Local Brewing Co. has secured $400,000 from the Coles Nurture Fund, heralding a significant boost for its innovative EcoCrumb brewing initiative, which transforms wasted bread from Coles supermarkets.
The Melbourne-based brewery is set to funnel this funding toward research and state-of-the-art equipment, aiming to multiply EcoCrumb's production capacity by 100. This substantial increase will not only bolster Local Brewing Co.’s manufacturing efforts but also expand the accessibility of this sustainable grain substitute to brewers across Australia.
Nick Campbell, co-founder of Local Brewing Co., explained the underlying principle of EcoCrumb: “We’ve been brewing with repurposed bread for our limited-edition Surplus Series beers for a few years now, rescuing more than two tonnes of Coles Brand bread from waste.”
The EcoCrumb process involves dehydrated and milled surplus bread substituting traditional brewing grains, which poses significant advantages, especially amid the staggering annual waste of millions of tonnes of bread globally. By repurposing bread, Local Brewing Co. demonstrates how businesses can innovate to mitigate food waste without compromising the quality of their products.
“Our biggest challenge has been using the bread in the short window of time before it spoils,” Campbell noted, highlighting the logistical issues involved. With the new funding, Local Brewing Co. aims to significantly extend the shelf life of EcoCrumb from just 48 hours to up to six months, allowing them to incorporate the ingredient across their entire product range.
Coles Nurture Fund’s support not only acknowledges Local Brewing Co.’s innovative approach but also reflects Coles’ broader commitment to sustainability. “Local Brewing Co.’s EcoCrumb is an outstanding example of how small businesses are finding creative solutions to tackle food waste,” stated Anna Croft, Coles Group Chief Commercial & Sustainability Officer.
Local Brewing Co. aims to craft even more eco-conscious beers, with their latest Citrus Hazy Pale already made using 100 kilograms of surplus bread as part of their Surplus Series. Campbell elaborates on this initiative: “Thanks to the Coles Nurture Fund, we now have the opportunity to advance our innovation by increasing its shelf life, producing not just beer but also driving the brewing industry toward sustainability.”
Nick McArdle, the Category Manager for Beer at Coles Liquor, emphasizes the unique partnership: “EcoCrumb shows what’s possible when innovation and a mission to reduce food waste meet. Our customers have loved the limited-edition Surplus Series; it’s about creating delicious products and reducing waste.”
With their innovative brewing techniques, Local Brewing Co. has previously preserved over 50 tonnes of fruit and transformed two tonnes of bread, ensuring minimal waste from the brewing process. The spent grain produced is not wasted either but redistributed as feed for animals, maintaining the principle of sustainability.
The Coles Nurture Fund, established in 2015, continues to champion sustainability by providing nearly $36 million to support 108 businesses to date. The fund aims to help small and medium-sized food and drink producers innovate and implement sustainable practices. Specifically, businesses seeking grants of up to $500,000 must demonstrate unique, innovative projects providing substantial sustainability benefits.
Applications for the Coles Nurture Fund remain open to all eligible businesses, irrespective of their current supplier status with Coles, emphasizing the inclusive nature of this initiative. The application deadline is 5 PM AEDT on Friday, 14 February 2025, and interested businesses can find more information at coles.com.au/nurturefund.
The collaboration between Coles and Local Brewing Co. marks not only a step forward for sustainable brewing practices, but it also sets a precedent for how food waste can be effectively managed through innovative thinking.