Meet startup: Kayu Fruit

Kayu Fruit is a fast growing beverage company, aims to become the first natural energy drink in the UK and EU. Ethos is centered around lessening food waste by using unused cacao pulp as the main ingredient of our wellness drink! It’s vegan, has no added sugar or chemicals and is only 39 calories per can!

Through this, Kayu fruit is:

- Reducing tiredness and fatigue naturally

- Providing extra revenue to farmers

- Sharing a new flavor with the world

Kayu’s Mission is to give people energy and make a positive effect. “We care about inviting change and making a social and ethical impact. By drinking Kayu we are giving you the perfect combination to Drink With Purpose - to help the environment, improve your health, and at the same time discover a new fruit.” - Kayu Fruit team. 

How did it start?

In 2018, founders traveled to Latin America and met with local cacao producers who invented a new way of harvesting cacao. This new method enabled them to separate the cacao beans and the previously wasted cacao fruit pulp. After tasting it they decided that everybody should discover this deliciously tasting fruit. Not only would this be a great opportunity to help the farmers get more revenue but it would also help reduce food waste.

They used cacao fruit to create Kayu. 7 natural ingredients including plant based caffeine and Vitamin B2 to reduce tiredness and fatigue. No added sugar, only 39 cal, no nasties! Giving you the perfect combination to drink with purpose: helping the environment, improving your health, and at the same time allowing you to discover a new fruit.

What was an inspiration?

In 2020, founders brought the first cacao fruit pouches to the UK and had people taste it. The reaction was overwhelming so they decided to make it full time mission! Cacao fruit is sweet, sour, and full of theobromine, which is a natural stimulant similar to caffeine. As we all need a boost during our busy lives, and still care about what we drink, founders decided to make their own Kayu Fruit | Plant Based Energy Drink. They combined Cacao fruit, Sparkling Water, Lemon Juice, and a bit of plant-based Vitamin B2 to make a drink that boosts your energy levels whilst still being good for you. No added sugar, no nasties!

Drink with purpose 

Kayu fruits takes care of nature and provides: 

- Reducing Food waste by using 40g of the previously wasted cacao fruit pulp in each can.

- Generating extra income for farmers by buying the fruit pulp that they have never sold before. By using all parts of the cacao fruit, they help farmers generate more revenue without increasing their workload. That's how simple it is!

- Giving a better alternative to traditional energy drinks. Kayu is 100% plant based, no nasties, good for your body and the environment