It was ten years ago this month that Founders Chris and Matt Morrison, with Simon Coley, created a range of drinks that are good for the land and the people. They saw that the West-African people who discovered the magical properties of the cola nut didn't make a penny from the world's most popular fizzy drink and wanted to make a difference.
Karma provides consumers with a more ethical and organic way to consume cola. Alongside a transparent supply chain, the company set up the Karma Foundation in Sierra Leone, with one percent of revenue making a difference for Karma's cola nut growers.
Every Karma soda purchased supports projects across education, sustainability, local enterprise and more in Sierra Leone. In 2021, a new school was built in Segbwema that saved some children from walking 12 miles each day to get a basic education. The foundation empowers Tiwai communities to become economically independent and invest in future generations.
The first Karma Cola was sold on August 24 2021, at Kokako in Auckland's Grey Lynn. Hospitality has been the backbone of Karma Drinks ever since, but it now extends 20 percent of its products to grocery stores.
Most recently, Karma has localised its canning for the Asia Pacific markets to Tauranga and in doing so have eliminated 1.4 tonnes of plastic shipping wrap while reducing the carbon footprint. The company has also received the B-Corp Certification.
While the last few years haven't been easy, the Karma Drinks team remains focused on its mission - 'good for the land, good for the growers, and good for the consumer.'
