Anushka Purohit, a 23-year-old student, CEO, and Co-Founder of Breer, is making waves in Hong Kong with her innovative solution to the city’s food waste problem. By turning discarded bread into craft beer, Anushka is not only reducing waste but also creating a unique and delicious product that is gaining popularity in the city’s vibrant food scene. Founder of Breer, Anushka shares her journey, challenges, and hopes for a greener future.
Anushka, an Indian girl, who grew up in Hong Kong and entered the brewing industry at the age of 19, shared her spark behind Breer, “The idea for Breer stemmed from a childhood memory. I vividly remember witnessing food waste at a Starbucks in Hong Kong when I was just ten years old. Fast forward to my university years, amidst the Hong Kong protests and subsequent lockdown, my friends and I decided to channel our energy into something positive. That’s when the idea of Breer was born – a sustainable solution to tackle bread waste while crafting something enjoyable.”
Astonished by that 10-year-old girl’s thought we asked her the process of making beer she narrated, “Breer collects surplus bread from local establishments, ranging from bakeries to cha chaan tengs. We then partner with contract breweries to transform this bread into craft beer. The bread serves as a substitute for grains traditionally used in brewing, resulting in unique flavours that pay homage to Hong Kong’s culinary heritage.”
After earning an engineering degree from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Anushka founded Breer. The company’s name is a portmanteau of “bread” and “beer,” reflecting its unique product. Breer currently offers a pale ale, a hibiscus sour, and a small-batch bolo bao IPA, all made from upcycled bread.
Anushka’s passion for reducing food waste is evident in her work with Breer. “I think that interaction left this imprint in my mind that as advanced as Hong Kong is, as one of the financial hubs of the world and the amazing city that it is, we do have this running food wastage problem,” she says.
Anushka’s idea fascinated us, and asked her about the challenges she faced while starting Breer, especially as a young entrepreneur, “Trust was a significant hurdle initially. Convincing bakeries to entrust us with their surplus bread required persistence and credibility. We encountered scepticism, with questions about our brewing expertise and intentions. However, by delivering on our promises and showcasing the impact of our initiative, we gradually gained their trust.”
Breer’s mission is to tackle the 70% of bread waste in Hong Kong that is not eligible for donation due to city regulations. The company is partnered with Maxim’s, a well-funded backer that supplies most of the bread used in the making of Breer. This partnership alleviates a significant portion of the burden for both start-ups and non-profit organizations such as Feeding Hong Kong.
“Locally, we aim to expand our presence and impact within Hong Kong. We’re continuously innovating, exploring new flavors, and forging partnerships to amplify our reach. As for the global scale, sustainability knows no borders. While overseas expansion isn’t imminent, we aspire to inspire similar initiatives worldwide, fostering a collective commitment to reducing food waste and promoting environmental stewardship.” Anushka said about her vision for the future of Breer. Her determination is truly commendable.
Anushka’s dedication to reducing food waste extends beyond her work with Breer. She also volunteers with Feeding Hong Kong and encourages others to make simple lifestyle changes to reduce waste. “Just knowing that there’s always something you can do,” she says. “If you try, you’re making an impact, no matter how big or how small.” A noble aspiration. We asked her advice for aspiring young entrepreneurs, especially those passionate about sustainability she added with enthusiasm, “Firstly, embrace your passion wholeheartedly. The journey of entrepreneurship demands resilience and unwavering dedication. Secondly, seize every opportunity to learn and grow. Surround yourself with mentors, seek guidance, and never shy away from challenges. Lastly, be mindful of your impact, both environmentally and socially. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a responsibility we all share.”
Anushka’s role model is Priyanka Chopra, a brown girl who has shattered the glass ceiling in the international space. “She gives every project her all, and I love her hustle,” she says. “She’s putting brown girls on the map and, most importantly, using her platform to make a difference.”
Anushka talked about a memorable moment from her journey with Breer, “One particularly memorable moment was when we brewed our first batch of beer using surplus bread. Despite the initial fear and challenges, that moment symbolized our commitment to turning an audacious idea into reality. Witnessing the positive reception from our community affirmed the transformative power of sustainable entrepreneurship.”
As Anushka Purohit continues to pave the way for sustainable entrepreneurship, her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring young innovators worldwide. With Breer, she not only brews beer but also catalyses change, demonstrating that even the simplest of ideas can spark a revolution in sustainability.
