Founded in 2016 by Alan Mahon, Brewgooder emerged from a simple, yet profound vision: to leverage the popularity of beer to foster global change. The initiative was born out of a desire to not only create exceptional brews but to also contribute positively to society, particularly in terms of access to clean drinking water. As a testament to its commitment, Brewgooder has reportedly improved the lives of more than 150,000 individuals through its various initiatives concentrated mainly on water sanitation projects. This compelling mission sets Brewgooder apart from traditional breweries that typically focus narrowly on profit.
Innovation and conscientious business practices have been hallmarks of Brewgooder since its inception. In 2018, the brewery distinguished itself by becoming the first in Scotland to achieve B-Corp certification. This status not only recognizes the company’s commitment to high social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency, but also positions Brewgooder within a network of businesses striving for positive global impact. This achievement illustrates Brewgooder’s intent to balance profit with purpose, acting as a role model in the brewing industry.
Brewgooder’s pioneering spirit is further evidenced by its recent foray into sustainable sourcing with the introduction of Fonio Session IPA. This unique beer is brewed with fonio, an ancient grain native to Africa known for its nutritional value and environmental resilience. The choice to incorporate fonio into their permanent lineup not only highlights Brewgooder’s inventive approach but also serves a greater purpose by promoting fair trade practices. By collaborating with recognized partners such as Fairtrade Africa and FLOCERT, Brewgooder is building a new supply chain, thus ensuring a steady and ethical sourcing of fonio from a cooperative of 67 farmers in Guinea.
The brewery is ambitious in its production goals, targeting an output of 2,000 to 3,000 hectolitres of this new offering annually, which translates to hundreds of thousands of cans. Altogether, Brewgooder estimates that the introduction of Fonio Session IPA could channel approximately £2 million into fair trade economies, positively affecting not only farmers but the broader communities in which they reside.
Collaboration for Enhancement
In an equally impressive administrative move, Brewgooder has partnered with institutions like Terra Ingredients and Michigan State University to enhance the capabilities of the fonio cooperative. This collaborative effort aims to improve seed systems and promote gender inclusivity, ensuring that the benefits of this venture are equitably distributed. By investing in the agricultural backbone of a community, Brewgooder is not only enhancing the quality and yield of fonio but is also championing social equity in supply chain practices.
As if the social implications were not enough, the brewing team at Brewgooder has carefully crafted the Fonio Session IPA to ensure that it is a product worth trying. Mahon asserts that the beer’s flavor profile distinctly separates it from traditional IPAs, with fonio contributing notes of candied oranges and cherries. The use of 10% fonio in the brewing process reflects an iterative approach to develop a product that introduces consumers to an undervalued grain while still maintaining a familiar beer experience.
In their quest to promote fonio, Brewgooder is not satisfied with being a solitary innovator. Mahon is vocal about his hopes that other breweries will follow suit and experiment with fonio in their own products. The cooperative vision shared by Mahon is underscored by the recognition of fonio by the WWF as one of its Future 50 Foods, solidifying its potential not just as a niche ingredient but as a pioneering staple in sustainable food production.
Brewgooder stands as a striking example of how a business can intertwine purpose with profit. By creating high-quality beers that are socially responsible, the brewery not only quenches the thirst of consumers but also sows the seeds of social change worldwide. The world of brewing is rapidly evolving, and through innovations like the Fonio Session IPA, Brewgooder is charting a course that other breweries may want to follow. As the company continues to grow, its commitment to both quality and social impact suggests that it will remain a key player in the movements for ethical production and sustainable sourcing.
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