About Us
At Coastal Queen, we are proud to celebrate 15 years of dedication to Northeast-grown grains, lovingly curated through a collaborative supply chain. Our story is one of passion, innovation, and commitment to sustainable agriculture and food.
Here’s our story told in four stages:
2010-2015
The First Five Years
In the beginning, Andrea and Christian shared a bold vision to create a truly local beer. They launched Valley Malt in Hadley, Massachusetts with a simple yet powerful idea: harness the potential of Northeast grains by malting and milling them. At that moment, they didn’t fully understand the challenges ahead, but they knew there was an urgent need to support farms by encouraging the growth of grains as cover crops. They also felt the need for people to connect more with where their food comes from. This early phase was driven by a passion for sustainability and desire to support others who shared these passions and values
2015-2020
Innovation Through Partnerships
As the journey continued, we expanded our vision by forging strong partnerships with breeders, universities, researchers, farmers, brewers, distillers and bakers. This collaborative effort was key to testing and developing grain varieties that could not only thrive in the unique conditions of the Northeast but also meet the world-class quality standards we hold dear. We hosted field day events and Farmer Brewer Weekends to bring together the people and their shared expertise, who transformed challenges into opportunities and strengthening our regional food ecosystem.
2020-2025
Building a Resilient Northeast
The pandemic of 2020 was a turning point that underscored the critical importance of local food infrastructure. Flour was in short supply and we realized how critical it always will be to keep our food systems local and nimble. In response to Covid’s challenges, we received grants, invested in storage solutions, and began dreaming big because the moment demanded it. Our vision expanded to include a state-of-the-art flour mill – designed to process larger quantities of grain while making flour more accessible and affordable for our communities. This phase was about embracing resilience during uncertain times and ensuring that our regional food supply remains robust and forward-thinking. This is when Coastal Queen was conceived.
2025 and beyond
Flour that Feels Good
Our mission, to be a regional miller and maltster remains. The excitement around healthy eating is everywhere. Teens and centenarians are making sourdough and many of us have a renewed appreciation for grains and the flavor and health they can offer us. The next phase of our journey is about uniting around a common purpose – nurturing the land, supporting local food access, and building the foundation for a rich agricultural future in the Northeast.
Each chapter of our story is a testament to our unwavering belief in local, sustainable, and world-class quality. Join us as we continue to foster a community where every grain tells a story.
Welcome to Coastal Queen.
Grow With Us
Coastal Queen is about so much more than flour, follow along for our latest creative endeavors and pursuits.