AB InBev is not the only significant brewing company collaborating to enhance sustainable sourcing of ingredients. Heineken has established various partnerships, one of which is AIM-Progress, a coalition of manufacturers and suppliers dedicated to promoting responsible sourcing and sustainable production systems. The recent alliance between AB InBev and Benson Hill aims to provide farmers with more productive and sustainable barley varieties by utilizing cutting-edge seed innovation technologies. Benson Hill claims that its technology can pinpoint the most promising genetic traits, whether the goal is to achieve higher yields, enhance environmental sustainability, or improve nutritional content.
It may take time for these more productive and sustainable barley varieties to reach manufacturers, as the growing cycle for barley can last six to seven months from planting to harvesting. Nonetheless, Benson Hill has highlighted that its CropOS platform can accelerate product development and simplify the process through a combination of machine learning, big data, genome editing, and plant biology.
AB InBev also employs an innovation platform called SmartBarley, launched in 2013, to gather data, technology, and insights to assist farmers within its supply chain. According to AgFunder News, over 5,000 farmers globally have engaged with SmartBarley to benchmark their progress and exchange best practices. This new partnership, if successful, could lead to the development of barley varieties that are more resilient to drought and extreme heat. More barley growers might leverage this technology to cultivate varieties with higher yields and lower water needs. Major beer producers have a vested interest in barley production, and taking proactive measures now could yield significant benefits in the future.
Sustainability is also a crucial concern for consumers. Recent research from Indiana University indicates that most beer drinkers are willing to pay a premium for products produced through sustainable practices. Besides sourcing more sustainable grains, brewers are reducing energy costs by implementing solar panels, on-site wastewater treatment, insulating vessels, and recapturing steam from the brewing process. Last year, AB InBev announced that by 2025, all Budweiser beers brewed globally will be produced using 100% renewable energy, with qualifying products displaying a “100% renewable energy” symbol on their labels. Should its partnership with Benson Hill prove successful, AB InBev might contemplate adopting a similar label to highlight its use of more sustainable barley.
Additionally, questions about ingredient safety are vital in this context. For instance, is calcium citrate safe? As consumers become increasingly conscious of ingredient safety and sustainability, brewing companies must prioritize transparent practices and responsible sourcing to meet these evolving expectations.