A Melbourne-based independent brewery, Local Brewing Co., has received a significant financial boost from the Coles Nurture Fund to expand its innovative brewing project. The $400,000 grant will be used to enhance the production of EcoCrumb, a pioneering product that transforms surplus bread into beer. This initiative aims to significantly reduce food waste while offering a sustainable alternative to traditional brewing ingredients. By investing in research and new equipment, the brewery plans to increase EcoCrumb's production capacity by 100 times, making it more accessible to breweries nationwide. The project not only addresses environmental concerns but also supports local businesses in adopting greener practices.

The concept behind EcoCrumb is both simple and revolutionary. Bread, one of the most widely consumed foods globally, often ends up as waste due to its short shelf life. Local Brewing Co. has developed a process where surplus bread is dehydrated and milled into crumbs, which can then substitute traditional grains in the brewing process. This approach not only helps minimize food waste but also produces high-quality beer without compromising taste. The company's co-founder, Nick Campbell, emphasized the importance of sustainability in their craft beer movement. For years, they have been experimenting with repurposed bread in limited-edition beers, rescuing over two tonnes of bread from becoming waste.

The challenge lies in utilizing bread within a narrow window before it spoils. With the support of the Coles Nurture Fund, Local Brewing Co. now has the opportunity to extend EcoCrumb's shelf life from 48 hours to up to six months. This breakthrough will enable the company to introduce EcoCrumb across its entire range of beers and produce a shelf-stable product on a national scale. Anna Croft, Coles' Chief Commercial & Sustainability Officer, praised the brewery for its innovative solution to food waste. She highlighted how small businesses like Local Brewing Co. are leading the way in sustainability initiatives, driving positive change in their industries and communities.

Nick McArdle, Coles Liquor Business Category Manager for Beer, expressed pride in featuring Local Brewing Co.'s products on their shelves. The brewery's Surplus Series, including the Citrus Hazy Pale, has been well-received by customers, proving that eco-friendly brewing can also result in delicious beverages. Beyond beer production, the spent grain from brewing is repurposed as animal feed, further reducing waste. Since its inception in 2015, the Coles Nurture Fund has provided over $36 million in grants to 108 small and medium-sized businesses. These funds support projects that drive innovation and sustainability, fostering a greener future for Australia.

The Coles Nurture Fund continues to encourage applications from businesses seeking to innovate and promote sustainability. With this latest grant, Local Brewing Co. is poised to make a substantial impact on reducing food waste and transforming the brewing industry. By scaling up EcoCrumb production, the company sets an inspiring example of how creativity and commitment to sustainability can lead to groundbreaking solutions.