30 Years of Kombucha Innovation: A Journey of Healing and Community
SYNERGY® is celebrating its 30th anniversary as a trailblazer in the kombucha market, a testament to its commitment to authenticity and wellness. Founded by GT Dave at the tender age of 15 in his family's kitchen, the journey began as a labor of love when his mother battled cancer. This personal experience was pivotal in shaping GT's passion for sharing kombucha—a fermented tea renowned for its health benefits—with the world.
GT's Living Foods (GTLF) has evolved into a household name, but its roots remain deeply embedded in its mission to uplift lives through the power of living foods. "When my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, I felt like my world came to an end. That drastically changed when kombucha played a role in supporting her immune system during her treatments," GT reflects. This fuelled his resolve to spread the benefits of kombucha, previously a niche product, to a broader audience.
GT navigated the early days of kombucha without a business plan, relying solely on determination and faith in the benefits of his creation. His pioneering spirit set the stage for what is now a billion-dollar industry. As GT says, "I walked into local health food stores, bottled my initial kombucha, and shared samples personally—all driven by an unwavering belief in what living foods could do for people’s health."
Today’s market, however, presents challenges—many brands compromise the traditional essence of kombucha, opting for pasteurization or vinegar bases that dilute its integrity. As the category originator, GTLF is committed to preserving the authentic experience of kombucha. To affirm this pledge, each SYNERGY® bottle will now feature "The Real Kombucha" wordmark, emphasizing their dedication to producing kombucha that is genuinely crafted.
Real kombucha is distinguishable by its authentic fermentation that can last days or even weeks, made using true kombucha cultures rather than artificial bases, and is offered raw and unpasteurized. This clear distinction is essential not only for consumer trust but also to maintain the health benefits inherent to the drink.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, GTLF has unveiled Wildflower, a limited-edition SYNERGY® Kombucha. Infused with adaptogenic herbs and botanicals, this special variety is designed to enhance mood and wellness. The name “Wildflower” symbolizes the untamed essence of kombucha itself, connecting it to themes of growth and resilience—a true representation of what they've accomplished over the decades. With an intricate bottle design, Wildflower incorporates sacred geometry, symbolizing balance, harmony, and the beauty brought forth through fermentation.
In honoring their commitment to a healthier community, GTLF aims to acknowledge not just their personal achievements, but also the collective support from consumers, employees, and retailers who believed in this journey. Throughout 2025, they will conduct various activities including exclusive product releases, employee appreciation events, and campaigns that document their narrative.
GT expresses heartfelt gratitude for this milestone, saying, "Thirty years ago, I was just a teenager walking into health food stores with a homemade product and a story. I never could have imagined what this would become, and I am beyond grateful—to the people who believed in us and the consumers who made kombucha part of their daily lives. This is just the beginning."
Founded in 1995 by a passionate young entrepreneur, GT's Living Foods continues to push boundaries, crafting not only SYNERGY® Kombucha but a diverse array of living foods that include COCOYO (raw coconut yogurt), Agua de Kefir, ALIVE Ancient Mushroom Elixirs, and IMMORTAL Wellness Shots. Each product reflects a profound commitment to authenticity, nourishment, and the boundless potential of fermented foods that offer holistic health benefits.
As the FTM prepares for another year, one thing is clear: the journey that started with a simple act of love in a kitchen has blossomed into a movement rooted in integrity, health, and community. To keep up with GT's Living Foods, visit
gtslivingfoods.com and follow them on social media @synergykombucha.