Studies have shown that Malaysians have become more health-conscious after the pandemic and that there is an intention to consume healthy food, especially among young adults. The demand for healthier options also extends to beverages, as carbonated soft drink consumption is one of the contributing factors to weight gain.

Julian Koh, the founder and managing director of Supergulp was one such individual who always avoided sugary drinks. However, one day as the 32-year-old was browsing the aisles at the supermarket, a few Western sparkling prebiotic brands caught his eye. Intrigued, the KL-born entrepreneur decided to try them all. 

“To my surprise, I really enjoyed them! The low sugar content and the pleasant, refreshing taste were exactly what I had been looking for. That’s when I had my lightbulb moment – I wanted to make these functional beverages accessible and relatable to every Southeast Asian household,” he says.

Getting the ball rolling

This idea came about during the fourth quarter of 2023 and together with a small team, they then dedicated four months to laying the groundwork and establishing the business structure of what would come to be known as Supergulp. 

“We began by researching which ingredients provide prebiotics and their benefits for the body. Then, we collaborated closely with our manufacturer. We invested significant time in R&D including conducting taste tests with a diverse group to perfect the recipe and taste profile. We are fortunate to have friends in the medical field who provided crucial advice during product development, especially regarding the ingredients and their effects on the human body.” 

Emphasis was also made to ensure their packaging effectively communicates Supergulp’s essence, going through three rounds of designing. After months of hard work, they launched three flavours: Lemon Lime, Lychee Lemon, and Watermelon Pineapple on 23 March 2024.

Kombucha enthusiasts may be familiar with the fact that the fermented tea contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria for your gut. In contrast, Supergulp provides prebiotics, which are nutrients that feed these good bacteria. “Without enough food, these good bacteria won’t survive. Supergulp tastes delicious and is a healthier soda option – it’s low in sugar, low in calories, and high in fibre,” explains Koh.

According to Koh, some of the key health advantages of prebiotics are that they enhance digestive well-being, support the immune system, improve skin and mental health, and even reduce the risk of diabetes. “Plus, it’s non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and free of artificial preservatives, sweeteners, colours, and flavours.”

Starting from a blank canvas

Armed with a Bachelor of Arts from Goldsmith’s College, University of London, Koh initially began his career as a graphic designer at Nylon magazine in Singapore. After that, he consistently worked in the tech industry and most recently, held the position of Growth Lead at foodpanda, Malaysia’s leading online food ordering platform, where he contributed to business growth in collaboration with its C-level executives. 

“Moving from a big company to starting my own business was challenging yet rewarding. In a corporate environment, everything is well-defined and structured. In contrast, starting Supergulp felt like working with a blank canvas. The positive side was the opportunity to build a structure from scratch, and without a rigid hierarchy, it became a fun and fulfilling experience for the team and me,” explains Koh.

Now as the MD of Supergulp, Koh’s daily responsibilities include strategising marketing, partnerships, and operations. “I rely on project management tools to stay organised amidst numerous tasks. Taking breaks when needed is crucial to avoid burnout, which I prioritise as an essential for any entrepreneur.”

“I also make time for fitness despite a busy schedule as I enjoy activities like road cycling, running, and HIIT classes. While I aim to minimise sugar intake, I do indulge in fast food occasionally. For me, balance is crucial,” explains Koh.

Drink up!

In less than three months of operation, Supergulp has impressively successfully expanded to 72 retailers throughout Kuala Lumpur. Notable establishments include Qra, The Village Grocer, Ben’s Independent Grocer, BSC Fine Foods, and BilaBila Mart. Their sparkling prebiotics are also available at dining venues like Pizza Mansion, Noa, Baked By Kenny Hills, The Hungry Tapir, and more.

Looking forward, Koh says, “Our future goal for Supergulp is to establish ourselves as a leading healthy FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) brand, akin to the “Mondelez” of wellness in the long run. In the short term, we are focused on launching new flavours that draw inspiration from the Southeast Asian taste palette.”

For more information about Supergulp, visit supergulp.co or follow them on Instagram.