Brewgooder, founded in 2016 by Alan Mahon, has taken the bold step of marrying craft brewing to social responsibility, elevating the act of beer-making to a transformative enterprise. With a mission statement anchored in making the world a better place through beer, Brewgooder emerged from the idea that beverage production can transcend mere consumption, working instead to improve the lives of people worldwide. Over the years, the company has created opportunities that range from local initiatives within the United Kingdom to impactful efforts across various global communities.
Through its charitable arm, the Brewgooder Foundation, the company claims to have touched the lives of over 150,000 individuals primarily through clean water projects. Clean water access is a fundamental right, yet millions globally suffer from lack of this essential resource, stagnating overall community growth and health. Brewgooder’s strategic focus on water initiatives not only aids those in need but aligns smoothly with its branding, attracting socially-conscious consumers drawn to products that carry a purpose beyond their ingredients.
In 2018, Brewgooder made history by becoming the first Scottish brewery to obtain B-Corp certification, a label denoting high social and environmental performance. Attaining this status validates their commitment not just to beer quality but also to sustainable practices in all operational facets. The B-Corp certification genre adds to the scratch-and-sniff of ethical consumption, where individuals choose products that reflect their values — a category Brewgooder is proud to spearhead.
The Fonio Project: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Recently, Brewgooder introduced the Fonio Session IPA, an idea that has combined cultural heritage with modern brewing techniques. Fonio, an ancient African grain, is reinvigorating global discussions surrounding food sourcing, sustainability, and nutrition. Brewgooder’s venture marks the first time fonio has become a permanent feature in a brewer’s lineup. This pioneering effort follows collaborative work with Brooklyn Brewery, showcasing that partnerships can yield fruitful results for different segments of society.
Brewing with fonio has enabled Brewgooder to tap into a sustainable supply chain, working closely with Fairtrade Africa, Fairtrade Foundation UK, and FLOCERT to bolster local farming efforts in Guinea. The Groupement des Producteurs de Fonio au Foutah cooperative, made up of 67 farmers, stands to benefit enormously as they gain access to a lucrative market for their crops. By modernizing agricultural practices and enhancing seed systems, Brewgooder not only empowers farmers but also creates ripple effects within their communities, fostering the potential for up to tenfold increases in fonio production.
Understanding the brewing process remains crucial to appreciating the uniqueness of Brewgooder’s fonio-infused beer. With approximately 10% of the grain in the Fonio Session IPA being this ancient grain—after rigorous experimentation with different ratios—Mahon asserts that the flavor signature stands out markedly from traditional session IPAs. Describing fonio’s contribution to flavor, Mahon notes hints of candied oranges and cherries, as well as the aromatic notes reminiscent of Gewürztraminer grapes. Such distinct flavors not only enhance the drinking experience but also serve as a conversation starter about the lesser-known grain.
Mahon’s vision extends beyond Brewgooder. In establishing an overbuilt supply chain for fonio, he invites other breweries and food manufacturers to engage with this ancient superfood, thus multiplying its impact on health and sustainability. Recognized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) as one of the Future 50 Foods, fonio possesses the potential to reshape dietary norms while paving the way for more socially responsible sourcing practices within the brewing industry.
Brewgooder’s innovative approaches through beer production reflect a growing trend where craft breweries serve as beacons for social change. By intertwining quality brewing with community-enhancing initiatives, Brewgooder sets a poignant example of how businesses can both succeed and play a pivotal role in shaping a better world. Alan Mahon’s excitement for a broader adoption of fonio beers underlines a significant message: that collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to authentic change are the keys to unlocking a more equitable future.