Co-op Stocks Palestinian Lager Supporting Middle East Communities

The UK convenience retailer Co-op is set to stock a new lager called Sun & Stone, created in partnership with Palestine's first microbrewery, Taybeh Brewing Co., and Scottish B-Corp Brewgooder, in 1,600 stores across the country. Brewgooder brews the beer at zero profit, with proceeds supporting Taybeh’s local community and the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which aids conflict-affected areas in the Middle East, including Gaza. Taybeh Brewing Co., led by Madees Khoury, operates under challenging conditions due to occupation, checkpoint delays, and settler violence, yet remains committed to brewing and providing jobs. The Co-op's decision to stock the beer follows its recent controversial boycott of Israeli products, part of a broader ethical sourcing policy aimed at countries with human rights abuses. The boycott has drawn criticism from politicians and Jewish community leaders who argue it may hinder peace efforts, while Co-op leadership defends the move as consistent with its values of fairness and support for conflict-affected communities. This initiative highlights both the resilience of Taybeh Brewing Co. and Co-op’s commitment to economic stability and humanitarian support in the region.