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What does it take to build a genuinely sustainable drinks brand in a world still driven by price, convenience and big FMCG players? And can purpose, transparency and good sourcing really survive contact with supermarket shelves?

In this episode, Jack and Ellie chat with Will Englander, founder of The Root Co, a ginger-focused drinks brand on a mission to do right by people and planet.

Will shares how a near-death experience and a growing frustration with overly sweet, over-processed ginger drinks led him to create a simple, fiery ginger beer with just five ingredients.

From single-farm sourcing in Tanzania and cycling ginger beer around London, to negotiating with supermarket buyers and grappling with consumer behaviour, in this episode, Will offers a refreshingly honest look at what it really means to grow a purpose-led brand in an unforgiving market.

Topics covered include:

• Leaving consulting to build a ginger beer–ginger shot hybrid
• How a near-fatal accident reshaped Will’s life and risk-taking
• Building a single-farm ginger supply chain in Tanzania and Kenya
• Why The Root Co uses only 5 ingredients and no chemicals
• Competing with big FMCG while staying fair to farmers
• What shoppers and retailers really care about on sustainability

Music by Stock_Studio from Pixabay.