Sobah Beverages Pty

Sobah Beverages Pty Ltd, positioned as Australia's first non-alcoholic craft beer company, was established in 2017 by the husband-and-wife team, Dr. Clinton and Lozen Schultz. The company is Aboriginal-owned and led, operating from the Gold Coast, Queensland. The inspiration for Sobah stemmed from founder Clinton Schultz's personal journey with sobriety, which began in 2014. A Gamilaroi man and psychologist, Clinton's frustration with the lack of quality non-alcoholic adult beverage options in Australia drove him to create his own. His background as a chef and his passion for Australian native foods are central to the company's product development. Lozen Schultz's experience seeking a non-alcoholic beer alternative while pregnant also fueled the venture's creation.

Sobah operates as a social enterprise with a mission that extends beyond brewing. The business is deeply rooted in Gamilaraay Lore, emphasizing respect for people, place, and the environment, and engaging in positive reciprocity. This philosophy guides their commitment to championing First Nations culture, promoting wellness, and supporting community healing initiatives. Revenue is generated through the direct-to-consumer sale of their products via their website, as well as through distribution deals with major national retailers like Coles and Dan Murphy's, and a network of independent retailers, restaurants, and cafes. The company initially launched through a crowdfunding campaign and has since secured investment through private share sales and a successful equity crowdfunding round that raised $1 million.

The company's core offering is a range of non-alcoholic craft beers infused with native Australian ingredients. The product line, which is vegan-friendly and preservative-free, includes a Lemon Aspen Pilsner, Finger Lime Cerveza, Pepperberry IPA, and a gluten-free Davidson Plum Ale. These beers are brewed using traditional methods with malt, hops, and yeast to contain less than 0.5% ABV, meeting the legal standard for non-alcoholic beverages. Sobah's products are designed to provide a sophisticated alternative for consumers who choose not to drink alcohol, addressing the growing 'sober curious' movement and the broader 'no-lo' (no and low alcohol) beverage market. The can artwork features designs by Aboriginal artists, further connecting the product to First Nations culture and storytelling.

Keywords: non-alcoholic beer, craft brewery, social enterprise, First Nations owned, native Australian ingredients, direct-to-consumer, wellness beverage, sober curious, ethical business, impact investing