Ale-8-One Launches Limited-Edition Pawpaw Flavor in Kentucky Partnership

Ale-8-One has launched a limited-edition Pawpaw Ale-8 soda, developed in partnership with Kentucky State University (KSU) to highlight Kentucky's native pawpaw fruit, known for its tropical flavor notes of banana, mango, and pineapple. This collaboration with KSU's Pawpaw Research Program, the only full-time research effort on this unique fruit, integrates local heritage and scientific innovation, offering students hands-on experience in horticulture and food science. The pawpaw, often called the 'Kentucky banana,' is North America's largest native fruit and has historical significance dating back to figures like Thomas Jefferson and Lewis and Clark. The launch event celebrated the fusion of Kentucky traditions and modern product development, with Ale-8-One’s Chief Marketing Officer emphasizing the limited availability and expected high demand. The initiative also serves to spotlight KSU's global leadership in pawpaw research ahead of its Fifth International Pawpaw Conference. Kentucky representatives and university officials praised the partnership as a milestone demonstrating the value of local resources and collaborative innovation.