Carlsberg brews drought-resistant beer using 100% fonio, an ancient African grain

Partnering with Brooklyn Brewery, Carlsberg has created the world's first lager brewed entirely with fonio, an ancient West African grain. Carlsberg Fonio Lager replaces traditional barley with the hardy and nutritious grain, showcasing the potential for sustainable brewing in the face of climate change. Fonio, a staple food in West Africa for over 5,000 years, is known for its ability to grow in arid conditions without irrigation. Its time to harvest is also exceptionally short.

Zoran Gojkovic, Director of Brewing Science & Technology at Carlsberg, emphasized the technical challenges that were overcome in creating this novel brew. "There are no recipes for a beer like this," he noted. The fonio beer is part of Brooklyn Brewery's 'Brewing for Impact' campaign, which aims to drive positive change in the industry. While Carlsberg Fonio Lager is only being released as a limited edition, available from the Home of Carlsberg in Copenhagen, the project highlights the possibilities of brewing practices adapted to life on a hotter planet.