Bragg's

AN APPLE CIDER VINEGAR TO BRAGG ABOUT

What links the founder of the ‘health food movement’, over a century of positive impact on consumers’ wellbeing, and pop superstar Katy Perry? The answer – perhaps surprisingly – is an organic apple cider vinegar, lovingly brewed and bottled by the Bragg family. And 109 years since the brand first offered their trademark natural, nutritious cider vinegar, their commitment to wellness remains as fresh as ever.

Many brands can rightfully claim to be a force for good – but few take the title of ‘Founding Father’ of the health food movement itself. And their product is a popular one: over a century since starting out, Bragg take pride of place as the world’s top producer of apple cider vinegar, available worldwide. This lofty accolade is not without precedent, and its founders are as passionate about healthy lifestyles as they are the product itself – invigorating attitudes as well as diets.

Bragg Live Food Products (so named for the ‘living’ cultures of healthy bacteria present throughout many of their product range) once boasted an extensive 365 options – the first vitamins, health teas and skin care solutions to hit the market– although today, the company offers a more focused line of favorites. Their original apple cider vinegar products have diversified into an assortment of options: from an organic honey blend (ideal for salad dressings, or diluted in water as an invigorating drink) to pre-mixed flavored beverages. Of these, their ‘apple and cinnamon’ variant won a ‘Great Taste Award’ in 2019, while the honey beverage received the exceptional 2-star ‘Great Taste’ accolade.

Bragg’s apple cider vinegar still remains their undisputed flagship product, also awarded the ‘Best for gut health: Healthy 2019 Award’. Why the win? Unlike competitors’ copies, Bragg’s product is made with a dedication to detail and a real respect for its health-imparting potential. Its attributes may read like another list of names: organic, raw, unfiltered, unheated, unpasteurised. But Bragg is by no means ‘jumping on the bandwagon’ of ‘health food hashtags’; with over a century of experience, there’s legitimate innovative input behind their labelling.

Other cider vinegars are often over-processed, with manufacturing methods involving excessive heat or filtration – steps that dilute or destroy key health-giving elements of the product. Bragg cider vinegar contains a mix of ‘good’ bacteria and live enzymes termed ‘The Mother’ – similar to the bacteria / yeast culture found in kimchi and kombucha. This natural product of the apple fermentation process imparts not only a cloudy texture but a whole host of healthy attributes.

Just as mothers nurture and protect, so too does Bragg’s culture of live enzymes and bacteria. They are a key element in aiding digestive health, alongside other claims of antimicrobial and antioxidant attributes; they may also assist in lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels. A popular way to enjoy the benefits of Bragg’s cider vinegar is as a teaspoon or two diluted in water, a couple of times a day.

But how how did a hardworking entrepreneur turn his startup into such a successful enterprise – not to mention a legendary force for good within the wellness world?

Paul Bragg – entrepreneur, icon and inspiration to many – formed his now-iconic company back in 1912. After suffering from crippling tuberculosis as a teenager, he developed his own programme of healthy eating and exercise that was to ultimately inspire countless people worldwide. Paul opened the first American health food store in 1926 – the ‘Health Centre of Los Angeles’ – which proved instantly popular. At the heart of his ‘wellness crusade’ was Bragg’s most iconic product; organic apple cider vinegar, from his 120-acre family farm just outside Santa Barbara. The goodness in every bottle Bragg produces? This orchard is its origin.

From elite athletes to individual enthusiasts, Paul’s claims of having “introduced the idea of wellness to the world” are justified. In fact, over the course of his career, he has been an inspiration to many – including four-time Olympic gold medallist, swimmer Murray Rose, and three-time track champion Betty Cuthbert.

Paul’s daughter, Patricia, is equally passionate about her father’s vision. For the past 65 years, she has been a hugely influential advocate within the wellness sphere, continuing her father’s campaign for nutrition and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Her ten best-selling books can testify to the clarity of her conviction and commitment. Not bad, considering she originally intended to help her father’s business out for just one year before departing for missionary work in Africa.

With her trademark pink cowboy hat and infectious energy, Patricia shows no signs of stopping. However, after retiring from the ‘top spot’ in 2019, finding a CEO as committed as this vibrant 92-year-old would be a tall order. Thankfully, a long-time family friend was at hand to offer assistance. Singer Katy Perry grew up next door to Patricia – even receiving her first guitar from her neighbor aged just 13 – and a convert to Bragg’s organic cider vinegar since childhood. “It continues to be a wellness remedy in my professional vocal career”, enthuses Katy, an obvious choice to step in – along with husband Orlando Bloom – as the new co-owners of Bragg (alongside three other major investors).

Let’s raise a glass to the family who founded the ‘world of wellness’, and here’s to another century of the undisputed champion of apple cider vinegars – surely something worth ‘Bragging’ about.