Introducing Fonio: An Ancient Grain Bringing New Possibility for Craft Brewing
By Country Malt GroupAt a time when beer is fighting harder than ever for relevance against wine, spirits, and RTDs, brewers are looking for ways to stand out. Consumers are craving options that feel better, taste better, and have a story worth sharing. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Fonio, a gluten-free ancient grain from West Africa, supplied by Yolélé Ingredients, now available through Country Malt Group.
Fonio brings an entirely new dimension to craft beer, including flavor, aroma, functionality, sustainability, and an origin story that resonates deeply with today’s drinkers. It’s a fresh avenue for creativity, exploration, and differentiation at a moment when the industry needs it most.
Meet Yolélé: The Global Leader Bringing Fonio to the World
Yolélé Ingredients is the world’s leading supplier of commercially viable African-grown fonio and the force behind why the grain is on the global stage today. Founded in 2017 as a purpose-driven African food brand, Yolélé quickly gained national attention for its mission: to create economic opportunity for smallholder West African farmers through sustainable agriculture and underutilized, climate-resilient crops.
As demand from global food and beverage manufacturers surged, Yolélé realized the opportunity (and responsibility) was far bigger than consumer packaged foods. To supply the world reliably and at scale, they needed to reshape the entire fonio value chain, from farm to finished ingredient. So they did.
Yolélé brought on grain-milling specialists, invested in advanced processing technology, and established Yolélé West Africa, partnering with respected local leaders who understand the region’s agriculture and infrastructure. The result?
A consistent, high-quality supply of fonio produced at scale, documented for impact, and ready for commercial brewing and distilling.
Today, Yolélé is the source for fonio trusted by leading food companies worldwide.
Why Fonio? A Tiny Grain With Massive Potential
Fonio has been cultivated across the West African Sahel for thousands of years. It’s one of the most resilient, climate-smart grains on the planet, and now, thanks to Yolélé, it’s finally accessible to the craft beverage world.
Fonio’s Agricultural Superpowers
- Drought-resistant
- Grows in poor, sandy soils
- Does not require irrigation
- Reaches maturity fast, often feeding families before other grains are harvestable
Fonio is easy to grow, but historically difficult to process due to each tiny grain being surrounded by a tough, inedible husk. Yolélé’s innovation is changing that, introducing advanced milling technology that makes fonio commercially viable, food-safe, and consistent for the first time.
What Fonio Brings to Beer
Fonio’s functionality has captivated brewers and not just because it’s gluten-free. Its inherent grain sweetness and mild, nutty character make it versatile across styles. But the real magic happens in fermentation.
According to Garrett Oliver, Brewmaster of Brooklyn Brewery:
Fonio Makes Beer Taste Better
“Beer made with fonio, to me, tastes better than beer made without fonio… It actually adds flavors that we like.”
Unique Aroma & Flavor
Used around 15–20%, fonio contributes:
- Lychee
- Gewürztraminer-like aromatics
- Sauvignon blanc zestiness
- Tropical fruit notes
- Subtle wine-like character
These flavors amplify hop expression, often allowing brewers to use half as many hops to achieve the same intensity.
Consumer Excitement Like Nothing Else
“In thirty-five years of brewing, I have never seen a single subject excite people as much as fonio.”
Younger craft drinkers who care about sustainability, supply chains, and meaningful ingredients are especially drawn in.
The Rise of Gluten-Free & Better-For-You Brewing
As more consumers seek beer without the bloat, gluten-free craft beer is having a moment. Fonio provides a pathway to formulate gluten-free beer with:
- Better body
- Balanced sweetness
- Complex aromatics
- A naturally compelling origin story
Fonio-based beers aren’t just “alternatives.” They’re full-flavor, intentional craft creations and a chance for brewers to meet shifting consumer expectations with authenticity.
Why CMG Chose Yolélé
We’re committed to offering brewers ingredients with real stories, real functionality, and real impact. Yolélé’s fonio checks all the boxes:
- Premium quality and consistency
- Fully traceable origin
- Measured positive impact on West African farming communities
- A truly unique sensory profile
- A new conversation topic for brewers and taproom staff alike
Craft drinkers want meaning behind the pint. Yolélé delivers it, all the way from the Sahel Region to your brewhouse. Because craft beer deserves ingredients with flavor and a story worth sharing.
Available Now
Fonio from Yolélé Ingredients is now available in select U.S. Country Malt Group warehouses.
This is a chance to experiment, innovate, and bring something genuinely new to your customers. Whether you’re crafting a gluten-free beer or enhancing a pale ale, fonio opens doors that have never existed before in American craft brewing.
Talk to your local CMG sales rep for application insights, brewing guidance, and access to product specifications.
Cheers,
Country Malt Group
