Convenience retailer Co-op is stocking a new lager created by Palestine’s first microbrewery Taybeh Brewing Co. in partnership with Brewgooder in 1,600 of its stores across the country.
The beer, named Sun & Stone in reference to the warm climate and abundance of limestone in the Middle East, is available to buy on Brewgooder’s website and will be sold in Co-op stores from 10 September.
Brewgooder is brewing the beer with Taybeh at zero profit, with proceeds giving Taybeh’s local community a vital source of income.
Profits will also go to the charity Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which supports conflict-affected communities across the Middle East, including the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Co-op director of campaigns, public affairs and policy Paul Gerrard said: “We have a longstanding legacy of supporting communities and know the positive impact co-operation can have in fostering long-term recovery in regions affected by conflict.
“The Brewgooder and Taybeh beer is such a great initiative to support economic stability and we’re proud to be able to sell the beer in our stores and donate the profits.”
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Brewgooder co-founder James Hughes said: “When we first read about Taybeh, we were completely moved by their resilience. They’re incredible people who deserve to have their story told and their beer enjoyed around the world.
“We see this as a chance not just to stand by a brewery we admire, but to also share a perspective of Palestine that is not often seen, while helping to support humanitarian aid in Gaza and elsewhere where the suffering is unimaginably unjust.”
He continued: “We’re proud to stand beside them and use our business to support theirs. Every can of this beer carries their voice further and provides essential funds to those who need it most.”
In June, Co-op revealed it would stop sourcing products from countries with “community-wide human rights abuses” that month – including Israel – as part of a sweeping new ethical sourcing policy.
The retailer began phasing out goods and ingredients clearly and solely sourced from 17 countries identified by the international community, including Israeli carrots, Russian vodka and mangoes from Mali from shelves and own-brand products.
