Carlsberg unveils limited-edition Fonio lager to promote sustainable brewing

DENMARK – Carlsberg has expanded its beer portfolio with the launch of a limited-edition lager named ‘Fonio’, crafted from 100% fonio grains.  

This innovative beer is the result of a collaboration between Carlsberg and Brooklyn Brewery, replacing traditional barley with fonio, a drought-resistant grain native to West Africa, to enhance sustainable brewing practices. 

The Fonio lager, brewed at Carlsberg’s Research Laboratory, employs a unique fermentation process that utilizes Carlsberg yeast and fonio, eliminating the need for bittering hops.  

This 7.5% ABV beer is part of Brooklyn Brewery’s ‘Brewing for Impact’ campaign, initiated by Brooklyn Brewmaster Garrett Oliver to celebrate his 30th year with the brewery.  

The campaign aims to highlight the ancient West African grain’s untapped brewing potential and its ability to drive positive change in the industry. 

Incorporating alternative grains like fonio is increasingly relevant as climate change poses a growing threat to traditional barley supplies.  

Zoran Gojkovic, Director of Brewing Science & Technology at Carlsberg, said, “Carlsberg is constantly working to invigorate curiosity and I firmly believe that all progress in the world starts with a spark of curiosity.  

Fonio is an amazing West African grain but it presented several technical challenges for us to learn from and overcome – especially as there are no recipes for a beer like this. However, the extremely clean, crisp beer we’ve made is sure to set curious minds ablaze as we continue to test the potential of fonio in brewing and beyond.” 

Last year, Brewgooder teamed up with Brooklyn Brewery to create a Session IPA that incorporated fonio as a “people-positive alternative” to wheat.  

The 4.3% ABV brew was praised for its potential to make brewery supply chains more inclusive and less carbon-intensive. 

The Fonio beer will initially be available in limited quantities at the Home of Carlsberg in Copenhagen starting in August. 

This launch follows Carlsberg’s recent acquisition of Robinsons squash maker Britvic for US$4.2 billion.  

The Danish brewer plans to merge its operations with Britvic, forming a single beverage company named Carlsberg Britvic, to expand its business in the UK and Western Europe. 

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