French Broad Brewing Company Pioneers 'Green' Business Practices in Western North Carolina

Asheville, NC based French Broad Brewing Company becomes the first microbrewery to convert to waste vegetable oil as primary fuel source.

(PRWEB) May 15, 2006 -- French Broad Brewing Company, a rapidly growing Asheville, NC microbrewery has successfully converted their brewing operation to utilize waste vegetable oil (WVO) and is in the process of converting brewery vehicles to operate on the alternative fuel.

“Fuel to fire our boiler represents a substantial amount of overhead so the recent 200+% spike in natural gas prices was costly.” says President/ Brewmaster Jonas Rembert. “When Corn A Copia (a local green fuel start up) approached us with a way to save money and do the right thing socially and environmentally, we enthusiastically jumped on board. It started as a business decision and consequently spurred the evolution of our progressive values."

Rembert estimates that the cost of converting the brewery to run on WVO will be recovered within 6 months.

In addition to converting the brewery, Corn A Copia has converted Vice President Jason Smith’s 1984 6.2L Military K-5 Blazer to run on WVO. “It runs great: super smooth, no smoke and much quieter on the freeway. I’m excited about the positive exposure this vehicle will have as we visit customers and festivals. We want to send a message that it is possible to run a profitable business and be a good environmental steward,” states Smith.

Dave Keister, Owner/ Operator of Corn A Copia, says, “French Broad was our first major commercial conversion and went off smoothly. The exposure has generated a tremendous response.”

About French Broad Brewing Company
Asheville, NC–based French Broad Brewing Company is an award-winning 15 barrel microbrewery creating fine lagers and specialty ales combing European tradition with an Asheville flavor. Since opening its doors in December of 2000, French Broad has established a regional presence with taps in over 75 establishments and beer to-go in the greater Asheville area. The on-site French Broad Brewing Tasting Room offers tastings, tours and live music five nights a week in a relaxed, intimate setting. A list of establishments serving French Broad beer and directions to the brewery can be found at www.frenchbroadbrewing.com.

Contact:
Jason Smith
828-277-0222

# # #