Kuldīga kombucha and soda win SIAL Paris award

Ruud Drinks, made in Kuldīga, has received another international distinction. Company representatives told TVNET that two Latvian-made drinks took an innovation award at SIAL Paris, a major food and beverage exhibition. This year’s fair runs from 17 to 21 October.

In a crowded field, both Rudy’s Kombucha in a matcha and passion-fruit flavour and the functional soda Sody were recognised. For the Kuldīga kombucha, the prize joins earlier honours, including a gold medal among the world’s best kombuchas. The award for Sody points to the quality of a drink developed relatively recently.

Rudy’s Kombucha is described as 100% natural, vegan and gluten-free, with no added sugar. It is a fermented tea drink containing valuable vitamins. The version recognised in Paris was created with the Swiss brand Matcha Botanicals. Ceremonial-grade matcha from Shizuoka, Japan, is prepared cold in a nitrogen environment to limit oxidation and keep its bright colour, delicate umami notes and elegant bitterness. Flavour depth comes from a 13-day primary fermentation and a 22-day secondary fermentation, while unprocessed passion-fruit juice from Peru adds lively acidity and tropical freshness.

Sody Sodas is presented as a strong newcomer among functional drinks. Plant-based caffeine from green tea, matcha and guayusa, together with L-theanine, is said to support concentration without causing anxiety, and to give energy with a slower onset and a gentler landing than coffee. The drink also includes the mushroom Lion’s Mane, known in Latvian as ežu dižadatene, which is said to improve mental clarity. It is made without added sugar or other artificial sweeteners.

Both drinks are produced in Kuldīga. The company says Ruud Drinks is taking a leading course in its niche, making drinks for people who want more energy and mental clarity and fewer synthetic ingredients and less sugar.

The SIAL Innovation award is given every two years to the most innovative food products and solutions shown at the exhibition, highlighting market trends and manufacturing achievements. For more than 60 years, SIAL Paris has brought together food and drink brands from around the world. This year about 8,000 brands from more than 130 countries are taking part, and for industry professionals it is one of the most important annual events.

Rudy’s Kombucha co-owner Edgars Elbergs said the recognition is especially meaningful because it shows that a small family company from Kuldīga can create a product noticed internationally. He added that the exhibition is a chance to present their work, meet new people, learn the market and open the door to new partnerships.