Carlsberg, Guinness and other global brewers have teamed up to highlight the virtues of the ancient West African grain fonio and its potential for more sustainable brewing.
The initiative – called ‘Brewing for Impact’ – is being headed up by Brooklyn-based brewer Brooklyn Brewery.
Breweries from seven countries will be coming together to create a series of limited-edition beers that will spotlight fonio’s qualities. The grain is widely used in African cooking and has “untapped brewing potential” as it is drought-resistant, and requires no irrigation, pesticides, or fertilisers.
The idea is the brainchild of Brooklyn Brewery’s brewmaster, Garrett Oliver, who first pioneered fonio brewing in 2019.
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“In some ways ‘Brewing For Impact’ is the most important work I’ve ever done,” said Oliver.
“If what we’ve started truly catches hold in the industry, we will hopefully start seeing the wider use of a grain that has no need for irrigation, fertilisers, pesticides or other chemical inputs.
“It also supports soil regeneration while providing a vital source of income for thousands of smallholder farms in West Africa, which are predominantly female-led – all while making some really fantastic beers. What more can you ask for?”
Rolling out throughout 2024, the series of limited-edition beers will spotlight fonio’s qualities and potential to drive positive change, and a more sustainable future, with each respective brewery contributing its own expertise and creativity to the lineup.
Last year, Brewgooder collaborated with Brooklyn Brewery to create a sustainable beer using fonio.
