At just 23 years old, Anushka Purohit turned a childhood memory into a thriving business that tackles food waste while redefining craft beer. Inspired by witnessing a Starbucks barista discard leftover food, Purohit co-founded Breer, a Hong Kong-based startup that transforms surplus bread into beer. Since its launch in 2020, Breer has grown into a six-figure business, making waves in the craft beer and sustainability sectors.
A Startup Born in Lockdown
The idea for Breer came to life during Hong Kong’s pandemic lockdown and protests. Purohit and her university classmates, driven by curiosity and a desire to do something unique, purchased a $156 beer brewing kit on Amazon. After weeks of experimentation, they brewed their first batch of beer using leftover bread.
Though their initial attempt was underwhelming, the team saw potential in the concept. After six months of perfecting the recipe, they officially launched Breer, offering innovative flavors like egg tart, pineapple bun, pale ale, and hibiscus sour—a tribute to Hong Kong’s rich culinary heritage.
Tackling Food Waste Through Beer
Hong Kong’s significant food waste problem presented an opportunity for Breer. Every year, residents discard around 71 kilograms (156 pounds) of food per person. Breer collects surplus bread from local bakeries, restaurants, and diners, free of charge, and partners with contract breweries to produce up to 6,000 liters of beer per batch. By brewing on-demand, Breer minimizes overproduction and aligns with sustainable practices.
Beyond beer production, the startup ensures excess bread is donated to the elderly and underprivileged or repurposed as animal feed, furthering its commitment to reducing waste.
Impressive Growth Without Funding
Despite not raising external funding, Breer has thrived by winning approximately HK$6 million through startup competitions, all without giving away equity. The company generated HK$2.5 million in revenue over two years and is on track to reach HK$1.8 million in sales and HK$1.2 million in profits this year. Purohit remains focused on sustainable growth, choosing to expand locally rather than ship internationally to maintain eco-friendly practices.
Overcoming Challenges as a Young Entrepreneur
Starting young posed its own challenges for Purohit, particularly in gaining trust from potential partners. Skepticism about her brewing expertise and business acumen initially slowed progress. However, her persistence paid off when a bakery agreed to supply leftover bread on the condition that she returned with a beer sample. That breakthrough validated her efforts and set the stage for Breer’s success.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Purohit shares three key insights for those embarking on entrepreneurial journeys:
Pursue Your Passion: “If you have passion and purpose, profits will follow,” she says. Loving what you do is critical to overcoming challenges.
Take the Leap: “You’ll never know if you don’t try,” Purohit emphasizes. The first step is often the hardest but can lead to incredible opportunities.
Be Financially Savvy: “Money is not the only investment you need. Reinvesting profits back into the business has been vital to our growth.”
The Future of Breer
While international expansion isn’t a priority, Purohit envisions scaling sustainably by collaborating with local bakeries and breweries in other regions. For her, sustainability is about smarter choices rather than sacrifices—encouraging people to opt for eco-friendly options without compromising enjoyment.
Breer stands as a testament to the power of innovation, resilience, and purpose, inspiring young entrepreneurs to take bold steps toward creating impactful businesses.
