Upcycle Beer innovation with bread

Sakaeya Bakery, located in Ebina City, Kanagawa Prefecture, which produces bread for school lunches, opened the Better life with upcycle craft beer brewery on February 5, 2024.

The brewery, operated by the parent company, utilizes bread crusts that have been trimmed and deemed unnecessary from the bakery’s operations as a substitute for part of the malt in brewing. While these bread crusts had been utilized as animal feed previously, the company felt unsatisfied with downcycling one-third of their bread, which is made with a commitment to being additive-free.

Since 2022, they had been conducting sales through OEM agreements with cooperative breweries. However, due to the significant market response, they decided to open their own brewery.

While searching for ways to add value, they discovered “Toast Ale” in the UK, a beer made from discarded bread.

Two years ago, they entrusted production to three breweries in Kanazawa, Niigata, and elsewhere and released three products under the “better life with upcycle” brand. The popularity of craft beer, purchased in sympathy with the feelings of the producers, has led to a great response.

The century-old established company has also entered the brewing industry themselves, releasing two products, “American Wheat” and “Extra Special Bitter,” in March. They anticipate producing 130 kiloliters annually and will distribute to restaurants and other establishments as well as selling through their own website.