CommBucha launched in 2018 as a humble yet budding kombucha-making venture, and today has grown into MAVI’s Pantry, where they craft a delectable range of fermented foods.

But apart from our good ol’ yoghurt and cheese, what are fermented foods?

Fermented foods are nutrient-dense and easily digestible yummies that contain probiotics, which are “live microorganisms” that provide numerous health benefits, such as improved gut health, enhanced immune function, and better mental health.

Based out of Navi Mumbai, MAVI’s Pantry ferments a variety of traditional global recipes that tickle our fancy and of course, our tastebuds. The pantry brews kombucha, kvass, kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut, and other similar products; all made using organic, local, and seasonal ingredients. MAVI’s Pantry envisions a world where fermented foods are an integral part of everyone’s lifestyle, not just a trendy niche. The brand’s mission is to lead this gut health and fermented food revolution through education and by being an honest brand.

A serendipitous start

The journey of MAVI’s Pantry took flight during a honeymoon trip to the United States, where founders Mashi and Vikram visited friends in Asheville. One evening, while contemplating the choice of drink for the night, Mashi asked her friend for something other than beer or hard liquor. The friend suggested kombucha, and Mashi instantly fell in love. The health benefits of kombucha piqued Vikram’s interest, and after a few attempts, he too was hooked. They returned to India and started making kombucha at home while doing training courses in Mumbai. After receiving encouragement from friends, they decided to sell their home-brewed kombucha at a local market, and before they knew it, they were a hit in some stores and started working on it full-time.

Starting a new venture is never easy, and they braved many challenges. The biggest challenge was leaving a well-paying job to pursue what seemed like a revolution at hand. Also, they had no idea how an FMCG business worked, but they learned to build a plane as they flew it.

The reincarnation of fermented foods

Fermented foods have been a part of traditional diets for centuries and for good reason. According to Forbes, “Kombucha originated in Northeast China around 220 B.C. and was prized for its healing properties and extraordinarily varied benefits.” Similarly, Kvass is a Russian beverage from the 10th century, Kimchi is a Korean side dish that has existed for 3000 years, Kefir is fermented milk that originated in Eastern Europe a millennium ago, and Sauerkraut originated in China(not Germany) nearly 2000 years ago.

Fermentation is a process where microorganisms like bacteria, yeast, and fungi convert the natural sugars in food into alcohol, acids, or gases. This process preserves the food and increases its shelf life. Moreover, fermented foods are nutrient-dense and easily digestible. They contain probiotics, which are live microorganisms that provide numerous health benefits, such as improved gut health, enhanced immune function, and better mental health.

Just like yogurt has traditionally been an integral part of our lives owing to its health benefits, MAVI’s Pantry is now introducing, rather reintroducing us to an ancient palate of fermented recipes from across the globe.

A conscious philosophy

MAVI’s Pantry is a conscious brand, and the choices they make every day reflect that. They source ingredients from small farmers and choose eco-friendly procedures; they recycle bottles and packaging materials and compost their waste. Their philosophy is to make sustainable choices that are kind to the planet and to create a positive impact on the community.

Brewing up a revolution

Their critical change philosophy is to change how people conceive food by bringing back the age-old wisdom of fermented foods in an attractive, new, urban, and contemporary avatar. The brand is passionate about gut health and the benefits of fermented foods. They believe incorporating fermented foods into our daily lives will better our health and well-being. MAVI’s Pantry aims to lead the way in the gut health and fermented food revolution through education and honesty.