Three Uni students launch Australia's first sustainable seltzer

Three Monash University students are fighting food waste by creating a hard seltzer from 'wonki' fruit that would otherwise be landfill-bound.

Launching Wonki for pre-sale on the crowdfunding site Pozible last week, the founders are well on their way to reaching their target revenue of $30,000, raising a massive 40 per cent of their target within 24 hours of launching.

Gabriel Tucker, Max Moolman and Bridget Lansell dreamt up the concept for their brand as part of Monash's Fastrack Accelerator program, an internationally recognised start-up program for innovators and entrepreneurs.

Tucker said their idea was born from a desire to create an environmentally friendly seltzer that is not only sustainable but also visually appealing to young, ecologically-conscious consumers.

"We wanted to create an environmentally-sound method of making sure perfectly edible produce makes it off the farm, unlike the other 25 per cent that typically does not — a way of 'doing the world a flavour' if you will.

"We're also uni students, so premium beverages that boast a cool aesthetic and fresh taste excite us, naturally," said Tucker.

Working hard to cultivate local partnerships over the last 18 months, the team at Wonki will source their imperfect produce from Farmers Pick, have it juiced by Market Juice and manufactured by Melbourne distillers Gypsy Hub.

The disruptive newcomer comes encased in fully recyclable, aesthetically pleasing packaging and will be marketed as a low-sugar, low-calorie, gluten-free alternative to readily available RTDs.

Initially available in Cucumber & Lime flavour, future flavour combinations will be created from whatever produce is seasonally available and in need of saving from landfill.

The campaign will be live until Friday, April 14, 2023.

Stay up-to-date with the latest industry news with the Drinks Trade e-newsletter.