TIPH GRAY
NATURE
Sharing supply chain risk Sustainable brewing is moving from isolated pilots to scalable, commercial models. Cross-industry collaboration is also increasing to support this growth, which in turn shares the cost burden.
The Carbon Trust highlights that drinks brands are sharing transition risks with farmers through long-term purchasing commitments and shared-cost trials.
“ Growers should not be expected to carry the financial and operational risk alone, so brands, suppliers and government need to support the transition through longer-term contracts, shared-cost trials and appropriate farmer / grower incentives,” says Tiph Gray, Associate Director for Agriculture, Food and Drink at the Carbon Trust.
“ Regenerative processes have an important role, particularly in improving soil health, nutrient cycling and resilience for land generally. But this should not be framed as a choice between regenerative farming and low-carbon inputs.
“ The strongest approach combines better soil management with more efficient, lower-carbon inputs, tailored to the crop, region and farming system. The right solution in a moderate climate will not be the same in a cool or hot climate, for example.”
However, more intensive land management, labour and the risk of crop failure mean costs are rising. For consumers, however, this might be a price worth paying for a Great British pint.
Partnerships like Signature Brew’ s collaboration with regenerative food and farming business Wildfarmed, however, bring regeneratively farmed malted barley to mainstream retail, proving that consumer demand can support premium, soil-friendly ingredients.
TIPH GRAY
TITLE: ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND DRINK
COMPANY: THE CARBON TRUST
INDUSTRY: ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Tiph supports clients in footprinting their value chains and products to align with net zero and leads The Carbon Trust’ s target-setting proposition.
56 October 2026