Terra Ingredients and RahrBSG are excited to announce a new partnership to bring fonio—a nutrient-dense, climate-resilient ancient grain—to the craft brewing industry. As interest in fonio continues to gain traction among innovative brewers, this collaboration ensures a trusted supply chain and easy access for breweries looking to explore this exciting new ingredient.
“This partnership brings together shared values around sustainability, transparency, and innovation,” says Peter Carlson, CEO of Terra Ingredients. “We’re excited to help brewers explore fonio’s potential and make it accessible at scale.”
This partnership will take center stage at the upcoming Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) in Indianapolis, April 28–May 1, where Terra Ingredients will be joining RahrBSG at their booth to answer questions and showcase fonio’s brewing potential.
Here’s everything you need to know about fonio and the Terra/RahrBSG partnership leading up to this year’s CBC:
Fonio: More Than a Novelty
Breweries across North America and Europe are already showing strong interest in fonio, signaling that this ancient West African grain is more than just a fleeting trend.
Early adopters and advocates include Garrett Oliver, Brewmaster at Brooklyn Brewery, and Yolélé co-founder Chef Pierre Thiam, who initiated the “Brewing for Impact” project —a coalition of breweries collaborating to brew a series of beers with fonio. The list of breweries includes notable brands such as Thornbridge (UK), Carlsberg (DK), Russian River (USA), Guinness (IE), Brooklyn Brewery (USA), and others from around the globe. Additionally, Brewgooder (UK) launched the biggest line of fonio beer in 2024 with their Fonio Session IPA, partnering with Terra Ingredients and our Fairtrade fonio supply chain to create the world’s first Fairtrade fonio beer.
So far, brewers have reported that fonio integrates seamlessly into recipes and imparts a smooth, nutty profile that complements a wide range of beer styles—from crisp lagers to complex saisons.
A Trusted Supply Chain for Easy Access
The Terra-RahrBSG partnership offers unmatched credibility and convenience for brewers ready to try fonio. With Terra’s global sourcing expertise and RahrBSG’s reputation as a top supplier of premium brewing ingredients, breweries can experiment with fonio without worrying about supply reliability or logistics. Whether for a small pilot batch or a large-scale seasonal release, the supply is dependable and scalable for brewers of all sizes.
“As we delved deeper into Terra’s operations, we were impressed by their commitment to environmental stewardship and social impact,” explains Laura Hansen, VP of Supply Chain at RahrBSG. “Their innovative techniques in fonio cultivation not only enhance the grain’s quality but also promote biodiversity and support local communities. This partnership with Terra represents a significant step forward in our mission to foster sustainable practices within the brewing industry and aligns with RahrBSG’s goals.”
Brew-Friendly by Nature
Fonio’s practical advantages make it a welcome addition to any brewhouse. It can be added directly into the mash—no milling or special handling required. This ease of use lowers the barrier to experimentation, allowing brewers to innovate without altering their workflows.
Ancient Grain, Fresh Innovation
Fonio’s subtle, nutty flavor opens the door to a new wave of creativity in craft brewing. Brewers continually seek unique ingredients that differentiate their offerings, and fonio delivers a compelling story and a distinctive taste. Whether used in flagship beers or limited-run releases, fonio gives brewers a competitive edge in a crowded market.
“We are seeing a lot of beers with Fonio being produced with robust and exciting flavors,” says Hansen. “We are also excited to have more brewers to experiment with a 100% fonio beer for a gluten-free option.”
Visit RahrBSG’s booth (#4405) at CBC 2025 to sample fonio-based brews, meet the Terra Ingredients team, and explore how this ancient grain can help your next beer stand out.
About Terra Ingredients
Terra Ingredients is committed to sourcing high-quality, sustainable ingredients from around the world. Focusing on traceability and innovation, Terra delivers novel solutions for food and beverage manufacturers seeking to meet evolving consumer demands.
About RahrBSG
RahrBSG is a trusted leader in the brewing supply industry, offering a wide range of premium ingredients and products for craft brewers. With decades of experience and a commitment to quality and service, RahrBSG supports brewers of all sizes in creating exceptional beers.
