Sep 14, 2017
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Kaoba in the Spotlight: My Take on Our Features in Jancis Robinson & The Financial Times
I am absolutely thrilled (and honestly, a little humbled) to share some massive news with you all.
Our company, Kaoba, has just been featured in two of the most prestigious publications in the food and drink world: JancisRobinson.com and the Financial Times.
When I started this journey, my goal was to bring the incredible potential of cacaofruit to the world. To see our work recognised by such globally respected voices isn’t just a win for Kaoba; it feels like a pivotal moment for the entire cacaofruit movement.
Redefining “How to Drink Less Wine”
The features centered around a topic that is personally very important to me: mindful drinking.
In her article, “How to drink less wine,” the legendary wine critic Jancis Robinson explores the growing desire for sophisticated, complex alternatives to alcohol. As someone who loves the ritual of a good drink but wanted a healthier balance, this really resonated with me.
I am incredibly proud that Kaoba was highlighted as a top choice for those looking to celebrate without the compromise. To have a wine expert of her caliber appreciate the complexity of our product is the ultimate validation.
You can read Jancis’s full article here: Read: How to drink less wine
The conversation continued in the Financial Times, where the unique profile of cacaofruit was recognized as a key player in this shifting landscape. Read the Financial Times feature here
Why the World is Waking Up to Cacaofruit Juice
Why are top wine experts and financial journalists suddenly talking about cacaofruit juice? I believe it’s because people are finally realising that “alcohol-free” doesn’t have to mean “boring.”
For a long time, if you weren’t drinking alcohol, you were stuck with sugary sodas or plain water. I wanted to change that. I wanted to celebrate life’s moments with clarity and health, using ingredients that offer depth, complexity, and sustainability.
This is exactly why I built Kaoba. By harnessing the ancient power of the cacaofruit (the pure, zesty pulp that surrounds the cocoa bean) I set out to provide a drink that delivers on three main fronts:
Complexity: I wanted notes of tropical lychee, pear, and citrus that could rival the complexity of a fine white wine.
Sustainability: It was crucial to me that we upcycle the cacaofruit pulp that would otherwise be wasted during chocolate production.
Natural Goodness: I wanted a drink packed with antioxidants and gentle energy—a celebration that feels good the next day, too.
Join Me in the Cacaofruit Celebration
The recognition from Jancis Robinson and the Financial Times confirms what I have believed since day one: Cacaofruit is the future of drinking.
Whether you are cutting back on wine, looking for a new pairing for your dinner, or simply want to enjoy a delicious, sustainable beverage, I’d love for you to try what we’ve created.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Here’s to better drinking!
Mathew Halford
2 Really Is The Magic Number
In a world where ingredient lists read like science experiments, we decided to keep things simple. Really simple.
While other drinks stack up preservatives, sweeteners, stabilisers, flavourings (what even are “natural flavourings”?), and a whole host of unpronounceables… we didn’t.
At Kaoba, we chose just two ingredients:
🥭 Cacaofruit juice
💧 Water
That’s it. No hidden nasties. No clever chemistry. Just the refreshing taste of a superfruit that would’ve otherwise gone to waste and hydration you can actually feel good about.
Cacaofruit is the juicy pulp that surrounds the cacao bean. It’s packed with natural sweetness, light tropical notes and a subtle zing. No need to add sugar or mess with the flavour — it’s perfect as nature made it.
While we’re on the subject of “simple,” let’s not forget the sustainability story behind it. By using the often-discarded cacaofruit pulp, we reduce waste in the chocolate supply chain and help cacao farmers earn more from each harvest.
Less really is more.
2 ingredients. 1 bold mission. 0 compromise.
Explore more at www.drinkkaoba.com
Why Kaoba Cacaofruit Soda is Becoming the Mixer of Choice for Tequila Lovers
In recent years, tequila has taken over UK menus, rising rapidly in popularity and quietly replacing gin as the spirit of choice for cocktails. From Palomas to Margaritas, British drinkers are embracing tequila not just for its bold, vibrant character, but for how effortlessly it adapts to refreshing, citrus-led mixes. That’s where Kaoba Cacaofruit Soda comes in.
The Rise of Tequila in the UK
According to industry data, tequila sales in the UK have more than doubled in the past five years, with a younger audience seeking out cleaner spirits and naturally paired mixers. Gone are the days when tequila was reserved for late-night shots. Today, it’s the foundation of some of the most sophisticated, refreshing and Instagram-worthy drinks on the scene.
Out with the Old, In with the Authentic
For too long, mixers have been dominated by predictable flavours - tonics, sugary lemonades and generic soda waters, but modern consumers are moving away from artificial additives and high-sugar options. They want more from their mixer: flavour, function, and purpose.
That’s exactly what Kaoba Cacaofruit Soda delivers.
Made with just two ingredients - 45% cacaofruit juice and 55% sparkling water, Kaoba is lightly sparkling, naturally sweet (with no added sugar), and completely sustainable. It’s the first UK drink made from upcycled cacaofruit pulp, usually discarded by the chocolate industry. Instead, we’ve given it a second life - one that happens to pair perfectly with tequila.
A Match Made in Mexico (and Upcycled in the UK)
Tequila’s earthy, herbal and citrusy notes complement the tangy, fruity brightness of cacaofruit like no other spirit. It’s a pairing that’s now making waves across bars, restaurants, and at-home serves.
Whether it’s Cazcabel with Kaoba for a playful, zesty hit. Patrón and Kaoba for a sleek, premium pour. Don Julio, Herradura, Clase Azul, Olmeca Altos, El Rayo, Jose Cuervo, Espolòn, or 1800 Tequila - we’re seeing global brands adopt Kaoba Cacaofruit Soda as a modern mixer for clean, sustainable, and exciting new drinks.
Introducing: The Kaobarita
Your Instant Margarita Just Got an Upgrade 🍹
No fuss, no syrups, no mixers full of sugar or additives. Just three simple ingredients:
- 50ml premium tequila, 1 can of Kaoba Cacaofruit Soda, Squeeze of fresh lime
Pour over ice, garnish with lime, and enjoy. This instant cocktail, coined the Kaobarita has fast become a customer favourite across cocktail menus and home bars alike.
Why This Matters
Bartenders, mixologists and drinkers alike are seeking more sustainable ways to build brilliant drinks. Kaoba not only delivers on flavour, it tells a story. A story of zero waste, innovation and redefining what a mixer can be.
If you’re a venue, drinks brand, or cocktail lover who’s tired of the status quo, it’s time to try the future of mixers.
Final Sip
Whether you're creating a standout drinks menu, stocking up for cocktail night, or just ready to try something refreshingly different, Kaoba is the new standard for tequila mixers in the UK and beyond.
From Palomas to Kaobaritas, the tequila revolution is here and Kaoba is leading the mix.
The Kaoba Cacaofruit Revolution
How Kaoba is Becoming A World Leader in Clean, Sustainable Refreshment
In an era where consumers are turning away from sugary sodas and artificial wellness drinks, a small but mighty startup has surged to the forefront of the global beverage scene by doing something radical: keeping it simple. Meet Kaoba, the first company in the world to put cacaofruit - a naturally sweet, tropical pulp from the cacaofruit pod into a can. Not just any can: an ultra-sustainable, energy-efficient aluminum one that locks in freshness, flavour and a philosophy of planetary responsibility.
What began as a sustainability passion project has swiftly grown into a leading innovative cacaofruit company, setting the benchmark for ethical sourcing, clean-label ingredients and functional versatility. Kaoba has done more than introduce a new taste to the global market - it’s redefining what a soft drink can be.
Ethical Sourcing That Pays Off
Cacaofruit is typically discarded after the cacao beans are extracted for chocolate - over 70% of this superfruit never reaches the supply chain. Kaoba has flipped that waste narrative on its head. By building direct, transparent relationships with farmers in South America and West Africa, Kaoba not only rescues a huge volume of high-value pulp from landfill, but pays a fairer wage to the very people too often excluded from the value chain. This isn’t just good ethics, it’s good economics. Farmers benefit from a new revenue stream, while the environment benefits from a dramatically reduced agricultural footprint.
Kaoba is not just creating a drink, they’re creating a circular economy from fruit that was once forgotten.
A Clean Soda, Made Cleaner
At the heart of Kaoba’s operation is its proprietary, energy-efficient canning plant, a facility specifically designed to keep the product alcohol-free, additive-free and 100% natural. Every can of Kaoba contains just two ingredients: pure, rescued cacaofruit juice and carbonated water. That’s it. No preservatives. No artificial sweeteners. No added sugar and absolutely no guesswork.
In a market saturated with overcomplicated ingredient lists and synthetic claims, Kaoba stands apart. It speaks directly to the new generation of ingredient-savvy consumers demanding transparency and "clean label" wellness products. The minimalist ethos isn’t a gimmick—it’s a promise.
Packaging Innovation That Locks in Nature
Kaoba’s decision to house its soda in cans, rather than glass or plastic, wasn’t a branding exercise, it was a technological and environmental innovation. Aluminum is infinitely recyclable and significantly reduces the carbon cost of shipping. More importantly, it locks in the freshness and vibrant, tropical flavour of the cacaofruit, which degrades more rapidly in glass or plastic.
While other brands are still bottling and blending, Kaoba has created a ready-to-drink format that delivers pure fruit integrity in every sip. It's a choice that puts both the planet and the palate first.
The Drink for Every Occasion
One of Kaoba’s greatest strengths is its versatility. Found in a growing number of premium restaurants, specialty coffee shops, high-end gyms and wellness studios, Kaoba has earned a place in virtually every lifestyle setting. Health-conscious gymgoers turn to it for hydration and natural energy. Bartenders are mixing it into zero-waste margaritas with partners like Cazcabel Tequila, embracing it as a revolutionary cocktail base.
Perhaps most surprising to first-timers? Kaoba doesn’t taste like chocolate. The cacaofruit has an unexpectedly fruity, tropical profile - imagine a cross between lychee, pear and citrus. It's light, crisp and refreshing in a way that defies preconceived notions of what cacao can be.
A New Category, A New Continent
Since launching in early 2024, Kaoba has rapidly grown into a force within the UK and continental Europe. From London’s wellness circles to Berlin’s cocktail bars, the brand has ignited curiosity and conversion. More than a fad, Kaoba is a category pioneer, proving that sustainability and sophistication can live in the same can.
With expansion across new markets already underway and growing partnerships with ethical producers and global drinks companies, Kaoba is not only riding a wave - it’s shaping the current. In a crowded, often confused beverage market, this two-ingredient soda is the quiet disruptor making the loudest impact.
To find more about Kaoba, head over to their website Kaoba Cacaofruit Soda
Kaoba isn’t just a drink. It’s the future of refreshment, one can at a time.
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Kaoba at the UK Food & Drink Expo: Sharing the Future of Refreshment with Cacaofruit
We’ve just wrapped up an unforgettable few days at the UK Food & Drink Expo at the NEC Birmingham and wow, what an experience. Having a stand for Kaoba in the heart of one of the UK’s biggest food and beverage shows was a huge milestone for us and we’re still buzzing from the energy, conversations and connections made.
This was more than just an expo for us — it was a chance to share the Kaoba story and introduce people to the power of cacaofruit - a delicious and 100% sustainable superfruit that’s changing the way people think about soft drinks.
The Rise of Cacaofruit in the Ready-to-Drink Category
Visitors to our stand got to taste Kaoba for the first time and the reaction was everything we hoped for - surprise, delight and a big “wow” when they realised this refreshingly fruity drink comes from what’s usually discarded: the cacao pod. With just two natural ingredients and no compromise on flavour, Kaoba is leading a new wave of ready-to-drink beverages that put sustainability front and centre.
People were genuinely amazed that cacaofruit doesn’t taste like chocolate (because it doesn’t!) and we loved sparking conversations about zero waste, circular supply chains and how overlooked ingredients can be game-changers.
A Full-Circle Moment: Our Founder on Stage
One of the highlights of the expo? Our founder, Mathew Halford, was invited to give a keynote speech on the main stage, where he shared Kaoba’s journey and our commitment to sustainability in the drinks space. From our roots in using discarded cacao pods to now seeing Kaoba stocked across retailers and gyms, it was a proud moment to be part of a wider conversation about the future of food and drink innovation.
Mathew’s talk covered how functional beverages can also be low impact and how cacaofruit is the next big thing for conscious consumers looking for great taste, natural ingredients and a positive footprint.
New Customers, New Friends and a Big Thanks
We were blown away by the number of businesses, buyers and industry leaders who stopped by our stand, curious about cacaofruit and excited about Kaoba. We’re thrilled to have gained new customers, new retail interest and new opportunities to grow.
A huge shout-out to our amazing stand neighbours who made the expo even more special - Doughboys https://doughboys-pizza.co.uk, AU Vodka https://auvodka.co.uk, The Tofoo Co. https://tofoo.co.uk and so many others. Your energy and support made all the difference!
What’s Next for Kaoba?
Events like this remind us why we do what we do. Kaoba isn’t just a drink - it’s a mission. A mission to make better refreshment possible, with radical sustainability and a bold new flavour the world is just beginning to discover.
If you missed us at the expo and want to learn more, follow us on Instagram @drinkkaoba or check out www.drinkkaoba.com to get your first taste of Kaoba — the sparkling cacaofruit soda that’s changing the game.
KAOBA - L'amor (videoclip)