Long before “product diversification” became a goal on the beverage side of craft beer (in terms of seltzers, canned cocktails, and so on), breweries of all sizes have been collaborating with other local artisans to produce culinary innovations — beef jerkies, mustards, coffee beans, BBQ sauces, and so on. Here are three of our favorite beer + food partnerships announced this year.
Complementary Collab
Beer and snacks go together like … well, beer and snacks. Craft breweries around the country realize this of course. Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream and SIPPIN SNAX Gourmet Bar Snacks launched of their newest collaboration snack, Samuel Adams Boston Lager Craft Peanuts earlier this year. These peanuts are roasted to perfection and seasoned with a blend of spices created to pair perfectly with Samuel Adams Boston Lager.
SIPPIN SNAX is a premium snack brand specializing in gourmet bar snacks to “to elevate your snacking experience.” What’s great about this partnership is how the Sam Adams brand and its Brewing the American Dream program can further elevate another entrepreneurial brand while complementing their own product.
“Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream was founded on the belief that our passions are worth pursuing and should be shared,” said Jennifer Glanville Love, Director of Partnerships & Collaborations at Boston Beer Company. “We are so thrilled to be collaborating with SIPPIN SNAX, a small business that embodies that belief in the shareworthy and tasty snacks they craft.”
Brewing the American Dream, a program started by Boston Beer Company founder Jim Koch in 2008, provides resources and support to small businesses in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries celebrates 15 years of providing food and beverage entrepreneurs across the U.S. with access to capital, networks, and business coaching.
Sustainable food chain
Brewer’s Foods, a Boston-based company that launched the Upcycled Pretzel Flatbread Crackers earlier this year – a sustainable snack with an eye to fighting against food waste.
Its tie-in with craft beer? Craft breweries have long grappled with finding innovative ways to repurpose their spent grain, a byproduct of the brewing process. The Upcycled Pretzel Flatbread Crackers utilizes sprouted and roasted grain as a key ingredient, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.
“Upcycling spent grain from craft breweries, we are turning what was once considered waste into a delicious and nutritious snack. Our mission is to fight food waste and inspire others to make a positive impact on the environment,” said Kyle Fiasconaro, Founder and CEO of Brewer’s Foods.
Brewer’s Foods has partnered with craft breweries, establishing a sustainable supply chain that benefits both the breweries and the environment. Through their innovative process, they transform the spent grain into a flavorful base, incorporating it with premium ingredients to create the perfect balance of taste and sustainability.
In addition to their product launch, Brewer’s Foods actively participates in community initiatives and educational programs to raise awareness about food waste and sustainability. Through their collaborations, they aim to inspire others to take action, emphasizing the significant impact that can be made by repurposing overlooked resources.
Brewer’s Foods line of products are now available regionally at Whole Foods Market and for purchase through select retailers and online platforms.
Meaty monthly deal
Joe Zavala in the BBQ Speakeasy
The most innovative craft beer + food collaboration we’ve seen this year is the Backyard BBQ Box from Zavala’s Barbecue Distribution, sponsored by Lone Star Brewing.
This monthly subscription features products from some of the best barbecue joints in Texas. The boxes are available for nationwide shipping and include an ever-changing array of high-quality barbecue products, exclusive recipes, tips, access to cooking videos and an exclusive Q&A session with the featured pitmasters each month.
Zavala’s Barbecue, owned by Joe Zavala, has made a name for itself over the past few years. What started as a backyard hangout grew into a brick and mortar restaurant that made Texas Monthly’s 50 Best BBQ Joints list in 2021 and was featured on season 3 of Netflix’s Taco Chronicles Cross the Border for its brisket taco.
Lone Star Beer has partnered with Zavala’s as the official beer sponsor of the Backyard BBQ Box. In addition to the sauces, seasonings, and educational content, each box will include exclusive Lone Star Beer merchandise.
“We are really excited about this partnership that we’ve formed with Zavala’s Barbecue Distribution,” said Lone Star Brand Director Brandon Kieffer. “We view this as a unique way to help support pitmasters across the state and look forward to helping bring their products to new neighborhoods and backyards.”
The Backyard BBQ Box is available in one, three, and 12-month subscription options. Each month, the box will feature a different rotation of best-known, award-winning products, as well as some items from up-and-coming BBQ joints.
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