NEW BARRIER BROKEN FOR REEF BEER

Now you can toast actually toast the Great Barrier Reef with its own beer.

Australia’s leading cruise line, P&O Cruises has raised its glass to a new social venture, becoming the first national partner for a new beer which supports the conservation of our great natural wonder of the world just off our shores.

A regular visitor to the reef, P&O was the first company to back The Good Beer Co, which is dedicating at least half the profits from its Great Barrier Beer to the reef conservation work of the Australian Marine & Conservation Society.

A mid-strength pale ale, Great Barrier Beer is now on sale across P&O Cruises’ five ships, with the cruise line supporting the venture by inviting its guests to “have one for the Reef” during their cruise holiday.

Good Beer co-founder James Grugeon said P&O Cruises’ support as its founding national partner was critical to giving the social venture its best chance of success.

"P&O Cruises hasn't just ordered beer from us, they've got behind the concept of Great Barrier Beer and a good beer that gives back wholeheartedly,” Mr Grugeon said. “That's been transformative for us as a start-up and Australia's first social enterprise beer company."

Great Barrier Beer is working with Australian craft brewers like Queensland's craft brewers, Bargara Brewing Company, its partner for Great Barrier Beer. It is the first of a planned range of five different beers that each give back to a different cause.