Coles Supports Local Brewing Co with $400K Grant for EcoCrumb Innovation

In an exciting development for both sustainability and local brewing, Local Brewing Co has received a generous $400,000 grant from the Coles Nurture Fund. This funding will help the Melbourne-based brewery ramp up production of its innovative brewing process that turns surplus bread into beer—a world-first concept known as EcoCrumb.

A Brewing Revolution: EcoCrumb and Sustainable Practices

The idea behind EcoCrumb is simple yet transformative: repurpose surplus bread to create a sustainable alternative to traditional grains in the brewing process. Local Brewing Co has been experimenting with this method through their Surplus Series beers, where they’ve successfully rescued more than two tonnes of Coles Brand bread from going to waste.

“We’ve been brewing with repurposed bread for our limited-edition Surplus Series beers for a few years now,” said Nick Campbell, co-founder of Local Brewing Co. “This funding will help us take EcoCrumb to the next level by increasing production and tackling the challenges we’ve faced, like using the bread before it spoils.”

The process involves dehydrating and milling the surplus bread into a crumb that can substitute for the traditional grains used in brewing beer. Not only does this help reduce food waste, but it also gives beer lovers a taste of something unique—flavors created from the repurposing of ingredients that might otherwise have gone unused.

EcoCrumb’s Impact: Sustainability at Its Core

The $400,000 grant will enable Local Brewing Co to conduct more research and purchase the necessary equipment to produce 100 times the current volume of EcoCrumb. This will allow them to scale their operations and bring more of these eco-friendly brews to market.

In addition to upcycling bread, Local Brewing Co has preserved over 50 tonnes of fruit for its Surplus Series beers and repurposed leftover grains from brewing as animal feed. The brewery's Citrus Hazy Pale, their latest Surplus Series release, used 100 kilograms of surplus Coles Brand bread—a perfect example of how their brewing process is making a meaningful impact on both sustainability and flavor.

By investing in EcoCrumb, Local Brewing Co is not just brewing innovative beers but is actively contributing to reducing food waste and creating a more sustainable future.

A Partnership That Celebrates Local Innovation

Coles has always been committed to supporting local innovation, and the partnership with Local Brewing Co is a perfect example of how businesses can work together to promote sustainability. The $400,000 grant is part of Coles’ Nurture Fund, which aims to support projects that drive positive change in communities and industries across Australia.

This partnership is a win-win for everyone involved—from the brewery’s ability to grow and expand, to the environment benefiting from reduced waste. It's clear that Coles’ investment in Local Brewing Co's EcoCrumb project is just the beginning of a long-term commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Looking Ahead: A Greener Future for Beer

With the additional funding and support, Local Brewing Co plans to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable brewing. The potential for EcoCrumb to become a widespread method for upcycling surplus bread into beer could change the landscape of the brewing industry in Australia and beyond.

As Local Brewing Co scales its production, beer drinkers can look forward to more delicious, sustainable beers that not only taste great but also help reduce food waste.

Stay tuned for more updates as Local Brewing Co continues to innovate and lead the charge in eco-conscious brewing.