Founder Feature: Caroline Howard Walker Brothers

Dec 13, 2024

Caroline Howard, co-founder of Walker Brothers Kombucha, shares her inspiring journey from home brewing to launching a successful kombucha brand. She discusses the creative branding process, the challenges of scaling production, and the strategic dual-pathway distribution for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Caroline emphasizes the importance of local partnerships and grassroots marketing while highlighting their innovative collaborations with brands like Rishi and Counter Culture Coffee. Tune in for insights on fundraising, community engagement, and expanding into new markets!

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ANECDOTE

Inherited SCOBY

Walker Brothers co-founder Luke Walker perfected their kombucha recipe using a SCOBY.
He inherited this SCOBY from his aunt in Boston, who brewed kombucha before it was trendy.

INSIGHT

Flavor Focus

Walker Brothers prioritizes flavor by using high-quality ingredients and limiting flavor additions.
They use Rishi tea, a blend of black, green, and jasmine, and focus on complementing the inherent kombucha flavor.

ANECDOTE

Craft Beer to Kombucha

Sam Walker worked at a beverage distributor, and Luke Walker worked at GT's Kombucha.
They started homebrewing and experimenting with hard kombucha as a healthier alternative to craft beer.

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In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Grace Kennedy chats with Caroline Howard, one of the co-founders of Walker Brothers, a kombucha brand crafting both non-alcoholic and hard kombucha. Caroline shares the story behind Walker Brothers’ inception, including how a family scoby and a shared passion for beverages sparked the brand’s journey. She dives into the creative process behind their clean, modern branding, the challenges of scaling production, and the strategic decision to brew in-house for superior flavor.

Caroline also discusses the dual-pathway distribution strategy they’ve developed for their alcoholic and non-alcoholic product lines, how collaborations with brands like Rishi and Counter Culture Coffee have elevated their offerings, and what it takes to grow in highly competitive retail and regional markets. With Texas and Colorado on their radar, Walker Brothers continues to expand while staying true to their ethos of bridging kombucha culture and craft beverage communities.

If you’re curious about raising capital, the importance of grassroots marketing, and building a brand that resonates with today’s thoughtful consumers, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Tune in now to learn how Walker Brothers is redefining kombucha!

Listen in as they share about:

Walker Brothers Origin Story
Product Details
Distribution Strategy
Branding and Packaging
Marketing Approach
Collaborations and Innovations
Outlook and Vision
Advice for Entrepreneurs

Episode Links:

Website: https://drinkwalkerbrothers.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinesessomshoward/

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Episode music by Super Fantastics