UK-based ethical brewer Brewgooder has established the first Fairtrade-certified brewing supply chain for fonio grain, aiming to empower West African farming communities.
The supply chain, developed in six months with Guinea’s fonio cooperatives, ensures fair payment and fosters sustainable growth.
Named ‘Open Grain’, it is available to all UK brewers, enhancing its impact. Brewgooder also launched the Fonio Session IPA, supported by major UK supermarkets, boosting the Fairtrade beer market.
Fonio, a climate-resilient grain, thrives in West Africa’s less fertile soils, offering a sustainable alternative to barley.
This initiative has been described as ‘transformational’ by regional representatives, with 67 farmers already participating, two-thirds of whom joined after the Fairtrade certification.
The potential benefits extend beyond individual farmers to entire communities, promoting equitable economic development.
Brewgooder anticipates that this venture will significantly contribute to the UK’s Fairtrade market, with projected retail sales exceeding £2 million annually, reflecting the growing consumer demand for ethical products.
Alan Mahon, founder of Brewgooder, said: “Alone we can make a small but meaningful difference, but as an entire industry – even if only adopting Fairtrade fonio in small amounts – we can support farmers in Guinea make a game-changing impact on these communities while simultaneously bringing quality and desirable products to market.
“We’re not adopting Fairtrade fonio to give ourselves a USP, but to show what can be achieved when you collaborate with farming communities for a fairer deal.
“We faced almost impossible odds in bringing this supply chain together in just six months, but we achieved it through the incredible effort, commitment, and drive of our farming and logistics partners.
“It demonstrates that a vision for a fairer, more equitable world can make seemingly impossible things happen.
Fairtrade fonio has the potential to support communities in Guinea to thrive by ensuring fairer practices and a fairer deal for farmers.
Brewgooder is pleased to collaborate with the Fairtrade Foundation, retailers, and commercial partners to introduce these principles to a new category.
Rebecca Oliver-Mooney, Head of Commercial Drinks for Co-op, said: “At Co-op, we have been proudly championing Fairtrade on our shelves for the last 30 years and are committed to offering a wide range of products for our member owners and customers to enjoy.
“We are thrilled to be Brewgooder’s chosen partner in launching this exciting new product.”
Jourdan Gabbini, Waitrose Beer and Cider buyer, added: “We’re really excited about launching the Fairtrade Certified Fonio Session IPA.
“We’re proud to be working with a brand that is focused on doing good and making a difference in the communities around them while also offering a really fantastic-tasting beer.
Maimouna Diallo, coordinator in the Guinea farming cooperative described the collaboration as “a testament to the power of socially responsible business practices in creating lasting impact and fostering equitable growth”.
She continued: “ We look forward to a fruitful partnership that benefits not only our farmers but also the wider community and the environment.
“A true circular exchange between Africa and the UK – a win-win situation.”
For more information on Brewgooder, the Brewgooder Foundation, and Brewgooder Fonio visit brewgooder.com.
For more on Fairtrade certification and Fairtrade Fonio, visit fairtrade.org.uk.
