Beverage brands give back to communities

Craft brewers utilize solar technology, brand campaigns for philanthropic efforts

Whether it’s rescuing and protecting animals, e.g., Tito’s Handmade Vodka’s Vodka for Dog People, or making solar technology accessible to low-income communities, hundreds of beverage brands are giving back to communities, restoring national parks and even creating job opportunities.

For instance, New Belgium Brewing donated $100,000 to GRID Alternatives with an upfront donation of $50,000 to each of the GRID Bay Area and GRID Mid-Atlantic regional offices for completion of regional solar installation projects in underserved communities and training programs in 2018. This also will provide pathways to clean energy jobs and save residents as much as 90 percent on electricity bills, the company said in a statement.

“At New Belgium, we know renewable energies, like wind and solar, are essential components of a sustainable climate” said Katie Wallace, New Belgium’s assistant director of sustainability, in a statement. “GRID Alternatives doubles the benefit by helping in communities where the cost of implementing solar may be out of the typical household’s reach.”

To date, New Belgium has donated more than $16 million to organizations as part of its philanthropic giving and grants program.

Another brewery, Reuben’s Brews has donated $100,000 to local Seattle nonprofits through several outreach programs, including its popular “Thank You Thursdays” events. Each Thursday, the brewery hosts a different nonprofit organization at its taproom. Throughout the evening, $1 of every pint or growler sold goes to the host organization.

“As a small, family owned business, it is very important to us that we remain connected with our community and support the good work our neighbors do,” said Grace Robbings, co-founder of the brewery, in a statement. “We are grateful to them for the work they do to care for and serve our community.”

Barbara Harfmann, managing editor of Beverage Industry, visits beverage companies for cover stories and facility tours, and writes and edits for the magazine’s print and online components. She also represents the magazine at trade shows and events. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications and Public Relations from Illinois State University.

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The Non-Alcohol Beverage Market, analysts at Beverage Marketing Corporation detail how established categories ― like carbonated soft drinks, bottled water, fruit beverages ― and emerging beverage segments ― such as plant milks, ready-to-drink coffees and teas ― are navigating these shifts.

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