Pilot Kombucha

The name Pilot is drawn from the Ingalls family's history in aviation. The brand is 100% female-owned and launched in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, growing from a one-person operation into a commercial producer making approximately 97,200 gallons per year.

Each variety is built around a distinct tea base, using organic and fair-trade ingredients throughout. The finished kombucha is raw and unpasteurised: Pilot deliberately sacrifices a longer shelf life in favour of more active, nutritious bacteria, which requires refrigeration across the supply chain.

Pilot positions itself as culinary-inspired, aimed at adventurous and food-focused drinkers. The brand launched with the stated goal of bringing gut health to the hedonistic food-loving community in New York, with each drink delivering a probiotic hit. Two of its drinks have picked up awards.

Distribution has grown since launch: the brand now reaches around 400 locations, including a deal with a major natural foods wholesaler. Pilot has stated its intention to remain a regional brand, with its base in Brooklyn and a planned taproom in the Lower East Side.