In 2023, Carlsberg, in collaboration with Brooklyn Brewery, launched an innovative lager utilizing fonio grain as a barley replacement.
The product has launched across selected markets in Europe and Africa. Fonio is an ancient grain that is native to West Africa known for its drought-resistant properties, rapid cycle of growth, and dense nutritional profile. The grain is also naturally gluten free appealing to both dietary sensitive and health conscious customers. With escalating impacts of climate change, and places that already experience drastic weather, the exploration of resilient alternatives is all the more crucial, especially in the area of crop yields. This approach proactively creates a sustainable and stable beer production amidst uncertain environments.
The lager offers a refreshing taste carrying subtle earthy notes. This innovation follows a similar project by Brewgooder, who introduced a purpose-led beer that incorporated the fonio grain as a way to support local West African farming communities alongside sustainability initiatives. This second introduction of the fonio grain by a major player like carlsberg signifies the upward trend of diverse sustainability strategies the food and drink sector can explore. Carlesberg’s latest initiative not only creates diversified products but also positively contributes to ecological sustainability and economic development to newly available sourcing regions.
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