In 2016, Brewgooder emerged with a daring mission: to harness the power of beer for social good. The vision, articulated by founder Alan Mahon, was clear: create opportunities and foster change, using the company as a platform to positively impact lives around the world. Over the years, Brewgooder has made impressive strides, impacting over 150,000 individuals through initiatives primarily focused on providing access to clean water. Their commitment to social responsibility goes beyond platitudes; it has garnered recognition, with Brewgooder becoming the first Scottish brewery to secure B-Corp certification in 2018.
Amidst its charitable endeavors, Brewgooder has taken a bold step towards innovation with the launch of Fonio Session IPA, which features fonio – an ancient grain known for its nutritional value and sustainability. This move not only provides customers with a unique product but also highlights Brewgooder’s dedication to using ingredients that support fair trade. Having first collaborated with Brooklyn Brewery to showcase fonio’s versatility, Brewgooder has since incorporated it into their core offerings. With an ambitious production target of 2,000 to 3,000 hectoliters per year, Brewgooder plans to produce a staggering number of cans, making significant contributions to the fairtrade economy—projected at around £2 million annually.
Achieving such lofty aspirations necessitated the establishment of a reliable supply chain for fonio. Brewgooder has leveraged partnerships with organizations like Fairtrade Africa and the Fairtrade Foundation UK to further this goal. Their collaboration with the Groupement des Producteurs de Fonio au Foutah— a cooperative of 67 farmers in Guinea— is particularly noteworthy. With support from Brewgooder, these farmers have the potential to dramatically increase their fonio yield, enhancing not only their agricultural output but also uplifting their communities. This integration of social impact into the business model underscores a proactive, sustainable approach to brewing.
In addition to sourcing fonio, Brewgooder has invested in educational initiatives aimed at boosting the quality of crops and ensuring gender inclusivity among the cooperative’s members. Partnerships with organizations such as Terra Ingredients and Michigan State University are critical for this purpose. By advancing agricultural practices and providing educational resources, Brewgooder is not only transforming the economics of fonio farming but is also investing in human capital, setting the stage for long-term, sustainable growth within the community.
At the heart of this groundbreaking initiative is the beer itself. Brewgooder’s Fonio Session IPA is notable for containing approximately 10% fonio—a unique contribution derived from extensive experimentation with different grain proportions. Mahon emphasizes that this incorporation of fonio profoundly alters the beer’s flavor profile. He describes tasting notes of candied oranges, cherries, and Gewürztraminer grapes, suggesting that this beer is not just another session IPA, but rather a distinctive drink that offers consumers a new sensory experience. The idea is to introduce a grain that may be unfamiliar to many while celebrating its unique taste and health benefits.
Brewgooder positions itself as a pioneer in the brewing industry with a strong ethos centered around social responsibility, sustainability, and community empowerment. Mahon’s vision extends beyond Brewgooder; he hopes other breweries will embrace fonio and create their own versions of fonio beer, fostering greater awareness of this „superfood.“ This kind of collaborative spirit can enhance knowledge around sustainable practices in brewing, resonating within the industry and promoting a broader shift towards socially-enriched business models.
In sum, Brewgooder exemplifies how innovative thinking in the brewing industry can lead to substantial social impact. By integrating fonio into their beer, they not only offer a unique product but also contribute to the livelihoods of farmers and communities in Guinea. Their holistic approach combines ethical sourcing, community collaborations, and a commitment to sustainability, charting a transformative journey that serves as a compelling case for consumer-conscious entrepreneurship in the beverage industry.
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