Surrey brewer recognised for its sustainable approach
19th March 2024
Surrey-based Hogs Back Brewery has been recognised for its commitment to sustainability in the national Sustainable Business Awards.
The brewery was shortlisted for the award given by the Society of Independent Brewers’ (SIBA) after the business introduced numerous initiatives with the aim of becoming more sustainable.
This includes the Hop Garden, which was planted 10 years ago adjacent to the brewery – reviving hop farming in the Farnham area. Hops travel just yards from the field to the brewhouse, creating a minimal carbon footprint.
Nature-friendly brewery
SIBA also recognised the brewer’s impressive steps to reduce its CO2 emissions. The company installed 120 solar panels on the roof of the brewery in 2023.
The business replaced plastics with reusable glass and stainless steel containers, as well as removed plastic from its packaging.
Hogs Back managing director Rupert Thompson said that making the finals of a national award is “an endorsement” for all the work the team has done to make Hogs Back a more sustainable brewer.
Right thing to do
He added: “Beer is a wonderful drink, but the brewing process has traditionally generated a heavy carbon footprint, which we’ve sought to mitigate with all our initiatives.
“Becoming more eco-friendly hasn’t always been easy, but it’s the right thing to do and we will continue to look for new ways to reduce our environmental impact. It has been a team effort involving everyone at the brewery and the many local residents who support us by helping with our Hop Harvest, coming to our events and buying our beers.
“I’d particularly like to thank Matthew King, our estate manager, who has managed our Hop Garden for most of the decade since we planted it. To say it has presented some challenges would be something of an understatement, but he has overcome them all with determination and optimism, and the support of our magnificent volunteer Hogs Back Hoppers.”
The national Sustainable Business Award winners will be announced on 2nd October 2024.
Why is Hogs Back called Hogs Back?
Hogs Back is a small family-owned brewery, first opening its doors on Manor Farm in 1992. In 2014 the brewery started to grow its own hops, nurturing, harvesting, drying and packing the hops on the farm.
Hogs Back’s Brewery Shop is housed in the old brewhouse. This 18th century farm building once stored wheat, housed cattle and hogs and is open for tours.
The company’s draught beers are available in many pubs in Surrey and across the South East. Hogs Back beer has also been increasingly featured in pubs nationwide. Its bottled beers are widely distributed in shops and supermarkets in the South East and in some supermarkets nationally.
The brewery takes its name from the nearby Hogs Back, a ridge of hills that looks just like a hog lying down. In medieval times, the Hogs Back was a trading and pilgrim route between Farnham and Guildford.
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