Honest, Sustainable & Intriguingly Different Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Interview JOMO Club Founder X Kaoba Founder.

At JOMO Club, our monthly boxes are designed to bring intriguingly different drinks to your home, every single time. Premium experiences, high quality drinks and designed with passion and love. That is why we included Kaoba Drinks - the sparkling drink made using (the wasted) fruit from the Cacao plant.

Q: We are so excited to welcome you as the drink of the Spring & Summer! You launched at the beginning of this year, so can we start with an introduction to Kaoba? 

Thank you! We're thrilled to be part of your sunny moments this season. Kaoba is a 100% sustainable, sparkling cacaofruit soda - naturally sweet, refreshingly fruity and 100% natural. It's made from the juicy, tangy pulp of the cacaofruit pod (the same fruit that gives us chocolate), which is usually discarded, to the tune of 11 million metric tonnes per year. We give it a second life, transforming it into a light, citrusy drink that's packed with natural goodness. It's zero-waste, plant-based and here to rewrite what you think a soft drink can be.

Q: Cacaofruit. I must say, we don't know too much about it. I've been a long-time fan of cacao, but cacaofruit, I am a bit of a novice. Can you talk to us all about cacao and cacao fruit?

Absolutely! Everyone knows chocolate, but few know the fruit behind it. Inside every cacaofruit pod is a soft, white pulp surrounding the beans. That pulp is the cacaofruit - naturally sweet and tangy, somewhere between lychee, mango and citrus. It's packed with nutrients and hydration, and it's incredibly versatile. Traditionally, the pulp is thrown away during chocolate production, BUT we think it's the star of the show.

Q: How did you discover and fall in love with cacaofruit? Why was the cacaofruit your muse for Kaoba?

In recent times, confectioners have used it in ice creams, chocolate fillings etc. so, it all started with curiosity and a love for discovering underappreciated ingredients. When I first tasted fresh cacaofruit juice, I was blown away. It was tropical, vibrant and unlike anything I'd had before. Then I learned that 75% of the fruit goes to waste. That sealed it for me - this was too special to be forgotten.

Q: There is a serious amount of waste when it comes to this fruit. Why is there so much waste and how is Kaoba taking on this challenge to reduce this?

Great question. When cacao beans are harvested for chocolate, the rest of the fruit - pulp, juice, and shell - is usually discarded. That's millions of tons of waste every year. This is because, to this day, the cacao beans are the star of the show. At Kaoba, we rescue that juice before it's lost, working directly with suppliers who upcycle the fruit. Still to this moment, juice is hard to come by due to its logistical complexities. So Kaoba not only reduces waste, it also supports a more circular and sustainable supply chain

Q: Reducing waste to create such an exceptional drink is amazing. Your drink is also simple when it comes to the number of ingredients which we love. How important was it to you to keep your drink 100% natural?

Hugely important. We wanted Kaoba to feel like a clean, conscious refreshment - something you can drink anytime and feel great about. We use just 2 natural ingredients: sparkling spring water and rescued cacaofruit juice. No additives, no weird stuff. We believe that the drinks market has become overcomplicated and unnecessarily complex. We are a drink that is refreshing and simple

Q: Can you also tell us a bit about exploitation in the cacao industry and how you are on a mission to combat this?

The cacao industry has a long history of unethical labour practices, especially around cocoa farming. We're committed to doing things differently - Kaoba isn't about the bean, it's about the whole fruit. We work with partners who ensure fair pay, traceability and regenerative practices. By giving more value to the entire fruit, we're helping farmers earn more from each harvest and supporting a more equitable industry. We are taking steps to quantify these words into tangible figures that make a difference.

Q: Setting the scene, it's a beautiful Spring day. What is your favourite way and setting to enjoy Kaoba?

Outdoors, in good company. The sun's out, a gentle breeze, you're stretched out on a blanket in the park with a cool box of ice, a few cans of Kaoba and nothing to worry about

Q: Have you used Kaoba in any cocktails? Can you share your favourite for members to make at home?

Oh yes, Kaoba is a dream mixer with or without alcohol! A really simple one is half a glass of ginger beer and half Kaoba. It's a fiery sweetness that really gets the tastebuds going. Alternatively, just a few sprigs of garden mint and a squeeze of lime. It's fresh and brings your palate alive.

Q: Does this fruit have any health benefits?

Cacaofruit is naturally enriched with antioxidants, potassium and theobromine - a natural compound that gives a gentle energy lift without the crash. It's hydrating and supports overall vitality, making it perfect for everything from post-gym refreshment to an afternoon pick-me-up.

Q: What is your perfect Spring day? 

As much as I love being abroad under the sunshine, a sunny spring day in the UK countryside is outstanding. My go-to place is north Norfolk, in a little town called Weybourne. There sits a pebble beach, beautiful landscape and a lapping sea. Being there with my fishing rod, a bite to eat, a refreshing drink and letting the surroundings sink in - perfection.