The demand for kombucha is constantly increasing, and consequently, the demand for commercial kombucha equipment is also rising. Below is an overview of the entire kombucha fermentation and bottling process.
The core production process of commercial kombucha:
1. Tea Brewing and Liquid Preparation Equipment (Preliminary Processing System)
This is the first step to ensuring the stable flavor of kombucha.
Common equipment includes:
- Industrial tea brewing tank / tea extraction tank
- Stainless steel liquid preparation tank
- Heating system (steam or electric heating)
- Filtration device (for removing tea residues)
Function: Ensure consistent tea concentration, improve work efficiency, and reduce human errors.Material requirement: Must be made of food-grade 304/316 stainless steel.
Primary fermentation determines the acidity, flavor, and safety of kombucha.
Essential configurations:
- Stainless steel fermentation tank
- Temperature control system (recommended temperature: 22–28℃)
- Aeration structure or controllable valve
- SCOBY management and cultivation system
Key note: Kombucha undergoes aerobic fermentation. Unlike beer and wine, the fermentation tank cannot be completely sealed.
Secondary fermentation defines the brand differentiation of products.
Common equipment:
- Secondary fermentation tank / mixing tank
- Juice and spice metering system
- Stirring device
Functions:
- Add fruit, herbal, or functional ingredients
- Adjust carbonation level and taste layers
Not all kombucha brands require pasteurization equipment, but it is widely used in commercial production.
Optional equipment includes:
- Microfiltration / membrane filtration system
- Pasteurization equipment
- Alcohol content control system
Industry compliance:
- Most countries require the final product’s alcohol content to be ≤0.5%.
- "Live culture kombucha" is usually not pasteurized, but it has higher requirements for cold chain logistics and quality testing.
Common equipment:
- Liquid filling machine
- Capping machine / can sealing machine
- Bottle/can cleaning system
- Labeling machine
- Inkjet printer (for date and batch coding)
Common packaging formats:
- Glass bottles
- PET bottles
- Aluminum cans (increasingly adopted by craft and ready-to-drink brands)
This is a non-negotiable link in commercial production.
Essential systems:
- CIP (Clean-in-Place) online cleaning system
- Disinfection and sterilization equipment
- Food-grade piping system
Purposes:
Tonsen – Your trusted partner for custom kombucha equipment (CE certified). Whether you’re scaling up or starting your commercial production, we’ve got you covered. Contact us now to discuss your requirements!
