When it comes to socialising, no one wants to face the dreaded hangover the next day. Enter alc-eze, a hangover prevention supplement that’s changing the game in Australia and soon beyond.
Co-founders Rohit Uppal and Anthony Taylor talk about their journey from discovering the unique properties of Korean Nashi Pears to four years of intense R&D, all in the name of helping people wake up feeling refreshed after a night out. In this interview, they share how alc-eze was born, the science behind it, and their big plans for the brand’s future.
alc-eze has really taken off since its launch – what inspired you to dive into the hangover prevention market, and how did the idea of using Korean Nashi Pear come about?
Ro: The inspiration came from a personal place. We all enjoy a night out, but the day after can be brutal. We wanted to find a way to balance the two – a solution that lets you enjoy social moments without paying for it the next day.
Plus, my background in pharmacy has always driven me to find solutions that promote health and well-being. We were drawn to the science behind hangovers and found that the Korean Nashi Pear stood out for its unique properties. It’s been used traditionally for various health benefits, and through our research, we discovered its potential in alleviating hangover symptoms. That’s when we knew we had something special.
Anthony: The Nashi Pear was a game-changer for us. We hate hangovers and the Nashi is super effective and natural! Nashi Pears boost the enzymes you need to break down alcohol faster. When we discovered how effective it was, we knew we had to build alc-eze around it.
Four years of R&D is a big commitment. Can you share some of the key challenges and breakthroughs you experienced while developing alc-eze?
Ro: Absolutely. The R&D process was both exciting and challenging. One of the biggest hurdles was finding the right combination of ingredients that would not only be effective but also pleasant to consume. We went through numerous iterations, testing different formulas, and working closely with scientists and medicine specialists to get it right.
Anthony: The big breakthrough was getting a high enough concentration of Nashi in a vitamin that’s easy to take. We were also 100% committed to getting alc-eze TGA approved and meeting all the main regulatory standards around the world, so people knew they were taking something safe, effective, and backed by science. All the hard work paid off when we started getting positive feedback from early testers who found alc-eze was giving them their mornings back.
The science behind hangovers is something we’ve all wondered about at some point. How does alc-eze work to prevent that dreaded morning-after feeling?
Ro: Hangovers are primarily caused by the build-up of acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism, and the dehydration and inflammation that alcohol induces. alc-eze works by accelerating the breakdown of acetaldehyde, thanks to the Nashi Pear, and by providing anti-inflammatory and hydrating effects through other natural ingredients. The idea is to tackle the root causes of hangovers, so you don’t wake up feeling terrible.
Anthony: It’s about giving your body the tools it needs to handle alcohol more efficiently. We also added ingredients to tackle all those common hangover symptoms; headaches, nausea, fatigue. It’s basically like eating 5 Nashi Pears, a berocca, a liver tonic and an anti-inflammatory all in one.
Hangovers are often seen as just part of the fun, but they have real financial implications too. How do you see alc-eze helping to reduce the loss of productivity caused by hangovers?
Ro: You wouldn’t necessarily think it, but hangovers cost the economy billions in lost productivity each year. People calling in sick, not performing at their best – it all adds up. A prime example is Melbourne Cup – our research revealed last year that 650,000 workers were expected to pull a sickie on the day after the Melbourne Cup, costing businesses 750 million dollars.
alc-eze aims to minimise this impact by helping people recover faster, so they can be more productive and focused the next day. It’s not just about feeling better; it’s about maintaining your performance and avoiding the negative consequences of overindulgence.
Anthony: We see alc-eze as a tool for maintaining work-life balance. By reducing the severity of hangovers, we hope to help people be at their best, whether at work or in their personal lives. It’s about making sure that socialising doesn’t come at the cost of your productivity or well-being, or at the cost of your workplace!
With alc-eze now available nationwide and the upcoming launch in Hong Kong, what are your next big goals for the brand, both in Australia and internationally?
Ro: Expanding into new markets is definitely a priority. We’re excited about the Hong Kong launch and are exploring other regions where there’s a growing awareness of health and wellness.
Anthony: In Australia, we’re focused on building our brand presence and expanding our distribution channels, with plans to enter the liquor market and have alc-eze stocked in bottle shops and bars. Internationally, we’re targeting markets with high growth potential. Our ultimate goal is to establish alc-eze as a global leader in hangover prevention and recovery.
Your new 3 & 6 pack supplements are a great idea for convenience. How did you come up with this concept, and what kind of response are you expecting from consumers?
Ro: The idea came from listening to our customers. They told us that whilst they love the product – they wanted a more convenient way to take alc-eze for those inevitable impromptu drinks. Something they could easily carry with them, whether they were heading out for a night or going on a trip. The 3 & 6 pack options make it convenient to have alc-eze on hand whenever you need it.
Anthony: We’ve been getting so much good feedback on the new packs. The goal was to make it easy and convenient for people to have alc-eze with them when they need it. Now you can pop it in your pocket or purse and you’re good to go.
The hangover prevention market is growing fast. What trends or changes do you foresee in this space, and how is alc-eze positioned to stay ahead of the curve?
Ro: We’re seeing a shift towards more health-conscious drinking, where people are looking for ways to enjoy alcohol responsibly without the negative side effects. There’s also a growing interest in natural and scientifically-backed solutions, too.
Anthony: Staying ahead means continuing to innovate and listen to our customers. We’re constantly researching new ingredients and formulations that can enhance our product. We’re also focused on educating consumers about the science of hangovers and how our product can make a difference. By staying true to our mission and adapting to trends, we’re confident alc-eze will continue to lead in this space.
