Now You Know Christina Delay, Altina Drinks. Photo: Jennifer Schmidt.
Now You Know podcast hosts Janette and Phillip don’t usually drink on the job, but when the guest is the co-founder and CEO of Altina Drinks, the corks are popping! This Canberra non-alcoholic drinks start-up has become a favourite for those wanting to cut back on their standard drinks.
With a glass of crisp, bubbly Le Blanc in hand, Christina Delay takes Janette and Phillip through her journey from a high-achieving Gold Coast athlete to a PhD in Plant Biology in Canberra. With partner Alan Tse, Christina knew she wanted to do something with her career that would help people.
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“When Alan and I first had the idea for Altina in 2018 we were both looking for something where we could use our skills and passion to make a change in the community,” she told Janette and Phillip.
There were certainly challenges in making non-alcoholic beverages that feel sophisticated and grown-up and give the same satisfaction as a glass of wine at the end of the day. While Altina initially focussed on non-alcoholic cocktails, after several years the right technological advancements were available to remove alcohol from wine without compromising on flavour.
One point of difference for Altina is their use of native Australian ingredients, which adds complexity to their drinks. Tasmanian Pepperberry brings out the naturally peppery notes of their Shiraz, and Christina explained that their best seller is currently the Finger Lime Sauvignon Blanc. This product was actually made in consultation with customers who advised them throughout the production process.
Altina products have received medals at global non-alcoholic beverage awards, and have even won awards at international spirits and wine shows when up against alcoholic drinks. And the reaction from a local sommelier had the podcast studio in stitches!
But for Christina, the best feedback is from customers who share that Altina drinks have helped them feel included when going out for a drink with friends while they cut back on their alcohol consumption.
Now You Know appears fortnightly on Region and wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple and Spotify. Have a listen, tell us what you think and rate us.
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