07/02/2026
As some of you have already heard, we have had major supply chain issues with our flip top bottles. Simply put, we no longer have a reliable and affordable source for them. Along with this issue, this system has always been very labor intensive, and has ultimately inhibited our growth. All these factors have allowed us to reflect on our best way forward.
We have always valued environmental sustainability and have made it a goal to contribute as little to landfills as possible. Thus, the returnable bottle system we came up with has been tremendously successful, all because of you.
With so many elements out of our control and with the need to survive and thrive a must, we have come to terms with the fact that the return program will not last forever.
So, we are embracing change and are excited to roll out a new way for you to get your kombucha.
You will start to find 12oz one-way glass bottles in various places around town now and in the taproom (next week). We will have a rotation of our core flavors to start and eventually this will be our main package (along with growler fills).
Even though this will be the long term plan, the flip-top bottle deposit program will remain in place until they disappear. With our return rate and the current stock of bottles in mind, this could take years. SO DONT THROW THOSE BOTTLES OUT! The taproom (and most of our other current outlets) will continue to sell the 16 oz flip tops for the foreseeable future and that style of bottle is where all the seasonal flavors will land. If you love the program, keep using it. If you need some bottles to take to those friends out of town, swoop some of these up! Donât worry, our commitment to local farmers and a locally focused flavor experience will remain unchanged!
To start, youâll be able to find these new bottles Harvest Market - Champaign,
Lazy Daisy Diner & Cafe, Joyful Wren Farm, and both of the Niemanns locations.
Sorry for the long read, but we felt a good explanation for this pivot necessary. A huge thank you to all of you have supported us along this journey. We truly appreciate you all and are excited to see where this new leg of our trip takes us.
With love,
The CMK Crew
