Have you ever dreamed of a refreshing, natural, and easy-to-make iced tea? Two enthusiasts, Sonia and Nicolas Droz, have taken on this challenge with Siroscope, a Neuchâtel-based company that’s revolutionizing the way we enjoy tea. Their secret? An organic tea concentrate in syrup form, produced locally with respect for the environment and well-being. Discover their journey, their values, and the challenges they’ve overcome to make Siroscope a must-try brand in Switzerland’s gourmet scene.
Can you tell us how the idea for Siroscope came about?
Siroscope was born out of a love for iced tea and a desire to offer a practical and eco-friendly alternative. Making several liters of homemade tea is time-consuming and messy. That’s how the idea of turning it into a syrup concentrate came about. It then seemed only natural to avoid plastic throughout the production process and offer an organic product to make it as environmentally friendly as possible.
What was your career path before taking over Siroscope?
Sonia worked for 12 years at a winery in Neuchâtel, where she handled communications, sales, and event planning. This experience taught her how to build a company’s image while deepening her love for the region.
Nicolas spent about ten years in the watch industry, managing a network of stores. Despite the difference in industry, he gained solid skills in sales strategy and management, which are very useful today.
Why did you decide to take over a business together?
We met in 2011 and wanted to take on a challenge together. We knew our skills complemented each other, which allows us to divide up our roles effectively.
We spend a lot of time together, but we’ve learned to find a balance. Each of us has our own areas of expertise, which is essential for the company to run smoothly.
What products does Siroscope offer?
We produce organic tea syrup. We offer five classic flavors year-round, as well as seasonal limited-edition varieties. We love experimenting with new flavors, often inspired by our own homemade creations. Starting next spring, we’ll also be launching a ready-to-drink iced tea, available in two different flavors!
What makes your manufacturing method unique?
We strictly adhere to the recommended brewing temperatures for tea to preserve the delicate aromas of this noble raw material. We add no preservatives or artificial colors, and our bottles are returnable to reduce waste.
In addition to water renowned for its excellent quality, we use only ingredients sourced from organic farming and certified as such by our suppliers—such as beet sugar—to minimize our food miles.
Did you encounter any difficulties when you took over the company?
Yes, particularly in terms of distribution. The founders worked exclusively with a small, local network. We had to expand that network while maintaining the relationships that had already been established. We also had to adapt to managing the company on a global scale while remaining true to our ecological and artisanal values.
What are your development goals?
We want to strengthen our presence in Switzerland, particularly in German-speaking Switzerland, before exploring international opportunities. We already have contacts in France, England, and even Asia. However, we want to proceed cautiously and consider exporting our production in order to uphold our commitment to consuming as locally as possible.
What is the nature of your collaboration with the canton’s economic development department?
We discovered their services through other entrepreneurs. Their advice is invaluable, especially on topics related to entering new markets.
It’s reassuring to be able to count on knowledgeable partners to support us in developing our projects.
In your opinion, how could the canton of Neuchâtel better support entrepreneurs?
Access to financing remains an area for improvement. The first few years are often very difficult financially, especially for young entrepreneurs with little startup capital.
We were fortunate to be able to draw on our professional experience, but that’s not the case for everyone. Better financial support would be a real asset.
What advice would you give to those who want to start their own business?
You have to believe in your project, be persistent, and not let obstacles discourage you.
It’s also important not to compare yourself to the success stories you see on social media. Success requires a lot of hard work, discipline, and perseverance. Nothing happens by chance.
How can people learn about your products?
Our syrups are available at various cafés, bistros, hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, and retail shops throughout French-speaking Switzerland. We also have an online store (www.siroscope.ch) featuring a complete list of our products and retail locations.