Happy Mountain Kombucha's Success Story with Petainer Kegs and Their Thriving Draft Business

Founded in Oregon in 2015, Happy Mountain Kombucha (HMK) set out with a passion for tea and a commitment to crafting refreshing, low-sugar kombucha. With a logo that reflects the vibrant mountain landscapes of the Northwest, HMK has grown from a small-batch brewery into a thriving producer whose products now reach customers throughout Oregon and Washington.

As demand increased, HMK needed a packaging solution that would support large-scale draft service while maintaining product quality and aligning with their sustainability values. This led them to partner with Petainer, whose one-way kegs provided the ideal solution for their expanding draft business.

The Challenge: High-Volume Distribution & Operational Efficiency

Happy Mountain Kombucha faced several challenges as it moved into a larger brewing facility and sought to expand its on-tap service. The traditional approach of using steel kegs posed significant hurdles in terms of cost, space, and efficiency. The main challenges included:

• Cost & Space Constraints: Investing in steel kegs and keg washers would have required a significant capital outlay and dedicated warehouse space—resources that HMK, as a growing small business, could not afford.
• Labor-Intensive Keg Washing: The cleaning process for steel kegs is both time-consuming and labor-intensive, potentially necessitating a full-time employee solely for managing cleaning cycles, which would further strain operational efficiency.
• Logistical Complexity: Coordinating the return and retrieval of heavy, reusable steel kegs creates additional logistical challenges and increases transportation costs, particularly when serving high-volume events and retail locations.
• Sustainability Goals: As an eco-conscious company, HMK needed a solution that would minimize water usage, reduce chemical cleaners, and lower its overall carbon footprint—factors that traditional steel kegs could not offer.

The Solution: Petainer’s One-Way PET Kegs

To address these issues, Happy Mountain Kombucha adopted Petainer’s one-way, fully recyclable PET kegs. This innovative solution allowed HMK to streamline its draft service while meeting sustainability and cost-efficiency objectives. Petainer’s kegs offered several advantages that directly addressed HMK’s challenges:

• No Return Logistics: The one-way design eliminates the need to retrieve or clean used kegs, reducing labor and logistical costs.
• Lower Environmental Impact: Being fully recyclable and requiring no water or chemicals for cleaning, these kegs significantly reduce HMK’s environmental footprint—an essential factor for an eco-friendly brand.
• Space & Cost Savings: The lightweight PET kegs free up valuable warehouse space and lower transportation expenses, enabling smoother distribution across wide geographical areas.
• Seamless Integration: Designed to work with standard filling and dispensing systems, the kegs ensure that the transition from production to on-tap service is quick and efficient without disrupting existing processes.

Results: Expanded Distribution, Improved Efficiency & Enhanced Sustainability

The transition to Petainer’s one-way PET kegs has delivered tangible benefits for Happy Mountain Kombucha, contributing to both operational efficiency and market expansion:

• Expanded Reach: The streamlined packaging allowed HMK to ship hundreds of kegs each month throughout Oregon and Washington, enabling them to serve diverse venues—from cafés and restaurants to large retail outlets.
• Operational Efficiency: With no need for a keg return system or dedicated washing facilities, staff can focus on brewing and innovation rather than logistics, leading to faster turnaround times and reduced overhead.
• Enhanced Sustainability: The elimination of heavy, reusable steel keg logistics and the use of fully recyclable PET materials help lower HMK’s carbon footprint, aligning perfectly with their green values.
• Positive Industry Feedback: The convenience and cost-effectiveness of Petainer’s kegs have not only improved draft profitability but also positioned HMK as a forward-thinking brand in a competitive market.

We sell hundreds of kegs each month. Working with Petainer has significantly improved our draft profitability and helps us thrive. The greatest benefits are sustainability, operational logistics, and the ability to grow our draft business with ease.

Happy Mountain Kombucha

Conclusion: A Sustainable Future for Draft Kombucha

By partnering with Petainer, Happy Mountain Kombucha has effectively addressed the challenges of high-volume draft service while preserving product quality and enhancing sustainability. The one-way PET kegs have streamlined logistics, reduced capital investment, and supported rapid market expansion across the Northwest.

This case study exemplifies how innovative packaging solutions can enable small businesses to thrive in competitive environments, ensuring that great kombucha reaches customers quickly, efficiently, and sustainably.