Social enterprise sells beer in Co-op stores to help tackle water poverty

A social enterprise brewer that donates profits to tackle water poverty has secured a listing in Co-op Group stores.

Brewgooder, based in Edinburgh, donates 100% of its profits to water charities and has a mission to provide clean water for one million people. It has so far launched a programme of 60 projects with the One Foundation, which has benefited more than 30,000 people. Figures from the United Nations show that more than 650 million people do not have access to safe, clean drinking water.

It is a similar partnership to the one between the Co-op and the One Foundation, which has helped over 1.5 million people gain access to water. Last year, the Group celebrated the 10th anniversary of this deal, which sees it donate 3p for every litre of its Fairbourne Springs water sold to projects in Africa.

The Co-op is also the only retailer to partner the Global Investment Fund for Water – announced at the Global Citizen Festival, Hamburg – where it contributes 1p per litre to the fund from sales of branded bottled water.

Related: Co-op Group celebrates 10 years supporting One Foundation water projects in Africa

Brewgooder is looking to build on this work through its listing in 100 stores. Co-founders Alan Mahon and Josh Littlejohn were both tackling homelessness in Scotland before combining their passion for craft beer and helping others with the development of their “Clean Water Lager” which is brewed at Brewdog’s Ellonbrewhouse.

Mr Mahon said: “We are delighted to secure this listing, we feel there is a real synergy given the Co-op’s community locations, heritage and ethical trading and, passion for quality beers. Not to mention its existing work to support clean water projects.

“This is our largest listing into the convenience sector and one we are looking forward to growing in the coming months. It will provide a boost to our brand awareness and business development at a key time while having an impact on thousands of people facing water poverty through our essential clean water projects.”

Jake Woods, the Co-op Group’s beer buyer, added: “As a co-operative, collaborating with a social enterprise which has set out to use its profits to alleviate water poverty presents a great opportunity, it is an area where the Co-op has delivered significant support over many years.

“Craft beer is an exciting category, we see significant potential for sustainable growth, and we are delighted to champion a beer that makes a difference to the lives of thousands of people.”