Launched with a fun play on words, ChariTea & LemonAid are part of a German social enterprise called Lemonaid Beverages, which is fueled by the sale of healthy bottled beverages. The Hamburg-based social business sells a variety of sugar-free, fair trade, organic drinks and donates a portion of the proceeds to support social, educational and medical projects in South Africa, Sri Lanka and Paraguay.
ChariTea & LemonAid Beverages was launched when high school friends Jakob Berndt and Paul Bethke quit their day jobs to launch a social venture that would not only let them explore their entrepreneurial sides, but also allow them to give back and do some good. Jakob, who had worked at Hamburg-based ad agency Jung von Matt, brings his creative talents to the enterprise, while Paul brings his experience as a development aid worker.
ChariTea and LemonAid Beverages are currently being sold at chic supermarkets in Europe, as well as in bars and restaurants either on their own, or as a mix for alcohol. As seen in the gallery, the drinks are packaged in beautiful bottles, and the founders ensure that the proceeds help offer fair wages to the farmers who harvest the ingredients.
"We, the founders of LemonAid, do not want to just sell lemonade," they explain. "But drinking to change the world, a little at least. That is why we gave up our jobs in the advertising and food industry and started to mix a truly sustainable lemonade. First while traveling in Sri Lanka, then in a small kitchen in the 'Karoviertel,' today a small organic company based in Southern Germany helps us."
The ChariTea website also highlights a number of other European social business projects, including the Wonderbag, NaWaRo Berlin bamboo bicycles, Supergas bio-energy from Copenhagen, eco-friendly search engine Ecosia, and Guerilla Gardening.
Contact Information
Charitea website
Charitea on Facebook
Fairtrade Chic Drinks
Lemonaid Beverages and ChariTea Look Cool, Pay Farmers Fairly
Trend Themes
1. Fair Trade Beverages - Opportunity for companies to create fair trade beverages that support social, educational, and medical projects.
2. Social Enterprise - Growing trend of social enterprises that combine business and social impact.
3. Sustainable Packaging - Demand for beautifully packaged and eco-friendly beverage products.
Industry Implications
1. Beverage Industry - Disruptive innovation potential in the beverage industry to develop fair trade and socially responsible products.
2. Social Impact Sector - Opportunities for social enterprises to create sustainable business models that support social causes.
3. Packaging Industry - Innovative packaging solutions are needed to meet the demand for sustainable and aesthetically pleasing beverage packaging.