In an era where social responsibility increasingly influences consumer choices, Brewgooder has emerged as a trailblazer within the craft beer industry. Founded in 2016 by Alan Mahon, the brewery is built upon a compelling vision: harnessing the popularity of beer as a vehicle for social change. From its inception, Brewgooder has emphasized an ethos where enjoyment doesn’t come at the expense of the environment or vulnerable communities. Instead, it channels the resources generated into meaningful initiatives, predominantly focused on clean water access around the globe.
Mahon’s commitment is evident through the Brewgooder Foundation, which, since its establishment, has reportedly benefitted over 150,000 individuals. Leveraging the brewing process as a catalyst for humanitarian efforts, Brewgooder is reshaping perceptions of how companies can operate within the capitalist framework. By marrying commerce with compassion, Brewgooder is leading a movement that advocates for both enjoyment and responsibility.
In 2018, Brewgooder reached a significant milestone by becoming the first brewery in Scotland to receive B-Corp certification. This accolade is more than just a badge of honor; it represents Brewgooder’s unwavering commitment to meeting rigorous social and environmental standards. B-Corp certification attests to Brewgooder’s operational sustainability and ethical practices, establishing a benchmark for others in the brewing industry to aspire to.
With its latest venture, Brewgooder is taking bold steps towards a fair trade economy by introducing the Fonio Session IPA—an innovative beer brewed with fonio, an ancient grain originating from West Africa. This is particularly groundbreaking as few breweries have explored such distinct ingredients. Collaborations with notable partners like Brooklyn Brewery have served as a catalyst for this development, and Brewgooder is now taking the lead by adding fonio to its permanent lineup. By doing so, it aims to create a ripple effect in agricultural and economic practices within the communities tied to fonio production.
Crafting this unique beer is no simple feat. Brewgooder has had to establish a comprehensive supply chain to secure access to fonio. Collaborating with organizations such as Fairtrade Africa, Fairtrade Foundation UK, and FLOCERT, Brewgooder is committed to facilitating a robust system that not only supports the cooperative of farmers in Guinea but helps elevate the entire community.
The Groupement des Producteurs de Fonio au Foutah, a cooperative formed by 67 farmers, stands to benefit immensely. Brewgooder’s initiatives promise to enhance fonio production significantly, potentially enabling these farmers to increase their yield up to tenfold. Such advancements could lead to improved quality of life for the farming families and a broader economic uplift for neighboring communities.
Furthermore, Brewgooder’s collaboration with Terra Ingredients and Michigan State University is crucial in bolstering gender inclusivity and enhancing crop quality, ensuring that advancements in agricultural practices are equitable. These strategic partnerships highlight a multidimensional approach to sustainability—one that is as much about empowering people as it is about producing a unique product.
At its core, Brewgooder’s Fonio Session IPA is designed to be approachable yet distinct. About 10% of the grain in this craft beer is fonio, a decision reached after thorough experimentation with various ratios. Mahon emphasizes that the addition of fonio offers a sensory experience that sets it apart from typical session IPAs. The beer’s flavor profile promises a delightful blend: notes of candied orange, cherries, and Gewürztraminer grapes introduce drinkers to a grain they might not have encountered before.
In an exciting development for the brewing industry, Mahon has intentionally designed the fonio supply chain to be accessible for other brewers and food producers. This purpose-driven move is poised to foster wider recognition and appreciation of fonio, a grain that has gained the attention of organizations like the WWF, who have named it one of their Future 50 Foods.
Mahon’s vision extends beyond just Brewgooder; he aspires to inspire a broader movement among breweries to explore innovative ingredients like fonio. By doing so, he hopes to cultivate a greater awareness of the potential embedded in sustainable ingredients and amplify the impact of ethical brewing.
Brewgooder exemplifies how companies can leverage their platforms to create significant social change while generating exceptional products. The story of this Scottish brewery is a blueprint for other businesses: that profitability and purpose can coalesce to engender a better world. As consumer awareness around sustainability grows, Brewgooder stands as a testament to the positive transformations that can arise when passion meets purpose.
Leave a Reply