucha business? How to choose the Right Equipment for craft beer and kombucha? Two of the fastest-growing markets are craft beer and kombucha. For entrepreneurs, these segments provide excellent opportunities to launch small businesses with strong growth potential.
Why Choose Craft Beer and Kombucha?
Craft Beer
Craft beer is more than just a drink—it’s a lifestyle. Consumers enjoy local beers because they are handcrafted, unique, and full of character. A craft beer business allows you to create a brand identity, experiment with recipes, and build loyal customers in your local community.
Kombucha
On the other hand, kombucha has grown rapidly as a health-conscious alternative to sodas and energy drinks. Rich in probiotics and antioxidants, kombucha appeals to wellness-focused consumers. By starting a kombucha business, you tap into a market that combines health benefits with unique flavors.
Step 1: Planning Your Craft Beer and Kombucha Business
Before brewing your first batch, it’s important to create a business plan.
Define your target audience – Are you selling to bars, restaurants, retail shops, or directly to consumers?
Set your budget – Factor in equipment, raw materials, utilities, rent, licenses, and labor costs.
Choose your scale – Decide whether to start small with pilot equipment or invest in a commercial brewing system.
Understand regulations – Alcohol production (beer) requires specific licenses, while kombucha, being non-alcoholic (if under 0.5% ABV), often has different regulatory requirements.
A solid plan ensures that your craft beer and kombucha projects are sustainable and profitable.
Step 2: The Brewing Process
Craft Beer Brewing
To brew craft beer, the process involves:
Brewhouse – Converting grain starches into sugars. Adding bitterness, aroma, and flavor.
Fermentation – Yeast converts sugars into alcohol and CO₂.
Conditioning and packaging – Beer matures and develops its final flavor.
The choice of ingredients (malts, hops, yeast) and recipe design will define your brand’s uniqueness.
Kombucha Brewing
Kombucha production, while simpler, also requires precision:
Brewing tea – Typically black or green tea.
Adding sugar – This fuels fermentation.
Fermenting with SCOBY – The “Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast” transforms tea into kombucha.
Flavoring and bottling – Fruits, herbs, and spices are added for variety.
Both craft beer equipment and kombucha equipment must be food-grade, hygienic, and designed for consistency.
Step 3: Choosing the Right Equipment
For small businesses, the right equipment is critical for success. Investing in professional brewing systems ensures consistency, efficiency, and scalability.
Craft Beer Equipment: Brewhouse (mash tun, lauter tun, kettle tun,whirlpool tun ), fermenters, bright beer tanks, glycol cooling systems, keg/bottle/can fillers.
Kombucha Equipment: Tea brewing tanks, fermentation tanks, flavoring tanks, filtration systems, bottling/canning machines.
Scaling is also important. Many entrepreneurs begin with smaller systems to test the market before expanding into larger capacity setups. Modular designs allow you to grow step by step.
Step 4: Marketing and Brand Building
A craft beer or kombucha business succeeds not only through quality beverages but also strong branding.
Storytelling – Share your passion and process to connect with customers.
Packaging – Eye-catching labels and sustainable packaging attract modern consumers.
Local community engagement – Taprooms, farmers’ markets, and health stores are ideal for kombucha; craft beer shines in pubs, bars, and festivals.
Digital presence – Social media marketing and e-commerce can help you reach wider audiences.
Step 5: Partnering With a Turnkey Supplier
One of the challenges new entrepreneurs face is how to choose the right equipment and set up facilities efficiently. This is where a trusted turnkey partner can make a significant difference.
Tiantai Company: Your Global Turnkey Solution
Tiantai Company is a well-recognized manufacturer of beer and beverage brewing equipment industry based in China. We provide complete lines and the turnkey service for breweries and beverage projects worldwide. Our portfolio includes beer, wine, distillery, kombucha, cider, apple vinegar, cold brew coffee, hard seltzer, RTD drinks and more.
For entrepreneurs who want to know how to set up a craft beer business or how to start a kombucha business, Tiantai Company delivers professional solutions from start to finish.
The craft beer and kombucha markets continue to grow worldwide. Health-conscious trends favor kombucha, while adventurous drinkers drive demand for craft beer. Entrepreneurs who combine passion with professional equipment and strong branding can thrive in both markets.
By starting small and scaling up with reliable partners like Tiantai Company, you ensure consistency, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. The right foundation today can lead to a thriving beverage brand tomorrow.
Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
Contact Person: Emily Gong
