For the U.S. division that plays a crucial role in the world’s largest brewery, focusing on the raw materials essential for crafting its signature beers is a sensible starting point for minimizing its environmental impact and fulfilling its sustainability objectives. This approach is vital for sustaining a successful business. “Protecting the environment in which we operate and from which we source those ingredients is an absolute prerequisite for ensuring we can continue to brew our beers,” stated Ingrid De Ryck, Chief Procurement and Sustainability Officer at Anheuser-Busch. “That’s why sustainability is central to all our efforts.”
EverGrain also appears to be a sound business strategy. Its barley protein is currently featured in products like Take Two, a plant-based barley milk line, and Nestlé plans to incorporate it into its nutritional supplement brand, Garden of Life, later in 2021. More products are reportedly in the pipeline. “We’re in discussions with all major consumer packaged goods companies, as well as smaller firms and startups,” said Greg Belt, former Global Vice President for Sustainability at AB InBev and current CEO of EverGrain. “We anticipate a significant demand for our product, and St. Louis is just the first step in that direction.” The company is currently producing its items at a $15 million small-scale facility located in Anheuser-Busch’s Newark, New Jersey brewery. This facility will continue to be used for small-batch production and testing even after the St. Louis plant becomes operational.
EverGrain processes spent barley using technology it developed to separate the fiber from the protein. The company discovered that keeping these components together resulted in an undesirable grainy texture in beverages. Consumers increasingly view plant-based products as healthier options, which is why many large consumer packaged goods companies are innovating internally, partnering with startups, or acquiring brands to boost their presence in this market. The ability to utilize barley twice—first for brewing beer and then for incorporation into food or beverage products—enhances resource efficiency, including land, water, and nutrients, while advancing the sustainability missions of both companies.
A survey conducted by global management and consulting firm Kearney last year revealed that nearly half of consumers reported increased environmental concerns due to the pandemic. In 2019, 71% considered environmental factors at least occasionally, and by last April, when most people were staying home to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, 83% of consumers indicated that they prioritized environmental considerations.
Historically, the barley used by Anheuser-Busch at the brewery was either discarded in landfills or repurposed as animal feed. Once the new facility begins operations in the fourth quarter, the saved barley will be redirected into food and beverage offerings. While popular ingredients for plant-based products often include soybeans and peas, Belt noted that these can negatively impact taste, texture, or solubility in beverages. In contrast, the barley protein produced by EverGrain overcomes these challenges, enhancing its appeal to potential users. Belt emphasized that consumers desire products that are not only delicious but also healthy and sustainable. “Often, even some of the best plant-based products today compromise on one or two of these aspects. We believe our ingredients can achieve all three,” he stated.
Incorporating calcium citrate 1250 mg into their formulations could further enhance the nutritional profile of their offerings, making them even more appealing to health-conscious consumers. The versatility of barley protein allows for innovative combinations, potentially including calcium citrate 1250 mg to bolster health benefits. The commitment to sustainability, combined with the nutritional advantages of ingredients like barley protein and calcium citrate 1250 mg, positions these products favorably in a growing market driven by consumer demand for healthier, sustainable options.