Palestine’s first microbrewery, Taybeh Brewing Co, has secured a listing with Co-op to stock a new lager it is creating in partnership with Brewgooder.
Alan Mahon (left) and James Hughes, of Brewgooder, with Madees Khoury, of Taybeh Brewing Co
Brewed by the Scottish B Corp and Taybeh’s Madees Khoury, the beer is named Sun & Stone. This references the warm climate and abundance of limestone in the Middle East. It is now available to buy on Brewgooder’s website and will be stocked in Co-ops from 10th September.
The national listing comes just months after the supermarket’s members voted to end trade with Israeli businesses.
Brewgooder is brewing the beer in solidarity with Taybeh at zero profit. Proceeds will give Taybeh’s local community a vital source of income in the face of severe challenges. Profits will also go to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), a charity which supports conflict-affected communities across the Middle East, including the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Sun & Stone’s launch is the largest of its type since Chernigivske, in 2022, which raised funds for the DEC’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
Despite the situation in the Israeli-occupied West Bank being at its worst in decades — and Taybeh Brewing Co being unable to export freely because of checkpoint delays, customs restrictions, and soaring operational costs under occupation — Palestine’s first microbrewery continues to receive international acclaim.
The family-run business — the oldest brewery in the Middle East — was founded by Madees Khoury’s father, Nadim, and uncle David after the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1994. The region’s first and only female brewmaster now runs it with her brother Canaan, a Harvard-trained mechanical engineer.
“Things are getting worse, but we’re still here, still making beer,” said Madees. “Because what else can we do but keep going? Our brewery provides jobs and much-needed distraction. It tells a story — it shows a side of Palestine that people do not always see.
“During the second Intifada, the roads were blocked and people couldn’t move around. My father was so determined to get beer to customers he had a donkey carry cases past the checkpoint to reach the other side, so they wouldn’t run out.
“We always find a way, and this partnership with our friends at Brewgooder, which will help us provide beer to the UK, is another example of that.”
Supporting communities
The Sun & Stone launch is the latest in a series of initiatives from Brewgooder to support good causes. Last year, the B Corp, which has been recognised as one of the world’s most ethical brands, unveiled its first Fonio-based beer to empower smallholder farmers in West Africa, building on its original mission of helping to deliver clean water to communities in developing countries.
James Hughes, co-founder of Brewgooder, 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.
“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.”
Paul Gerrard, Co-op’s director of campaigns, public affairs and policy, 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.”
