Founded in 2016 by Alan Mahon, Brewgooder is not just another craft beer company; it’s a social enterprise committed to positive global change through the humble pint. The inception of Brewgooder was driven by a singular vision—to leverage the joy of beer to create a better world. As Mahon articulated in a recent video call, the company’s initiatives have evolved, spreading opportunities not only within the United Kingdom but extending their reach to communities around the globe. With a focus on clean water initiatives, Brewgooder’s efforts have reportedly benefitted over 150,000 individuals through its philanthropic Brewgooder Foundation.
In 2018, Brewgooder distinguished itself as the first brewery in Scotland to earn B-Corp certification, a prestigious designation acknowledging companies that meet high social and environmental performance standards. This step was pivotal in establishing Brewgooder as a leader in the ethical brewing movement. By intertwining business success with meaningful contributions to society, Brewgooder has positioned itself as an example of how enterprise can champion sustainable development. The firm’s narrative does not just focus on profits; rather, it taps into a mission-driven approach that respects the planet while cultivating community well-being.
Brewgooder’s latest innovative endeavor involves the introduction of Fonio Session IPA, a revolutionary beer brewed with fonio—an ancient African grain that has existed for thousands of years. This beer stands as a testament to Brewgooder’s commitment to fair trade sourcing and progressive agricultural practices. This grain has rapidly gained recognition as a nutritional powerhouse, often labeled as a ‘superfood’ due to its rich nutrient profile. The collaboration with New York’s Brooklyn Brewery that led to the first experimentation with fonio formed a cornerstone for Brewgooder’s entry into using this mystical grain in its permanent beer lineup.
With plans to produce between 2,000 and 3,000 hectolitres annually—translating to around 560,000 to 845,000 twelve-ounce cans—Brewgooder is poised to make a significant impact on the fair trade economy. The company anticipates that its fonio-infused brew will contribute approximately £2 million annually towards fair trade initiatives. This commitment highlights a meticulous effort to forge a transparent supply chain in collaboration with key organizations such as Fairtrade Africa and the Fairtrade Foundation UK.
Brewgooder has established relationships with local farming cooperatives, particularly the Groupement des Producteurs de Fonio au Foutah in Guinea, which consists of 67 smallholder farmers. This engagement not only ensures a steady supply of fonio but also lays the groundwork for developmental empowerment, allowing farmers to significantly increase their production capabilities. Brewgooder’s collaboration extends to organizations like Terra Ingredients and Michigan State University, focusing on sustainable farming practices. This tripartite alliance aims to enhance crop quality while fostering gender inclusivity, ensuring that all voices in the cooperative can benefit from agricultural advancements.
In exploring the sensory experience of the beer itself, Mahon noted that approximately 10% of the grain used in brewing the Fonio Session IPA is, in fact, fonio. This percentage was determined after thorough experimentation to ensure a balance between innovation and drinkability. Mahon encourages potential consumers to approach the brew with an open mind, highlighting the distinct flavors that fonio introduces, including hints of candied oranges, cherries, and Gewürztraminer grapes. Such an intricate flavor profile aims not only to tantalize taste buds but also to educate beer drinkers about an underappreciated grain.
Brewgooder is ardent about expanding the reach of fonio in the beer industry, undermining the notion of being a solitary pioneer in this niche market. By constructing a robust fonio supply chain, Brewgooder has laid the groundwork for other breweries to engage with and utilize this grain, amplifying educational efforts surrounding its benefits. As Mahon aptly put it, “We’ve done the hardest part,” inspiring an industry-wide conversation on socially responsible brewing. Brewgooder’s journey epitomizes a broader movement where businesses recognize their potential impact, harnessing resources for social good without compromising quality or taste.