Upcycling imperfect pears to beer Japanese Pear Weizen

Sankt Gallen Brewery is releasing a limited quantity of “Japanese Pear Weizen,” an upcycled beer made from food loss, in particular discarded pears.

For many pear farmers, “honeying” has become an unwelcome phenomenon. This occurs when the fruit’s sugar content becomes uneven, making it translucent. While such a characteristic might be sought after in apples, for pears, it poses a significant challenge. These affected pears lose their marketable texture and are typically not sold in mainstream outlets.

Sankt Gallen saw it as an opportunity. By harnessing these otherwise discarded pears, the brewery has crafted a unique beer for the beer lovers. Currently available on tap at select locations, including their direct sales taproom near Atsugi Station, it’s quickly becoming a crowd favorite. Notably, at the Yokohama Oktoberfest, the pear-infused drink has taken the top spot in Sankt Gallen’s 12-beer lineup, recording impressive sales numbers.

The initiative goes beyond just pears. The brewery’s ethos of sustainability and waste reduction is evident in their broader range of offerings. Beers like “Shonan Gold,” made from blemished oranges, and “Apple Cinnamon Ale,” crafted from imperfect apples, underscore Sankt Gallen’s commitment to upcycling.

The benefits of such an approach are multifaceted. Farmers, faced with the prospect of unsold produce, now have a viable outlet. The brewery, on the other hand, can manage costs by procuring these fruits at lower prices. More than just an economic advantage, this strategy has significant environmental implications, reducing food waste and contributing to the broader global effort of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).