Brewing & Beverage Industries Business, Spring 2024, issue 31

Julian Grocock is a former

executive of SIBA with extensive experience in beer, brewery and pub politics ALAN

Alan

Cover

Peter Kerr (left) and Tom Kerr of ABUK Ltd, ‘pre-loved’ brewing equipment specialists

Word from the BFBi

Ruth Evans MBE

Awards season is here again!

What a busy three months are ahead of BFBi. We have a full programme of events coming up, not least the International Brewing & Cider Awards, which has relocated to Mayfield Depot, Manchester.

For the first time in the Awards’ long history, a Festival showcasing the entered beers and ciders, together with local manufacturers follows the competitions

Medal announcements will be made on Friday, 22nd March at Mayfield Depot. A celebration of the winning brewers and cider makers, everybody is invited to attend You can register for a trade ticket on https://ibcfest.com/tickets.

Or, visit the Festival, organised on a not-for-profit basis with the intention of showcasing participating brewers, cider makers and other manufacturers

– going beyond the product to the ethos of the producer

The pinnacle of celebration is our National Lunch, being held 1st May at Guildhall, City of London where all medal winners from around the world are invited to attend and receive their medals and, if they are a gold medal winner, hear if they have won a trophy With winning beers and ciders from around the world available to sample in the Crypts, it is a very special day and we look forward to seeing you there

Other events can be found in our diary of events and, in an industry where collaboration, community and sharing of

BFBi annual Trade Directory Now available

The most authoritative directory o UK food & drinks market availab

The directory is free-of-charge to drinks manufacturers and BFBi members

For details of how to obtain a copy please contact admin@bfbi.org.uk

knowledge enhances our strength, doing just that with a beer and in good company can’t be beaten

We hope to see you soon!

Ruth Evans MBE, BFBi C.E.O.

Established in 1907, BFBi’s membership represents the entire value chain supplying the brewing and beverage industry – from seed geneticists through raw materials, brewhouse and process equipment to dispense, point-of-sale and brewers/distillers. The Association’s objective is to be the foremost trade association providing opportunities for its Members to develop within the brewing, food & beverage industry

As well as offering many benefits and services to suppliers of raw materials, process and packaging machinery, dispense and point of sale products, BFBi is a Trade Challenge Partner for various overseas exhibitions and owner and organiser of the oldest international brewing and cider Awards in the world.

Photo by Gerardo Jaconelli

The View Through My Glass Bottom

Julian Grocock

U or I...past it or with a future?

Cryptic or what? If you’re intrigued, please read on The answer is in the future...although its historical foundations are of course built in the past.

It relates to the optional letters in a couple of words facing each other across the beer-drinkers' spectrum; words I used towards the end of my last article – and have quite probably banged on about countless times before that!

Yes, it's a subject that's pretty much a constant in the thought-processes of my beer-and-pub-obsessed brain There is however a recent reason why the SUPPER vs SIPPER confrontation has once again taken pole position ~

Just to prove I'm not entirely and inescapably immersed in the sepia-tinted (boring brown?) etchings of my youth, it's a highlighted Facebook memory that's brought this back into sharp focus I might well be approaching the three-score-and-ten birthday milestone, but I really do embrace much of the modern world's so-called 'smart' technology

And the memory? Apparently, it's five years since I drew attention to an opinion piece, by a blogger called The Burnt Out Beer Guy, entitled Is Craft Beer Burning Out? (The author described himself on his WordPress pages as an award-winning beer writer and craft brewery founder, so I did assume he spoke with considerable depth of personal experience )

He wrote: 'IPAs so cloudy they look like radioactive pond water, double mocha-wocha choco-vanilla fudgy wudgy pastry stouts, double dry hopped fruit smoothies, and salty goses that taste like gym instructor sweat Is craft beer trying so hard these days it's in danger of burning itself out?' Pointing out the craft aficionado's perpetual compulsion to be trying something new, he continued with an assessment of the extent to which this forced the new generation of brewers to keep ringing the changes and pushing the boundaries, leaving them with precious little opportunity to actually take the time required to 'craft' a recipe to perfection and reliable consistency

It's fair to acknowledge this market has perhaps calmed down somewhat since then, but I do believe my comment at the time remains relevant, and effectively highlights the U or I reference: 'Thought-provoking wisdom, worth sharing before I go out for several pints of beautifully balanced, well kept, perfectly presented, cask-conditioned "boring brown" bitter ' (My post also earned positive responses from, among others, the head of a renowned family brewery, an established microbrewer, an independent beer wholesaler, and a highly respected beer journalist and author )

~

Needless to say, this whole issue –which entrenches the distinction between suppers and sippers –depends on an accepted definition of craft beer About fifteen years ago SIBA was intensely embroiled in this debate, trying to decide whether it could designate all its full brewing members and their products as 'craft'. Ultimately it couldn't, due in no small part to the strength of derisive 'micro' opinion telling one meeting I attended that Timothy Taylor's Golden Best was 'a bland supping ale and in no way a craft beer' Which told me whose side I was on

Furthermore, there's an ongoing consequence of an elitist standpoint belittling such classic British ales You would probably automatically blame the huge national and international conglomerates, who care little about the authenticity of what they see as 'commodity' brands, so think nothing of closing historic breweries, and transferring or farming out production regardless of any ensuing effect on familiar flavour and character. But just consider how much they might feel

encouraged to do this, without any sense of guilt about destroying our brewing heritage, when they see that heritage sneered at by those who have set themselves up as the only sector of the industry worth defending I don't need to name all the famous brands mistreated – and destroyed –in this despicable manner Except the latest, at the hands of Carlsberg Marston's The discontinued use of the last four Burton Union sets for the brewing of Pedigree is the final loathsome step in the emasculation of a once legendary cask ale

And do craft sippers care?

I've said it before Suppers make up the broad backbone of support for the beer and pub trade, enjoying quaffable pints and affable company in a social environment Sippers pursue a hobby, geared far less to any of those traditional community-oriented values There's some appropriate irony in those two letters, isn't there? The U in SUPPER is outward-looking and inclusive, in contrast to the I in SIPPER, which hints somewhat egotistically at exclusivity and self-importance

And it's U, rather than I, who must take control and decide our future direction.

Julian Grocock

Julian Grocock is a former pub landlord, managing director of Tynemill/Castle Rock, and chief executive of SIBA

Extensive experience in beer and pub politics, brewery and pubco operations, and on the front line in the pub trade...‘from cellar to ceiling’.

Showcasing the British spirit

Alan Powell

The beginning of the endrepeal of UK law to distill gin and other compounded spirits

The requirement to be licensed by HMRC to make gin or any other rectified or compounded spirits (eg spiced rum) has been repealed since 1 August 2023 and confirmed to the British Distillers Alliance 2 February 2024. Ta-dah! Although there has been no fanfare from HMRC and their public notice on such matters has not been amended as of 3 February to explain the changes.

Background

I have reported on the developments in UK law for simplification of alcohol production by the introduction of a unified “drinks factory” to replace individual alcohol production regimes (registered brewers and cider makers, licensed distillers and wine makers etc) In fact, all alcohol licences will go

The Finance (No 2) Act 2023 repealed the Alcoholic Liquor Duties Act 1979 (ALDA) but some parts of ALDA for licence and approvals to produce alcohol have been kept alive in a “zombified” state by bridging legislation until section 82 of the FA (No 2) Act 2023 and regulations made under section 83 of that Act to approve such production are enacted by HMRC Technically, section 18 of ALDA was not "zombified" (and is now fully repealed), so there is no longer a requirement to hold a licence to rectify and compound spirits or to make entry of rooms and equipment per regulation 7(1) of the Spirits Regulations 1991

Following request for help from applicants for licences to make gin

who had been told by the processing unit there had been a policy decision to put such matters “on hold”, which stymied the licences being issued, I got in touch with HMRC Policy who told me:

“ the requirement to hold a licence to carry out the rectifying and compounding of spirits was removed as part of the 1 August 2023 alcohol reforms For anyone rectifying or compounding duty paid spirits (with no change to the duty liability of the spirits as a result of that rectifying or compounding), then there is no longer a requirement to hold a licence from HMRC

“If, as a result of, the compounding and rectifying there is an increase in duty that would be payable if it had been carried out before the duty point, it can only be done in an excise warehouse (or in future on approved alcohol premises)

Once the new alcohol approvals go live (ie implementation of Section 82 and 83 of the Finance (No 2) Act 2023), rectifying and compounding with duty suspended spirits will be possible on approved alcohol (production) premises” (ie not under the severe excise warehousing

The British Distillers Alliance (BDA) is a non-profit making body which provides a professional service for independent and craft businesses in the spirits production industry and supply chain The BDA represents distillers, rectifiers and compounders and those in related sectors. New members always welcome.

approval per section 92 of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 as is currently the mandated law)

This is HMRC’s iteration of the drinks factory implementation, which is not a big bang but to be implemented in phased stages The completion is expected to be before this year end

Finally, to clear up confusion, have asked that section 15 of HMRC’s Notice 39 (Spirits Production) be amended because the reader is still told erroneously that a licence and entry are required for rectification and compounding of spirits Be careful out there!

Alan Powell

Alan Powell is a specialist excise duties consultant, formerly a Policy official within HMCE’s HQ teams. He is excise duties advisor to the Chartered Institute of Taxation, honorary advisor to the UK Warehousing Association and founded the British Distillers Alliance as a conduit for consultation with, and representation to, Government bodies and to assist and advise on technical matters. The BDA represents distillers, rectifiers and compounders and those in related sectors New members welcome!

For further information:

www.britishdistillersalliance.com

ASE In The Mix

We asked companies supplying the following products and services to let us know something about themselves....

l Malts, hops, fruit, yeast and any other raw materials which contribute to the finished product

l Chemicals and other adjuncts used in the drinks production process

l Companies providing power and other resources, plus products and services to help meet hygiene regulations

Revolutionise Low Alcohol Beer with LalBrew LoNa™

Lallemand Brewing proudly has released its latest innovation, developed for craft, regional and industrial brewers alike, hoping to make great tasting, consistent Low and No alcohol beers.

Low-and-No-alcohol beers have seen a recent boom in popularity as consumers cut back on alcohol and opt for healthier alternatives

LalBrew LoNa™ is a hybrid Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strain that has been selected for the easy and consistent production of low and nonalcoholic beers Advanced classical and non-GMO breeding methods were used to select a strain that does not consume maltose or maltotriose, resulting in very low attenuation. LalBrew LoNa™ is the first maltose-negative Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain specifically selected for beer fermentations As a S cerevisiae strain, LalBrew LoNa™ performs like an ale producing a clean and neutral aroma profile, no phenolic flavours, and significantly reducing aldehydes that cause worty flavours

Additionally, the patented technology from the University of California Davis

(USA) ensures that the strain will not produce sulfurous offflavours, allowing the malt and hop flavours to shine through

LalBrew LoNa™ is available globally in 500g sachets and 10kg bulk packs Pasteurisation is required when brewing with LalBrew LoNa™ to avoid refermentation after packaging and ensure beer stability.

Lallemand Brewing is a business unit of Lallemand Inc , a privately held Canadian company specialising in the research, development, production, marketing and distribution of yeast and bacteria Lallemand Inc has over 4,500 employees located in more than 45 countries on 6 continents

For further information:

www lallemandbrewing com/en/united-kingdom

Carbon calculator to help improve sustainability in the craft beer sector

A “carbon footprint calculator” has been created to help small craft brewers identify the scale of their carbon emissions

Developed by a research team led by the University of Leeds, the freely available calculator - which can be downloaded as an Excel document from the figshare website - will enable breweries to see how sustainable their operations are

Baseline data “hard-wired” into the calculator will enable brewery managers to estimate carbon emissions across the entire production process, from growing

and sourcing raw ingredients to producing and transporting the beer, with account taken of the way the beer is packaged, which can have a big effect on carbon emissions

Marcos Ramirez runs the Piglove Brewing Company in Leeds with two colleagues which produces 12,000 litres - just over 21,000 pints - of beer a month He says the calculator will improve the accuracy of the estimates of his brewery’s carbon emissions

The world’s most sustainable malt

Malt traditionally contributes between 35-39% of the CO₂ emissions of every pint of craft beer

At Muntons we have taken our commitment to producing the world’s most sustainable malt into every strategic decision and progress step we make It’s a truly holistic approach With our extensive experience and knowledge we can help breweries to map and reduce their carbon impact for raw materials as part of their own sustainability story

Sustainability is a core part of our ethos and has been for over 20 years

We were the first maltster to set a Science Based target (45% reduction of our scope 1 and 2 co2 emissions by 2025) and the first maltster to celebrate meeting and beating that target 3 years early As the world’s greenest maltster, we believe passionately in creating a positive impact on society and the planet We are proud to produce malt the lowest carbon malt in the world

If you would like more information on our world-leading sustainability programme Our ESG Report is available to download on www muntons com/ practical-sustainability

Wimbledon Brewery and Charles Faram hop together!

Wimbledon Brewery and Charles Faram hop merchants are working in collaboration to showcase recently developed English hops in a new series of Pale Ales and IPA’s for release in 2024.

These classic styles of beer are quintessentially English, with the term ‘Pale Ale’ first appearing in England in 1703 These beers were made from malts dried with high-carbon coke which resulted in lighter beers It is from these early new pale beers that so many beer styles around the world have been developed

Simon Lewis, Managing Director of Wimbledon Brewery, said, “Over the last 20 years the UK brewers have turned to using American and New World hops to make distinctive and full flavoured IPA’s and Pale Ales These beer styles have very much driven the ‘craft beer ’

revolution We are working with Charles Faram on a range of beers that will show the amazing range of hops available in this country.”

Will Rogers, Group Technical Director in charge of the Charles Faram Hop Development Programme said, "We are very proud to be working with Wimbledon Brewery on their new series of sustainably brewed beers featuring British hops Using locally grown hops from our hop breeding programme will bring vibrant fruity flavours to the beers and help support the British hop industry at a time when it support is genuinely needed "

Charles Faram’s hop development programme is focussed on exciting new modern style hop varieties including a focus on English hops The brew team at Wimbledon Brewery has been working in collaboration with the hop supplier doing trials to highlight the

development of English hops including several experimental hop varieties that could one day be produced commercially.

The 2024 range of beers will focus on the popularity of IPA’s and Pale Ales for which Wimbledon Brewery has a great reputation Wimbledon Brewery will be working with all its customers to make these beers available across the on and off trade The range of beers will be announced over the coming months

This programme of beers is one step in Wimbledon Brewery’s initiatives toward reducing its own carbon footprint and promoting an attitude of sustainability Steps are being taken across the business to reduce waste, control energy usage, recycle and reuse wherever it is possible

For

www.charlesfaram.co.uk

Beyond tradition: French & Jupps speciality malts produced since 1689

In the ever-evolving world of brewing, we believe consistency and quality still reign supreme.

As the UK's oldest continuously operating Maltings business, our legacy isn't simply our rich history; it's centuries of experience and tradition which provide the bedrock upon which we have evolved and craft our specialty malts, trusted by generations of brewers.

We believe that it's through our enduring partnerships with some of Britain's most established brewers, including Shepherd Neame and McMullen's, that for over a century, we've honed this commitment by actively listening to their needs and consistently delivering fine roasted malts Our passion for malting, on parity with their dedication to brewing has cemented this bond, ensuring mutual success and unlocking product growth and diversification

With great pride we supply our diverse portfolio of speciality malts to stand as the foundation upon which breweries choose to build their dedication to quality and innovation This is why we

meticulously craft our malt to cater to precise brewing needs, ensuring optimal performance and unwavering flavour profiles

From the unmatched versatility of our Crystal malts to the distinct specifications offered by our Patent Malts, every option is tailored for brewers to create truly unique beers to captivate consumers

We work hard to maintain and leverage a strategic network of farms within a 50mile radius to our Maltings, securing the finest Winter Barley, whilst reducing transportation emissions and minimising our carbon footprint We have also expanded our selection of malts to offer a select assortment of organic malts, catering to partners who seek to differentiate their products and cater to the growing demand for sustainable ingredients Our maltings is powered by zero-carbon electricity, ensuring our brewers can lead with both quality and responsibility This localised sourcing

model has helped us foster resilience and operational efficiency, ensuring the consistent supply of high-quality ingredients for our diverse brewery partners

As we continue to embrace the future of brewing, we invite brewers of all sizes to join us in our evolution, honouring the legacy and traditions that paved the way to the present We would be delighted for you to explore our malts, and to embark on a shared journey where success becomes part of our shared story

For

Super F – A C-racking solution for bright cask beer says Dr Celina Dugulin, Murphy & Son

As early as 200BC Romans noticed beverages stored in swim bladders of sturgeon fish had magical clarity. Fast forward a few centuries and via a bit of processing and a nifty German / Dutch naming, isinglass became the linchpin of the British cask beer. Authentic isinglass still enjoys unrivalled status as “premier league” in cask fining but despite the production process removing any “fish material” from the collagen, there are sections of consumers preferring a vegan route

As brewers search for alternatives, Murphy’s Super F is proving a popular option for the fining of cask beer

There are two principal components of beer that require clarification following end of fermentation The first of these is protein which comes from the malt and other cereal adjuncts in the grist The amount of protein varies according to barley variety, growing conditions, malting skill and the brewers own processing techniques Protein is required in beer for yeast growth, flavour, colour, aroma and foam all desirable characteristics.

However, there is usually an excess in the final beer which unless removed, accelerates the deterioration of beer quality in the form of loss of flavour and development of haze Other troublesome processing conditions present themselves in the brewery with slow fining and difficult filtration

The second component that needs clarification is the removal of the yeast In cask beer, a small

amount is required to maintain or “cask” condition the beer to give the beer a pleasant mouthfeel when consumed. This amount is so small that the beer will appear bright even though some yeast cells may still be in suspension However, the removal of yeast, once the fermentation is over, needs to be done quickly in order to preserve the freshness of the beer and to stop the dying yeast from autolysing and contaminating the fresh beer with off-flavours

Understanding these two components and balancing a finings regime to suit is critical if the brewer is going to get high quality fresh cask beer to trade quickly or to filter the beer for kegging or small pack. When fining beer, the objective is to coagulate the protein particles and yeast cells to increase their density hence increase settling speed. The larger particles are called flocs The principle of attraction is based upon molecular electrical charge where opposites attract.

At the pH and temperature of green beer, proteins have an excess of positive charges so a finings that carries a negative charge is used These can be polysaccharide or silicaceous in origin They are acidified so complement beer pH and create the right conditions to make flocs

In the same way, live yeast cells fresh after fermentation carry a negative cell charge so a finings agent like isinglass is used These are also acidified; the lower the pH, the more negative charges they carry.

Super F is manufactured in a similar way to some auxiliary finings but during the production, the solution is alkalised instead of

acidified The high pH causes a reversal of polarity in the silica sol so that it carries a positive charge like isinglass and attracts the yeast Handling and addition points in the process are the same as for isinglass – normal auxiliary finings can be added to remove the protein then the Super F added to clear the yeast

Isinglass is a huge collagen molecule with space to attract many yeast cells forming large flocs whereas Super F is a much smaller molecule forming smaller flocs so it takes a little longer to settle after each movement but when used properly supported with regular optimisation Super F is a ‘go to’ product for vegan friendly cask beer

If you have any questions or want to discuss the process further, please get in touch with Dr Celina Dugulin; Celina dugulin@murphyandson co uk

Dr Celina Dugulin

With a PhD in Brewing Science and Engineering Technology from the University of Nottingham and KU Leuven, Celina has a wealth of experience from Lallemand’s R&D in Montreal focused on the development of a new recipe for production of dried brewing yeast, different fermentation and propagation techniques through to fruit and malt ferments through her work as a quality technician at Bevisol

She currently works at Murphy & Son as a technical projects manager driving forward new innovations in clarification, stabilisation, flavour modifications and product consistency.

Herefordshire hop grower secures back-to-back wins in national competition

Hawkins Farming, situated in Bosbury, Herefordshire, has announced that its outstanding hop variety, Harlequin®, once again secured the prestigious title of the overall Champion Hop at the 2023 Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) British Hop Awards. This achievement marks a consecutive victory for Sarah Hawkins and her dedicated team

The IBD British Hop Awards, renowned as the pinnacle of recognition in the UK hop industry, brought together samples from hop growers across the nation The expert judging panel, consisting of leading brewers, selected Harlequin® as the standout hop, reaffirming its status as a pioneering variety Harlequin® has been developed by Malvern-based hop merchant Charles Faram and Co Ltd

Its Hop Development Program crafts new and exciting hop varieties, with a huge focus on sustainability These hops are then used to flavour your favourite beers Harlequin® was specifically crafted to enable UK growers to compete with the popular "new world" hop varieties from the USA and New Zealand The aim is to give more intense hop flavours and choices for British craft brewers, particularly for beer styles like New England IPAs and India Pale Ales

As part of the celebration, Renegade Brewing hosted the awards ceremony and created a special cask beer with the winning homegrown hop, aptly named 'Harlequin ' Harlequin® is described as moderately bitter and sweet in equal quantities, presenting notes of peach and pineapple with a tropical fruit flavour and a long, clean finish

Honing the craft – using brewing adjuncts in craft beer

Adjuncts play an important part in the brewing process and using high-quality adjuncts can help control costs while delivering a great tasting finished product.

Silvery Tweed Cereals supplies premium-quality ingredients to the baking and cereal industries and works with breweries of all sizes to supply adjuncts for the brewing process Managing Director, Robert Gladstone, looks at the different types of adjunct and their benefits to beer production

Part of the brew

Brewing beer, especially craft beer which has become so popular of late, is a perfect balance of science and creativity Brewers are looking to create something unique to stand out in the market, whilst maintaining the highest possible quality and customer satisfaction

Brewing adjuncts are key to beer production as they not only improve head retention, reduce the gluten content of the final beer, and they can manipulate the flavour and aroma of the

brew while adding colour They are also a great way of increasing the alcohol content of a beer

The rise of rye and coating

While we have seen rye becoming increasingly popular as an adjunct, wheat, barley and rice can also be used

To achieve something different in terms of flavour, aroma or colour, the ingredients need to be treated or coated with flavours or colours Cereals coated with malt extract could be a way to help save costs without compromising the malt flavour that remains eternally popular

Adjuncts can be supplied as whole grains, flakes or kibbled grits or cut to the required particle size depending on the brewer's requirements, and the provider ’s capabilities

Adjuncts in action

Much like Silvery Tweed, Vocation is known for its passion for innovation. Vocation came to us as it wanted to use wheat flakes instead of malt in its brewing process These flakes give a better yield as well as giving more body,

"

For further information:

Our grains are steam-cooked and/or toasted before being rolled The end product is a light, consistent cereal flake that is great for a range of different uses We can also adjust the qualities of the flakes, such as thickness, colour, size, and moisture, to fit individual requirements

Working with Vocation, we produced wheat flakes that exactly matched their requirements to match the brewing process that they employ Working with us, they have the benefit of buying directly from a supplier who can tailor a product to their exact requirements , rather than through a third party which may offer limited options

a crisper taste and added opacity to the final beer

Renegade Head Brewer, Will Twomey, shared his excitement about brewing the beer, stating, "As a brewer and lover of cask beer, it was a great honour to be asked to brew a beer with this year's Champion Hop

BeerX 2024

Being staged at Liverpool Exhibition Centre from 13th - 14th March 2024, BeerX is back once more

Over the following pages we give exhibitors an opportunity to let brewers, delegates and other visitors to the show, know a little of what they can expect to see and hear on their stands at the show.

Multipacking developments - Enterprise Tondelli

Enterprise Tondelli has been working in the beverage industry for more than 45 years We supply complete bottle or can filling lines from 2,000 – 80,000 containers per hour or standalone items

This year at BeerX 2024 we will be showcasing some new developments and also labour saving equipment that form part of the lines

4 packs - Baumer Srl supplies machines that can handle wraparound cartons for 24 and 12 cans in a wraparound carton with corrugated board In addition we can now handle kraft board material to produce an FEC or fully enclosed fridge pack carton This can be 4’s, 6’s, 8’s or 12’s too and means the marketing department or budding entrepreneur has almost no limits! Even in a limited space Machines speeds start at 20 packs per minute and can be up to 65-70 packs per minute

STOP PRESS - new cartonner at 100 cartons per minute Further details to follow

Can filling - Our rotary high precision can fillers can fill from 6,000 to 80,000 cans per hour using flow meters – come and see the technology including widget filling

Labelling - We are also active for can labellers Enterprise label the can empty or post pasteuriser Recent installations include a cost-effective inline labeller for 3,000 empty cans per hour and also a rotary machine at 20,000 cans per hour

The rotary machine has a special empty can pressurisation system so that effective wiping of the can will give perfect application

Pasteurisation - We will also share our tunnel pasteurisation equipment wit very low water consumption and energy saving devices even for very small lines such as 2,000 cans per hour

Enterprise Tondelli’s in-house design department can visit your site, survey the area and then produce a layout showing the equipment included in the line so that the project is future-proofed and sense checked

Hops on the horizon: An expedition into experimental flavours with Charles Faram

Join us for an interactive session led by hop experts from Charles Faram and a panel of specially selected brewers. Together, we will walk you through the Charles Faram hop development process, unveiling new and exciting flavours.

After the popularity of our panel interview last year, this sequel session builds on the insights into our Hop Development Programme, showcasing a selection of beers crafted with the desirable hops chosen by you last year Take part in the tasting, ask questions,

and share your thoughts on our up-andcoming varieties. So, join us on this flavourful journey, where your opinion plays a vital role in the next wave of the hop revolution

We’ve been hop suppliers for over 150 years, so we’ve got a lot of hop history Charles Faram Hop Merchants and Factors has one of the largest range of hop varieties available from stock in our temperature-controlled hop storage warehouses in both nitrogen-flushed leaf hops, Type 90 (T90) pellets and Type 45 (T45) pellets

Varieties come from the UK, Belgium,

Czech Republic, France, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, New Zealand and the USA Faram’s provides an artist’s palette of flavours to create every type and style of beer from the traditional varieties to exciting new developmental varieties from Faram’s own breeding and development program Our own varieties include Archer®, Emperor®, Godiva™, Harlequin®, Jester®, Most™, Mystic™, Olicana® and Opus®

Fulton promoting decarbonisation strategies at BeerX 2024

We will be using BeerX 2024 to promote how its class-leading fuel-fired and electric steam boilers and portfolio of aftercare solutions can help with a brewery’s or distillery’s decarbonisation strategy and put your company on the road to ‘Net Zero’.

While Fulton will continue to promote the many features and benefits of its Classic and award-winning VSRT vertical steam boilers, the company will also be promoting its range of electric steam boilers at a time when fuel costs continue to soar and efficiency is vital to an organisation’s on-going strategy

Some believe that electric steam boilers are superior to fuel-fired steam boilers in many ways, believing that using electric boilers may be less expensive than using a fuel-fired boiler in the long term, whilst also possibly being more environmentally friendly

Using Fulton’s portfolio of electric steam

boilers as an example, including Compack, Electropack and Europack models, less ancillary equipment is required than a traditional steam boiler, therefore helping to reduce the installation costs that come with a fuel-fired boiler Electric boilers also generally have a smaller footprint and can therefore fit into smaller areas thanks to the way they are constructed and the lack of ancillaries that a fuelfired boiler needs to operate

Additionally, because no flue system nor fuel supply is required, electric steam boilers can sometimes be located closer to the process, which reduces pipe work losses and improves steam system efficiencies

However, this doesn’t mean the end for fuel-fired boilers which, given the correct infrastructure and process requirements, will play a huge role in a company’s decarbonisation strategy

Beyond its product portfolio, the company will also be showcasing the many solutions on offer from its

aftercare division, which can support Fulton’s own installations and those from other boiler manufacturers

As well as offering boiler spares and repair service for all makes and types of heat transfer equipment, Fulton’s aftercare portfolio also includes training, technical boiler house risk assessments, boiler and water treatment service contracts, water treatment training to BG04 and EN12953, steam trap surveys, site mass balance assessments and system design, etc

For further information on Fulton’s heat transfer and aftercare solutions, visit stand 83 at BeerX

Lambrechts reduces lead times for European craft sector ’s kegging equipment

The renowned manufacturer of keg washing and filling equipment, Lambrechts, is seeing a strong demand for its equipment from the European craft beer sector, a market estimated to increase by 8% CAGR over the next five years.

To meet that demand Lambrechts is building its smaller ranges of standalone keg washers Nano and Micro, and single-head 60 x kph fillers for stock, as well as the ubiquitous Compact 235 combined washer -filler

Capable of washing /sterilising twentyseven kegs per hour and supplied with the option of an electric steam boiler, the Nano utilising caustic washing offers great value combined with Lambrechts quality The more automated Micro is capable of sterilising thirty kegs per hour Both options offer cost-effective solutions to keg sterilisation, and both

normally supplied with a manual beer filling system at a small extra price

According to Lambrechts spokesperson, Mike Hickman, these dynamic young brewing companies are experiencing exciting growth, and want to move quickly once they press the button, expecting negligible lead times from order to meet a Spring schedule or a local festival

With Lambrechts, whatever the size of the machine, the brewer will have the opportunity to ensure 100% surgical sterility inside the keg, so important with the vast range of beers now produced To meet this demand, Lambrechts must be pro-active, and as all our machines have been ‘’tried and tested’’ from years of refinement in trade it makes sense to have them ready off the shelf, particularly having a global customer sales base in reserve Experience has showed us that as the craft brewer

expands, they will return to Lambrechts trading in their 25 to 35 keg per hour machines, for something with a higher throughput and a higher degree of automation So, an investment in the future by both parties

Konvoy’s keg tracking solution celebrates first anniversary back at BeerX

Konvoy, the newest entrant to the UK’s keg and cask fleet management solutions space, is excited to be at BeerX marking the first anniversary since launching its leading edge IoT (Internet of Things) keg tracking solution (Katch) which enables greater efficiency, effectiveness, quality, circularity and sustainability from producer to venue and back again

Konvoy is this year ’s National Bar Sponsors again, in addition to sponsoring the Keg Session Lager, Brewery Business of the Year and Empowering People awards as part of its continued support of SIBA’s National Independent Beer or Business Awards

The team has been busy in the last year working with brewers across Europe and the USA, picking up their own Startup Packaging Award and Good Design Australia commendations, whilst activating customers fleet assets in Australia, England, Ireland, Scotland and France

Konvoy’s tracking device and Cloudbased technology has been deployed on more than just kegs and casks across brewery operations with tracking devices used within mobile event equipment, along with other up and downstream products in consideration from transportation of yeast, hops, retail roll cages and CO2 shipments Within the

brewing sector, the team is delighted to have begun tracking journey’s with Brewpoint, Titanic Brewery, Salopian Brewing Co , Lost & Grounded, Barney’s Beer, Brasserie du Mont Blanc (to name a few) and a steadily growing number of high-profile brewers, suppliers, wholesalers, cold chain operators and retailers

Christian, the UK & Europe’s founding CEO at Konvoy, and previously Kegstar where he also served as global CEO, is also scheduled to lead a talk on measuring the real impact of lost and idle kegs and casks for a better world He said, “Cask and keg management is a packaging headache for breweries of all sizes, but the impact is bigger than just multiple financial pain points, there is significant carbon impact that is little-measured or understood ”

With Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) fast upon us and Scope 3 emissions (emissions that are not produced by the company itself and are not the result of activities from assets owned or controlled by them, but by those that it's indirectly responsible for up and down its value chain) making up ~85% of Brewers and ~70% of Hospitality carbon footprints, it is an important topic to tackle and track

The Konvoy team will be offering SIBA members a “BeerX” Katch tracking device exclusive saving of 25% (T&C’s apply) and a limited number of tracking devices on a two year, pay-per-month ownership plan enabling brewers to track their kegs from their desk for less than £1 60 per keg per month

Drop by the Konvoy stand over the

It’s fast approaching that time of year again. Beer X has always been a favourite exhibition of ours, as it gives the whole team a chance to meet and catch up with so many of our customers, existing and new.

Liverpool has turned out to be a great venue, and we look forward to showcasing NDL’s products and capabilities

Whether its kegs, casks and growlers, or brewhouses and tanks, we are here to

help you find the best fit for your business So come and join us for a beer and a chat and lets see if we can offer some solutions to your needs

NDL Keg Europe

LTD offers the most competitive and comprehensive range of stainless steel kegs and casks We offer top chime embossing, paint banding and laser etching, and Micromatic and DSI safety spears with our kegs

NDL’s flexibility means we can offer low minimum order quantities and good discounts on larger orders And a speedy delivery when you need it

NDL Craft offers a great range of brewhouse solutions, from a traditional two-vessel infusion system, to a fully automated four-vessel system with mash conversion vessel, lauter and whirlpool Fermentation tanks are double-skinned with seamless welding and are insulated and rated to 2 bar pressure They can be conical or domed to suit your taste

Hand-crafted malts on show at BeerX 2024

French & Jupps is thrilled to be exhibiting at SIBA BeerX 2024, and amidst this year's packed agenda, we warmly invite all attendees, delegates, and fellow exhibitors to visit our stand, #72

There, we will be showcasing our latest selection of premium Crystal and Patent Malts, sourced from the finest local barley and meticulously crafted to unlock the full potential of your brewing and beverage product range

We proudly supply numerous awardwinning breweries across the UK and beyond With our expert team on hand to answer your questions, share invaluable knowledge, and guide you through our selection of hand-crafted malts, we would be delighted to help breweries of all sizes find the perfect malts for your unique operation

Here’s a taste of what we will be

showcasing at the French & Jupps stand:

• Discover our diverse range of crystal and patent malts: Crafted with precision for centuries, our diverse range of fine quality malts deliver outstanding sensory results

each malt variety

• Meet our Maltsters: Our knowledgeable team will be on hand to discuss our malt profiles, brewing trends, and everything in between

• Explore our speciality malts in award winning beers: Discover a selection of some of the award-winning beers crafted using our small batch malts, showcasing their incredible versatility and depth of flavour

• Evaluate our Malt Teas: Let our Maltsters guide you through a sensory evaluation of our Spirit Malt Teas, exploring the flavour characteristics of

We warmly invite all attendees to explore our malts and share insights into your brewing projects with our passionate maltsters who will be available to discuss flavour profiles, answer your questions, and help you find the perfect malts for your unique creations

Connect with us online or book an appointment for personalised guidance before BeerX We look forward to meeting you at stand #72 and sharing our malt expertise!

Going Green with SSV Limited - CO2 Recovery

In today's business landscape, prioritising sustainability and curbing carbon emissions is critical across all sectors. With heightened consumer awareness and more stringent regulations, businesses face challenges in implementing changes that reduce their environmental impact.

For the brewing industry, a substantial contributor to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is the fermentation process, significantly impacting the carbon footprint of beer production

Recognising the urgency to address these emissions, breweries are increasingly adopting CO2 recovery systems as part of their sustainability initiatives These systems capture CO2 emitted during fermentation, purifying it for reuse in the brewing process This not only reduces atmospheric CO2 emissions but also yields significant cost savings, given the essential role of CO2 in beer production and the wide-ranging fluctuations seen over recent years in CO2 prices and the difficulty at times for breweries to secure supply

SSV Limited is actively engaged in reducing its carbon footprint and has introduced the innovative Hypro CO2

Recovery Unit This system offers notable advantages over others, operating at moderate pressures of 15-18 bar, enabling breweries to leverage existing infrastructure without the need for high-pressure storage vessels The design minimises flashing losses, typically found in higherpressure systems, resulting in enhanced efficiency, cost savings and overall value

The Hypro unit boasts user-friendly operation with an intelligent monitoring system overseeing CO2 quality and managing the recovery process automatically Its versatility can be further amplified by the option of a CO2 distillation column to achieve even higher purities

Notably, the Hypro CO2 Recovery unit eliminates the need to handle CO2 cylinders, enhancing safety and operational convenience in brewery settings Fully automated with PLC and remote access capabilities, it represents a cutting-edge solution for breweries committed to sustainability, operational efficiency, and safe practices

Embracing CO2 recovery technology not only aligns with environmental goals but also delivers tangible benefits for breweries promoting sustainability,

realising cost savings, providing a shortterm ROI, and fostering operational excellence in the long term By investing in innovative solutions like the SSV Limited Hypro CO2 Recovery Unit, breweries can actively contribute to a more sustainable future while reducing their environmental impact

A century of tradition returns to BeerX 2024

In exhibiting at BeerX once again this year, we're not just bringing a century of expertise in supplying beer bottles and crowns to the industry, we're bringing a legacy.

With over 100 years under our belt, our presence at BeerX has become a tradition, one that we're thrilled to continue

Whether you've been partnering with us for decades or we're yet to embark on a journey together, we're excited to become an integral part of your story this year

The landscape of beer consumption in 2024 is transforming, with a clear tilt towards premiumisation Today's consumers are not just buying a beerthey're seeking an experience, a story in every sip This shift opens up a golden opportunity for breweries to captivate

their audience through smallbatch brews and special runs, turning each drink into an adventure

Our 'Speciality Beer Bottles' range is designed to be the perfect container that carries these unique stories to your customers, ensuring that the first impression is as compelling as the brew itself

Our role as a full-package supplier goes beyond just the bottle We crown your creation with the perfect cap, offering everything from the classic hues to custom designs that speak your brand's language, creating a cohesive and memorable drinking experience for your customers

Join us at BeerX on 13th and 14th March for an inspirational packaging

Visit CaskForce at SIBA BeerX on Stand 135

It’s great to be returning to Liverpool again this year and we are looking forward to seeing customers old and new on Stand 135

We’re celebrating our 14th year of showcasing our Cask Force cleaning systems With almost two decades of experience in providing originally caskwashers and then keg washers to the market you can be assured of the right level of service whatever your requirements

As a family-run business our ethos has always been to provide our customers with the best solutions to meet their cleaning needs as cost effectively as possible

Our range of cask and keg washers is designed and built to order from our manufacturing facility at Acle in Norfolk Our systems are rugged yet simple to operate The Cask Force machines accelerate the cleaning process, thus saving money, labour and time Using state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, we pride ourselves on providing our clients with the

best quality components and through innovation we are continuing to update and invest in the range helping us to maintain our position as one of the leading manufacturers in this sector

Cask Force has a great heritage It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hugh Crane (Cleaning Equipment) Ltd who have been manufacturing specialist cleaning equipment systems across a range of industries for over 40 years and our machines are recommended by breweries everywhere.

thoroughly clean returned casks and kegs

What makes Cask Force the cleaning system of choice?

• Simple to Operate and Maintain Casks/kegs are placed once, without the need of additional lifting

• Saves Time

Fully automated washing process

• Saves Water

Recycled water from the process is cleverly reused minimising usage costs and the environmental impact

• Reduced Problems

Eradicates the expensive issue of contaminated casks/kegs

• Reduces Bottlenecks

Quickly restores the supply of clean units to circulation

The cleaning process is simple and clients have seen massive savings in manual labour and time taken to

Innovative new Lallemand

Lallemand Brewing, a global leader in yeast and fermentation products, has recently launched three new innovative products for brewers: AB Vickers’ ISY Enhance, LalBrew NovaLager™ and LalBrew Lona™.

LalBrew NovaLager™ is a novel hybrid lager yeast strain that combines the genetic background of an ale yeast with that of a lager yeast It can ferment at higher temperatures, with lower pitch rates and faster fermentation times than traditional lagers, while producing low levels of diacetyl and no H2S.

AB Vickers ISY Enhance is an inactivated specific yeast autolysate that can improve the body, mouthfeel and drinkability of any beer style It

can also reduce harsh flavours and astringency, and increase the flavour perception of lighter beersincluding low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beers

Remaining on the theme of low alcohol beers, LalBrew Lona™ is a another novel hybrid The strain has been bred to remove its ability to ferment maltose and maltotriose leading to naturally lower attenuation In addition, this strain produces no H2S and exhibits good aldehyde reduction during fermentation

The machines also provide other financial benefits They save water, as the recycled water from the cleaning process is cleverly reused for pre-rinsing minimising usage costs and the environmental impact It also significantly reduces the likelihood of not cleaning effectively, potentially spoiling batches. This improves the customer experience knowing that products are going to arrive with the client in first class condition

If you are looking to make an investment in our range please visit Tim and Chris at BeerX on Stand 135 on March 13-14th We look forward to seeing you there

on show

while saving time, energy

With these three new products, Lallemand Brewing aims to provide brewers with more tools and solutions to create unique and high-quality

Show-stopping labels from OPM Group

At OPM we love being part of the brewing community and supporting the brewers that make it happen.

Labels are an essential marketing and selling component giving your brand a story, communicating the essence of the product and helping to create brand loyalty We offer keg labels, can labels, bottle labels – OPM’s diverse capabilities give you the flexibility to produce the shape, size, look, personalised and decorative finish to create a ‘show stopping’ label Printed Digitally or Flexo, Long or Short runfrom glow in the dark skulls and holographic horses to peel-able glasses

View the

new

& moustache labels; we are always eager to work with our clients on exciting (and often the unusual) projects

If you would like our assistance designing or producing your next runs, please feel free to give us a call We have an in-house beer-label specialist who would be happy to help you!

Contact the OPM Team today – Who will be at BEER X Liverpool 2024 come and meet the team at STAND 100

For further information:

www.opmgroup.co.uk

Tel: 0113 2311000

polymer

range of i-Kegs, i-Casks and the IOT Spear

After years of designing and testing, i-Keg will unveil its patent-pending line of polymer Kegs, Casks and IOT spear at this years’ trade show.

Each Keg and Cask in our range is not only individually numbered for absolute traceability, but also comes equipped with optional state-of-the-art global tracking with i-spear

The i-Keg patented design combined with our unique manufacturing approach, ensures that our kegs and casks outlast the industry’s standard life expectancy, provide unparalleled data analytics whilst delivering consistent performance, even in challenging operating conditions

i-Keg is focussed on delivering widespread benefits for the environment As a sustainable product, the plastics used in the kegs and casks can be recovered by mechanical recycling and is 100% recyclable The outer shells of our kegs are manufactured to be fully recyclable, meaning old shells can be recycled to form new shells or as recycled material within another manufacturing process Our patent pending i-Spear, software and cloud platform has been built from the ground up by i-Keg to deliver the

industry’s first data analytics in near real-time Secure, unobtrusive, no-welding or screw fixings, the i-Spear has been designed to replace your current steel fleet existing spears

Daily or hourly, the i-Spear captures and reports critical data of ACTUAL beer consumption down to the millilitre, location, temperature and journey without any human intervention such as barcodes, RFID systems etc. with their inherent problems.

AWS hosted secure cloud infrastructure ensures global accessibility and security with full suite of data analytics at your fingertips!

This will improve distribution, vastly reduce grey trading, open up marketing opportunities and can help streamline purchasing throughout your entire organisation

In today’s modern world, beverage manufacturers are dedicated to ensuring their beverage arrives in the consumers glass in premium condition Our i-Keg and i-Spear will allow beverage manufacturers to monitor the full journey and improve services to meet the consumers high expectations

For further information:

Brewing Services Ltd has worked with over 250 breweries in the UK and abroad, offering training, advice and technical support

Our mission is to help establish breweries with a complete commitment to quality, promote excellence throughout the brewing process, assist brewers in producing beers of the highest possible standard and train brewers to achieve their full potential.

Technical Support and Brewing & QA Surveys

At Brewing Services, we believe that good technique, consistency and efficiency are the foundations of great beer Through a combination of on-site surveys and remote technical support, we provide a service tailored to your needs, looking at your brewing process and procedures, from raw materials to the quality of the beer on the bar, along with microbiological checks, analytical testing of products and hygiene monitoring

Training

Providing on-site training, exam mentoring and brewing courses, Brewing Services has helped increase the knowledge of hundreds of brewers ‘Brewing: The Fundamentals’, a four-day residential training course held in March and November each year, covers the basics of brewing theory and good brewing practice through a combination of lectures, workshops and visits, with participants gaining greater insight into the art, science and craft of brewing

Start-Up Services

We aim to help you make a better beer before you’ve even brewed your first pint Our Start-Up Consultancy service covers initial feasibility studies, through site and equipment planning, to training, recipe development and commissioning We provide full support over those first critical brews

Tenth anniversary celebrations at 10th BeerX!

The team at Drinks Packaging Ltd / Beer Box Shop is celebrating the company’s 10th anniversary and looking forward to a 10th BeerX this year

It’s amazing to think that we’ve now been supplying specialist packaging to all sectors of the U K ’s beer industry for over 10 years and it feels like we’re just getting started

It’s the most collaborative and creative industry and we love working with our brewery partners, whether we’re helping them with bespoke packaging projects, or we’re supplying next day orders from our in-stock range

We’ve been continually investing in the Beer Box Shop range, launching more new products than ever, and holding more stock to guarantee availability We’ve expanded our can gift box range, launched a full range of 250ml slim can gift and shipping boxes, and increased the number of can and bottle shipping box options We’ll be displaying some of our favourite printed boxes at this year ’s show, together with some of the exciting new design concepts we’ve been working on

Our DPL services have proven extremely popular; this part of our business continues to focus on high volume, high-quality, low-cost packaging solutions which range from auto-pack retail packaging, bottle trays and trade boxes to bespoke shelf ready packaging and gift boxes, all supported by free of charge bulk storage with a next delivery service

We’re really excited about the new products and services we’ve launched in 2024:

Full Colour / Low MOQ bespoke gift boxes

By consolidating orders, we were able to launch a full colour bespoke advent style box last year with a very low MOQ for each brewery We’ll be running this project again and extending this service for gifting throughout 2024 Come along to our stand at BeerX to see the can advent boxes we produced in 2023 and discuss your plans for 2024

Fulfilment services

We’ve recently launched an end-toend home fulfilment service for our brewery partners We can store, pick, pack and deliver our partner ’s online beer orders to their customers’

homes

High quality bespoke labels

We can now produce full colour labels in-house, with multiple specification options including polypropylene labels for canning and bottling, or paperbased labels which are perfect for gift and shipping boxes

If you’re attending this year ’s event then please come over to see us on stand 144, it would be great to talk about your packaging requirements

Beatson Clark brews excitement as it heads to BeerX

Leading glass packaging manufacturer Beatson Clark will be attending this year ’s BeerX event at the Liverpool Exhibition Centre in March

Beatson Clark has 270 years of experience in the glass packaging industry and will be showcasing its range of beer bottles at the 2024 BeerX trade show in Liverpool

Beatson Clark offers standard beer bottles, customised bottles and completely bespoke designs This flexible approach allows the company to cater to a wide range of breweries, from smaller craft brands wanting standard bottles available from stock, to larger companies looking for fully bespoke bottles from 500,000 units

Thanks to its years of experience and flexible approach, the company is a popular choice for many beer brands such as BrewDog, Robinsons and Greene King

Charlotte Pike, Marketing Manager at Beatson Clark, said: “As silver sponsors of SIBA we have been attending BeerX for a number of years and we are really looking forward to this year ’s event It’s a great way for us to make new connections in the industry and stay versed in upcoming industry trends ” Beatson Clark’s amber bottles are widely used by its customers in the brewing industry as they offer over 90% protection from UV rays The company will be exhibiting both its standard range of amber bottles at BeerX and its latest bespoke and customised containers

“Our standard amber bottles are very popular, and for a small extra cost we can customise these the reflect the brewery’s branding,” continues Charlotte

Pike “We offer embossing options on our standard bottles, perfect for ordering in smaller volumes, as well as more tailored services including bespoke bottle design, decoration and crowns If you’re interested in finding out more, please come and see us at BeerX!”

Vigo partners with Comac for the UK market

Vigo has recently announced a new official partnership with Comac for the UK market

The partnership is based on the quality of Comac filling equipment and systems, together with Vigo’s extensive industry knowledge, technical support and field engineering team.

For over 30 years, Comac has been a leader in the domain of automated kegging and canning systems. Today, Comac designs, manufactures, and installs complete systems with installations in more than 90 countries worldwide Sharing many of Comac existing values, Vigo is the ideal partner to support new and existing customers using Comac equipment and fillings systems in the UK Canning & Kegging

• Automatic systems for the processing and packaging of canned beverages of any size

• Filling up to 12,000 cans per hour (For canning lines over 12,000 cans per hour we cooperate with CFT Group)

• Automatic and semi automatic keg lines for the processing and packaging of beverages in kegs from 15 to 1,000 kegs per hour

• High technological level

Conveyoring

• Custom-designed conveyor belts of any type, shape or size, that meet the specific needs of the food & beverage industry

• Structure and components made of AISI 304 stainless steel

• Modular structure that easily adapts to handling.

• Possibility of integrating new belts on existing lines.

• Programming by PLC.

Flash Pasteurisers

Precise parameter controlled pasteurising of carbonated and noncarbonated beverages, from 1000 litres Providing high flexibility and reduction in waste and downtime

• Completely automatic operation

• Constant monitoring of all working parameters

• Time optimisation and waste reduction

• For standard versions designed for low and medium production, extreme reduction of the space required.

Carbonators

Saturation/Carbonator units carries out all the operations of deaeration and the subsequent carbonation to obtain carbonated product, up to 7/8 g/L

• Strong stainless-steel frame

• Pump feeding the static mixer/carbonator tank controlled by frequency converter and probe to guarantee a constant product inlet pressure

• Product/CO2 static mixer & CO2 pressure reducer

• Suitable for Water, Cider and Sparkling Wine.

Visit us at BEERX

Stands 43 - 48

To health, sustainability and beyond!

When I picture non-alcoholic beer, my mind goes back to a simpler time of Shandy Bass sold at the local newsagents.

It is a product that slowly disappeared from the shelves, replaced by highly caffeinated and oversized canned drinks But as the next generation of health-conscious drinkers arises, the concept is making a comeback

Now, I see increasingly low or no-alcohol brands popping up the shelves. With things like Lucky Saint now included in top supermarket lunchtime deals, it is time for traditional brewers to join the revolution

The challenge of creating a beer like this calls for new skills With little hops or malt to cover the flaws, the brewer must push the formula of a session beer even further Finding a way to combine the aroma, body, and colour,

all while keeping carbs low for the diet conscious Add to that the expense of mashing at an elevated temperature, the strength of your brand is more important than ever to ensure you make an impact in the market

We see continued demand for canning machines to service the direct-to-consumer market as well as the pub market for landlords unsure of sales volume We have also seen people investing in display fridges and alternative size kegs to generate more traction and awareness With different methods of brewing, including the dilution method to increase the usage of one batch, it can be a real income generator But the need for product awareness coupled with increased availability has seen many reach out for cashflow support.

More tap rooms continue to open, with in-house or container catering to

boost visitor rates in a stark contrast to the reducing pub market Cashflow for these projects also remains crucial, whether the hero product is a low/no-alcohol alternative or not Alongside these products, we work closely with the brewing industry to also support green cost saving initiatives like carbon capture and solar Partnered with the health conscious, the ever-important green energy projects help both the environment and your bank balance

We are keen to support brewers in growing, developing, and widening the reach to health, sustainability and beyond

BeerX 2024

Staffordshire Brewing and Packaging Supplies will be at BeerX 2024

Happy to answer all your questions on the stand will be Adrian Corke, Managing Director, ably assisted this year by Lorna Prime, our Office Administrator.

We are at the show to promote our fantastic facilities and expertise in the field of contact packaging

We have been bottling beer for ourselves since 2002, bottling beer for others since 2011

Staffordshire Brewing and Packaging Supplies has been offering contract packaging services for over 10 years We are SALSA accredited and pride ourselves on the standard and yield of the customers finished product

on these smaller amounts

We specialise in packaging both short and big runs from 800ltrs upwards and the system we have developed over the years has enabled us to maintain a high yield percentage even

Come along and see us on stand 161 to what we can do for your business

For further information:

www staffordshirebrewery co uk

Schäfer Container Systems exhibiting at BeerX

Manufacturing the largest range of returnable containers of any global keg producer, Schäfer will be exhibiting at BeerX.

As well as the standard stainless steel 50, 30 and 20 litre kegs produced with Europeanproduced material, Schäfer has also pioneered designs of lighter weight kegs and improved branding recognition

The returnable ECOKEG will reduce the average weight of the empty keg by 2 5 kg on a 30-litre size and 3 4 kg on a 50 -litre size keg Utilising comfortable to handle, customer-designated coloured polypropylene hoops, when combined with silk screening they offer an attractive contemporary solution to bulk beer packaging.

The well-known PLUS keg, like the ECOKEG, is fully stackable and reduces noise in the kegging hall and during offloading by 70 % Also available in slimline designs, both the ECOKEG and PLUS help to promote your quality brands We will also be displaying Schafer ’s new two-chamber 10-litre draft2go beer system, not requiring power to dispense or to keep cool while pouring, whilst at the same time offering

Beer is mostly water…treat it right!

Water plays a pivotal role in the art and science of brewing beer, acting as a fundamental ingredient that significantly influences the taste, aroma, and overall quality of the final product

Water is not merely a neutral solvent but a complex matrix with a unique composition of minerals, ions, and other elements Each source of water brings its own distinctive characteristics, imparting subtle nuances that can elevate or detract from the desired flavour profile of a brew

Regular analysis of water is crucial for brewers to maintain consistency in their beer production The mineral content, pH levels, and other water attributes can vary, even from the same source over time

By closely monitoring these factors, brewers can adjust and fine-tune the water composition to match the specific requirements of different beer styles

Consistency in water quality ensures that the brewing process remains predictable, allowing brewers to reproduce the desired flavour and characteristics batch after batch This

pub quality beer without the need for pythons, coolers and Co2 cylinders

The system is ideal for small volume outlets, while creating for the discerning home craft beer drinker the real pub experience. Distributed from tap rooms, draft2go offers your customer ’s sample room quality beer at home The 10-litre keg using a deposit scheme is ideal for this summer ’s Euros Unlike other systems the draft2go is 100% reusable and will have a life of twenty plus years So go green go draft2go

Both Mike Hickman and Divisional Director Edward Ros will be attending the show

meticulous attention to water analysis is integral to delivering a consistent and exceptional taste experience for beer enthusiasts, fostering brand loyalty and reputation in the competitive world of craft brewing

Visit our technical support team on the Murphy & Son stand 65-67 at BeerX for more details and for any brewing queries, plus take advantage of our event exclusive free water sample analysis

Britain’s oldest brewer switches to recycled packaging

Britain’s oldest brewer has improved its sustainability credentials by switching to a pallet wrap film with 30% recycled content

The brewery runs 300 pubs across London and the South East and has a 400-year heritage Having already made its product packaging more sustainable, the company wanted to find a pallet stretch film with recycled content and turned to Lindum Packaging for help

Previous attempts to resolve the issue resulted in using films that would snap when used on high-speed wrapping machines This in turn stopped the pallet wrapper from working and was causing issues with line downtime and production inefficiencies

Lindum’s solution was recycled packaging in the form of its highperformance Carestretch 30% Recycled Nano film In addition to the use of 30% recycled content, less total film weight per pallet was used. This

New Insights report from Smurfit Kappa

Smurfit Kappa has released its 2024 market research report

The Report offers a comprehensive exploration into the latest needto-know industry insights, emerging trends, evolving consumer behaviours and future trajectories that are shaping the packaging landscape

A copy of the Report can be downloaded at www.smurfitkappa.com/uk/ newsroom/blog/insights-report-2024

meant it was a cost-neutral project which made it a win–win for the brewery

Rick Sellars, Sales Manager at Lindum, said: “All manufacturers and producers want stable pallets and secure goods during transport, so it’s important that the correct type and amount of pallet wrap is used

“There’s also an increasing demand for sustainable plastic packaging –including pallet wrap with recycled content – and this is where our Carestretch range can provide real sustainable packaging solutions. The properties of our pre-stretched Carestretch film meant that not only is performance excellent, but less is needed for each pallet wrapped We are very happy to raise a glass to the company’s success!”

Lindum is a leading UK expert on pallet stability and stretch film wrap

The company is based in Stallingborough near Grimsby and provides a wide range of pallet stability testing, sustainable packaging products and consultancy

lindumpackaging.com For

Lemur supplies labels for new beer range

Manchester-based manufacturer, Lemur Labels Ltd, has supplied labels to a new joint project between Cumbria-based Fell Brewery and Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan

Rogan’s Our Farm has teamed up with Fell to create a range of locally made craft beers, using produce grown on the farm and ingredients foraged from areas surrounding the Lake District village of Cartmel

Four brews will be released, one each season Woodruff Stout - with earthy sweet notes from the farm’s woodruff leaves - debuted first, with Spring, Summer and Autumn brews making use of seasonal ingredients, bringing a taste of the Cartmel countryside to every can

Fell is a brewery based in South Cumbria, producing craft beer that is deeply rooted in its surroundings Its founder Tim Bloomer grew up locally and recalls tales of hearing about a “mysterious chef from Southampton” who was moving to Cartmel

Simon Rogan has since gone on to shape Cartmel into the gastronomical hotspot we know now Simon’s collaboration with Fell Brewery reflects their mutual appreciation for the bounty and bonds of the local area, exploring its seasonal quirks and celebrating the people that work on its land

The beers will be available through Home by Simon Rogan and Simon Rogan’s Lake District restaurants, as well as for purchase through Fell bars in Cumbria and their e-retail site

Brewing equipment specialist toasts record year

Bradford-based brewery equipment specialist, Collective Motion Brewing, is raising a glass to a record year of business with turnover up by 60% in 2023.

The company, which supplies and services a wide range of production systems, has also seen revenue rise by 60%, largely through growing demand from independent brewers looking to improve energy efficiency, minimise waste and reduce running costs

Sales have increased across Collective Motion Brewing’s range of products, which includes newly developed and upgraded systems alongside refurbished machinery.

Dominic Smith, director at Collective Motion Brewing, said: “2023 was the year when our business really took off We have become a very wellestablished name in the industry, and we have developed relationships with new clients throughout the UK

“Many brewing, distilling, and cider making companies have purchased products from Collective Motion Brewing and then signed up for our planned maintenance package to ensure that their facilities are free of downtime and remain optimised for efficiency and quality control ”

Tomasz Lenartowicz (pictured above), director at Collective Motion Brewing, said: “The brewing industry, like many

other manufacturing sectors, has been challenged in recent years by rising energy prices, but many brewers have been proactive in finding ways to mitigate those costs

“They have recognised that investing in enhanced efficiencies will deliver substantial long-term savings A number of our clients have estimated that the equipment upgrades we implemented will achieve between £50,000 and £100,0000 in savings per year in running costs ”

Collective Motion Brewing plans to build on its success with increased investment in R&D in 2024 Its 1,300 sq ft premises in Bradford includes a workshop and R&D centre to trial new solutions in keg washing and filling Dominic Smith said: “Innovation is a

big part of what Collective Motion Brewing offers as a company I have a mechanical engineering background and Tomasz has a background in electrical engineering as a lead designer of control systems We apply that experience to design and test new concepts in brewing equipment

“We will be launching some new costeffective systems in 2024 which are designed to help smaller breweries to manage their operating costs and help to take a first step towards automation in their production facility This is important to minimise the cost of production and stay above the red line or simply to increase the profit margin ”

https://cmbrewery.co.uk/

Netstal becomes a member of the Krones Group

Krones has completed an agreement regarding the acquisition of 100% of Netstal Maschinen AG (Netstal) from KraussMaffei

Based in Naefels, Switzerland, Netstal is a leading supplier of injection moulding machines to the beverage market (PET preforms and caps). The company is a technological leader in its markets and has already been a strategic partner of Krones in the past

In the 2023 fiscal year, Netstal generated with a workforce of more than 500 employees revenue of more

than EUR 200 million The profitability of the company is currently below the Krones Group level but is expected to close this gap over the coming years

Netstal will be reported as part of the segment Filling and Packaging Technology Krones finances the purchase with existing liquid funds, but also may take advantage of partial debt financing

The acquisition of Netstal is benefitting Krones on various dimensions Netstal’s PET and Cap businesses complement Krones’ product portfolio for the beverage

market With respect to PET closedloop solutions Krones then covers all technologies required from injection molding to PET container production through to filling/packaging and recycling Netstal will retain its business responsibility within Krones, while benefitting from the international set-up and scale of Krones

With the acquisition of Netstal, Krones continues to successfully implement its M&A strategy

Equipment

Wye Valley Brewery can can … as well as bottle!

When Wye Valley Brewery in Bromyard, Herefordshire started planning its new packaging hall with Enterprise Tondelli, it was important to maximise the flexibility of the hall to allow both bottling and canning. Both lines were combined and supplied and installed by Enterprise Tondelli

The all stainless steel empty can depalletiser from Enterprise Tondelli has automatic layer card removal and a very compact footprint, not much

inverted, pass through an air drying tunnel with directionable nozzles and punt drying prior to coding After drop twist the cans feed to the Baumer packer This incredibly flexible machine packs cans into fully enclosed kraft board fridge packs in fours/sixes, or it can pack 12 cans into a kraft board wrapround carton This machine also packs the bottles into corrugated wrapround cartons Small packs need to be consolidated for palletising so a second Baumer packer was installed alongside the

bigger than an empty can pallet

Cans are fed at high level to a twin lane gravity can cleaner that uses de-ionised filtered compressed air to remove any foreign bodies The use of de-ionised air means no water consumption which can be as much as a thousand litres per hour on conventional rinser thus reducing impact on the environment

Cans can be either pre-printed or for some smaller runs they are labelled on an empty labeller supplied by Enterprise Tondelli As cans are filled at 2-4 degrees C the cans are prelabelled before filling to ensure good adhesion by the self-adhesive labels to a clean and dry surface, with no bubbles or wrinkling or slippage

A rotary counter pressure can filler/seamer was installed Cans are flushed with CO2 from a separate gas ring before sealing and multiple times after sealing against the filling valve. The filler is fully enclosed with hepa filtration and laminar flow of air for hygiene.

After level inspection, cans are

first, allowing one operator to watch both Baumer machines The second machine has a continuous motion 90 degree infeed turner for laning and then automatically loading into a filmfree high-sided tray for palletising

Some products running on the line include 330 ml Fandango This humdinger of a hoppy brew is full of tropical flavours and light, citrusy crowd-pleasing undertones that will have craft-beer fans dancing with delight! Also 1985, a deliciously refreshing premium lager that boasts a moreish malty base, flecked with delicate floral notes

Enterprise Tondelli has been working in the industry since 1977 and supplying equipment in over 40 countries The Wye Valley Brewery canning project is just one of the latest projects by Enterprise, which supplies canning lines from 1,500 to 72,000 cans per hour, bottling from 600 to 60,000 bph and kegging lines too

First LWR-F lowerator delivery for Innovus

In January, Innovus Engineering delivered the first of its newly developed LWR-F lowerator machines.

A lowerator is an adaptable and cost-effective alternative to using a can twist to move cans from a depalletiser to the canning machine

The key advantage is that swapping between standard, slim and sleek cans takes just seconds, with no tools required, a task that would otherwise involve swapping out expensive and fragile can twists – a complex and time-consuming task, especially when production pressure is on!

The LWR-F features inverter driven motors for adjustable speed control, and incorporates a can rinse, drip tray and drain hose to further increase automation of the line

Like all Innovus products, construction is all stainless steel, with Siemens controls, and food grade machined plastic components A safety interlocked polycarbonate enclosure keeps operators safe and protects the machine from dirt ingress.

ALV Plus glycol alternative choice for Pillar Brewery

The operators of Pillars Brewery, craft lager producers based in Walthamstow, London, were looking for the most efficient glycol product for use in cooling the brewery’s fermentation tanks

But the brewery also needed a less viscous product than that which is generally used in brewing, in order to ‘crash cool’ their beer more quickly

Doing this means not only a reduction in electricity costs but means the brewery can stay true to its values by having a smaller carbon footprint, keeping innovation and quality at the heart of what they stand for

Pillars turned to ALV PLUS fluid, not only certified as safe for incidental contact with food and drink, but a fluid that offers a premium performance over alternatives

Developed for low temperature food and beverage cooling systems, ALV Plus from Booth Dispensers Ltd is a heat transfer fluid with low viscosity, formulated using organic inhibitors and viscosity modifiers accredited by FDA/NSF It has been designed to minimise pressure drops in the

system, lower pumping expenses, and enhance hydraulic efficiency With an operational temperature range spanning from -40°C to +40°C, it surpasses traditional heat transfer fluids like MEG, MPG, Bio-PDO, and ethanol-based alternatives

Additionally, it provides protection against corrosion and scaling, while being free from typical additives like nitrates, nitrites, borates, and heavy metals found in many standard industry products ALV can provide up to 17 6% reduction in energy capacity requirements putting less strain on your components and setup while saving you money on energy consumption

“Thanks to ALV PLUS, our pumps are working less hard, using less energy to circulate liquids around the plant,” said brewer and founder Gavin Litton “We’ve been so impressed with the performance of the fluid, as it not only saves us money, but means we’re as energy-efficient and environmentallyfriendly as possible That’s at the heart of what we stand for as a brewery ”

With energy costs spiralling, the

brewing industry has long been seeking a cost-effective, efficient, and safe alternative to current heat transfer fluids Thanks to the ALV PLUS fluid, says Booth, breweries finally have a commercial solution that offers the best of both worlds

MicroCan supplies canning line for Yorkshire brewery

Wold Top brewery has invested in a canning line, in response to customer demand

The canning line was supplied by British company MicroCan and has the capacity to fill up to 2,000 cans per hour The £100,000 investment was supported by the Farming Sustainability Fund, which supports rural and farm-based businesses

Brewery director, Alex Balchin said:

"Our contract customers have been asking us to provide a canned beer packaging service for quite a while, but we had to weigh up all the options before we invested

“We have a strong and loyal fan base of bottle drinkers and wanted to ensure that we didn't marginalise any other area of the business By introducing cans as a seasonal, limited edition line, we aim to develop strong markets for both forms of packaging "

Wold Newton-based Wold Top Brewery marked its entry into the canned beer market with the launch of Wild Swim, one of a series of six limited edition canned beers that will be launched throughout 2024 to complement the 21-year-old brewery's range of bottled beers

Wild Swim, 4% alc, is a stripped-back, clean and refreshing lager that was developed by brewer Henry Culpepper

Wild Swim is gluten-free and suitable for vegans The remaining beers in the range include a Vienna pale ale, a New Zealand pale ale and an American Red IPA amongst others The striking can designs were created by Leeds-based brand consultancy Carrot Juice Creative

Farm-based Wold Top also brews cask, keg and bottled ales using home and Wolds-grown malting barley, hops and pure, chalk-filtered Yorkshire Wolds water

Pictured is Brewery director Alex Balchin with the new range of canned beers from Wold Top

NEWS Containers

Kegspertise partners with Kammac

Third-party logistics (3PL) provider Kammac has announced a partnership with Kegspertise Logistics, by providing a sixth location for its brewing industry services based at Kammac’s Warrington facility.

With a decade of expertise in haulage and logistics, Kegspertise has garnered widespread recognition and respect among major breweries in the UK Working on behalf of KegWatchan organisation which manages redundant keg, casks and dispense gas cylinders - Kegspertise Logistics ensures the efficient movement of goods across a network of 2,000 breweries, pubs, and bars nationwide

Operating across five sites in the UK and boasting a dedicated team of HGV drivers, yard workers, and van drivers, Kegspertise embarked on a search for a strategic storage location in the Northwest in Autumn 2023

Leveraging its 30+ years of expertise in delivering on-site logistics to multi-national brewing companies, Kegspertise identified Kammac as the ideal partner, given its flexibility and solution-oriented approach

Consequently, Kegspertise strategically chose Kammac’s Warrington facility in Cheshire for its prime location, transport links, storage space and floor capacity

“Collaborating with Kammac and utilising their Warrington site meets our growing logistics needs by providing an ideal distribution location close to major road networks in the North West,” said Andy Dorr, Managing Director at Kegspertise Logistics Limited

The unique nature of this collaboration is highlighted by Kammac’s dual role as both operator on the site and a lessor of space to companies like Kegspertise The integration has gone smoothly with both businesses adhering to joint regulations and site security measures, showcasing a shared commitment to streamlining logistical processes

Kegspertise, is benefitting from a comprehensive package that includes 24/7 site security, energy contracts, office space and sanitary equipment –all integrated into the partnership with Kammac

“We are thrilled to embark on this

journey with Kegspertise, as its warehouse partner of choice in the North West,” said Ged Carabini, Chief Commercial Officer at Kammac “It’s unparalleled reputation in the brewing industry makes this partnership a significant milestone for Kammac, enabling us to further strengthen our standing in the market ”

“Dean Mallinson, Site General Manager for Kammac Warrington, and Andy Yates, Warehouse Administration, have both played pivotal roles in the seamless onboarding process,” added Andy “This level of support and proficiency have been instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition for Kegspertise onto the Warrington site, helping us to further elevate our operations in the brewing industry ”

NOMOQ launches a new blank cans service

NOMOQ, a pioneer and leading provider of digitally printed cans in Europe, has announced the launch of blank (undecorated) aluminium beverage cans on NOMOQ.com, expanding its product offering beyond the core business of digitally printed cans.

Recognising the diverse needs of its customers, NOMOQ is introducing ‘Blank Cans’ to cater to those who seek unprinted cans for their filling lines

This service allows customers the flexibility to maintain labelled productions in combination with digitally decorated cans, both directly sourced from NOMOQ in the same transportation system

NOMOQ’s growing portfolio of blank cans allows craft beverage businesses to consolidate their packaging supply chains whilst maintaining high quality and environmentally friendly solutions as the demand for aluminium cans remains high

The benefits of NOMOQ providing both, undecorated blank cans and printed cans are:

1. Sustainable logistics: Customers can now streamline their supply chain by sourcing both digitally printed and unprinted cans from a single distributor, simplifying the procurement process and enhancing overall efficiency Bulk shipments from a single source reduce overall CO2 impact, aligning with

NOMOQ's own commitment to ecofriendly practices

2. Cost Efficiency: By consolidating can orders from a single warehouse, customers stand to benefit from reduced transportation costs Filling a delivery lorry with cans from the same location ensures a more cost-effective shipping solution

3. 24/7 Convenience: Customers can order blank silver cans and digitally printed, branded cans through NOMOQ’s e-commerce platform in one simple location at any time

NOMOQ Co-Founder, Patrick Schweizer, comments: “Aluminium cans are one of the world's most recycled beverage packaging and a shining example of a circular economy in action, and we are happy to offer our expertise to a wider group of customers whilst offering more to our current customers ”

NEWS Containers

Close Brothers Brewery Rentals announces new Managing Director

Ross Mair, has been appointed as Managing Director of Close Brothers Brewery Rentals

Having spent 18 years working for the Dutch brewer Heineken in various commercial roles throughout the UK and Europe, Ross (pictured) joined the Brewery Rentals team two years ago as Commercial Director

Ross takes over from MD David Beswick, who, after 12 years with the company, has stepped down after working tirelessly to develop the business and its product portfolio in the brewing and distilling sector

During the last few years both David and Ross have overseen the development and implementation of its class-leading short-term keg rental model EkegPlus, which uses industryleading technology to provide improved value to customers

“I’m excited to be taking the helm at Close Brothers Brewery Rentals, following David’s exceptional work growing the brand and establishing our market leading products,” said Ross “I will continue to champion EkegPlus as a flexible and efficient rental tool for brewers of all sizes, as well as supporting the beverage

Holden’s Bottling celebrates 80th Anniversary year with eyes on the future

Holden's Bottling marked its 80th anniversary this year with a celebration of its heritage whilst looking towards the future.

Dudley-based Holden's Bottling has since been a leading provider of bottling and processing services for beer, cider, and soft drink companies across the United Kingdom, including to Purity Brewing Company, Thistly Cross Cider and Artisan Drinks

Holden's has used the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on its proud West Midlands heritage, achievements over the past 80 years, and to thank customers and partners for their enduring support

An 80th anniversary celebration event was held at the Black Country Living Museum, and brought together customers, staff, suppliers and colleagues from across the industry

As part of the celebrations, Holden's has also undertaken a rebrand, which is a testament to its heritage whilst embracing its place at the forefront of the bottling industry, as well as a commitment to innovation

Reflecting on a milestone year for the company, which was founded by his grandfather, Edwin Holden, in 1943, Operations Director Mark Hammond said; “It was important to us to celebrate such a big milestone with everyone that

makes our business function It is not a given to be able to trade for this long, historically and we have been through a lot of tough times but that makes you appreciate the good! It is a pleasure to have such good relationships with our customers and partners, and I very much hope we can continue to work together for many years ahead ”

Whilst reflecting on the company’s heritage, a new chapter in Holden's Bottling’s history began with the company sharing news that it has recently been granted planning permission to extend the site in Dudley and will be increasing its range of services by installing a canning line in early 2024

The team is confident that it will continue to provide excellent service to its customers and partners for many

years to come

Holden's Bottling provides contract bottling, kegging and processing for beer, cider and soft drinks companies across the UK The business is ideally located in the West Midlands, providing an efficient delivery and distribution service to customers throughout the country The company's office and facilities are all based on one site in Dudley

Operations Director Mark Hammond is the third-generation of the family to head up the business

Gluten-free beer maker secures Made Smarter backing

A manufacturer of gluten-free beer is the latest to secure backing from Made Smarter ’s trailblazing adoption programme.

Brightside Brewing Company, a family run brewery, based in Radcliffe, is among the latest wave of businesses starting their digitalisation journey to benefit their bottom line and the environment

It means 300 businesses have now received matched funding from the government-funded, industry-backed initiative, to adopt technologies as diverse as sensors, robotics, 3D printing and artificial intelligence (AI) Brightside Brewing Company invested in new technology to improve control in their kegging process Carley Friedrich, Director, said: "We've extremely grateful for the help, support and training we've received by working with Made Smarter. It's helped us take a critical look at our business' digital needs, understand how to improve on weaknesses that were found as well as how to capitalise upon existing strengths

"The grant we received towards our kegging equipment has also undoubtedly been a game changer This investment gives us more control over a process which was previously totally outsourced, thereby providing

more stability and autonomy for the business, increasing profitability and also upskilling our brewery team."

The 350 technology projects backed by Made Smarter over the last five years, is forecasting the creation of almost 1,600 new jobs and over 2,850 upskilled roles, and is set to add £242m to the economy over the next three years

With the Government committing to continue the North West adoption programme as part of a UK roll-out, manufacturers are being urged to connect with Made Smarter to access the funded support on offer. This includes digital transformation workshops to create a digital roadmap, impartial and expert technology advice, leadership and skills training, as well as grant funding for digital internships and technology projects

Donna Edwards, Director of the Made Smarter Adoption Programme in the North West, said: "I am incredibly proud of what the Made Smarter team has achieved over the last five years These milestones are simultaneously a moment to celebrate, as well as a reminder that our work is by no means done

“Our mission is to engage with the thousands of manufacturers out there

A popular North West taproom is bubbling with visitors more than a year since laying the best possible foundations for its premises through flooring specialists, Kemtile

The Runaway Brewery on Astley Street has proven a popular addition to Stockport town centre since its opening in 2022 - with founder Mark Welsby acquiring the premises and bringing in Kemtile to complete the flooring

Mark wanted tiling that fit the criteria of a demanding brewing environment but also looked the part for visitors sampling beers in Runaway’s new taproom

www.madesmarter.uk For further information: https://kemtile.co.uk/ For further information: NEWS Business Services

of Brewing

who we are certain could benefit from our support. As such we are redoubling our efforts to reach more businesses, and to inspire and inform them about the benefits of technology adoption

"For many this may be helping them take the first step to digitise manual and paper-based systems or using sensors to capture vital production data But for others with a digital infrastructure in place, they may be ready for more sophisticated, boundary-pushing technologies such as analytics, machine learning and AI, which are evolving at unprecedented speed

"Digital isn’t coming – it’s arrived Adopting technologies at the right time and in the right way is the key to unlocking real benefits for industry, society and the planet "

He chose Kemtile based on its excellent reputation for success in the food and drink/brewery industry and got the solution he needed - within his budget - in just two weeks

Kemtile laid the attractive Argelith Tiles that Mark liked, as well as installing drainage to an outside manhole. Led by project manager George Morton, the team built a bund wall and laid tiles to fall to the drainage containing everything within the bund In addition, Kemtile also installed and power floated a concrete floor in the area next to the bund that now functions as a delivery area for The Runaway Brewery

which tiling I wanted for the new premises - and I knew we had to get it right I wanted the best - so, I chose Kemtile ”

Operations

Services

BREF applications now open

The Brewers’ Research and Education Fund (BREF) 2024/2025 is now open for applications, with the judging board on the lookout for the brightest and best ideas to benefit the brewing and pub industry.

For over a decade, BREF has annually supported ideas that seek to improve and support the UK brewing industry, including through awards for projects focusing on the benefits of moderate beer consumption, sustainability, hygiene, hop diversification and educational activities

The fund is an opportunity for individuals, groups or organisations to be creative in thinking about how the brewing process, breweries and their supply chains could be supported to make their work even better

Created through funds originally provided by the BBPA, BREF is now administered through the Worshipful Company of Brewers as trustees , with the BBPA promoting the fund and providing the secretariat

Applications will be judged by an Advisory Committee made up of leaders and experts from across the industry, including Richard Westwood (Chair of the BREF Advisory Committee), Andrew Runcie (MCUK), Fergus Fitzgerald (Adnams) Georgina Young (St. Austell Brewery), Miles Jenner (Harvey and Sons). Applications can be made via the BBPA website.

For further information:

beerandpub.com

LWC Drinks signs exclusive distribution agreement with Camden Town Brewery

LWC Drinks – the large UK independent drinks wholesaler –has signed an exclusive distribution partnership with Camden Town Brewery to launch its latest innovation, ‘Eazy Hazy IPA’ on draught, as part of the wholesaler ’s Signature Brands range

LWC Drinks will have exclusivity over the distribution of Camden’s Eazy Hazy IPA in draught format in the Independent Free Trade, driving both volume and reach for the Brewer ’s refreshingly punchy IPA.

Camden’s take on the increasingly popular Hazy IPA style sees the perfect fusion of Citra and El Dorado hops, partnered with Camden’s famous brewing techniques The result is a mouth-wateringly juicy beer with notable citrus and peach flavours Taking inspiration from a New England style session IPA, on appearance the 5% Eazy IPA presents with a golden-

hazy finish, instantly transporting the drinker to warmer, tropical climes

Lee Williams, Beer & Cider Category Manager for LWC Drinks, commented: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be putting Camden’s incredible Eazy Hazy IPA onto the taps of the UK on-trade When entering discussions around this partnership we asked two questions; ‘What does it taste like?’ and ‘what is the market saying?’ Well, the liquid is outstanding, and there’s a real buzz around Hazy IPAs amongst beer lovers at the moment, so it’s fair to say we were keen ”

According to 2023 Nielsen data, IPA accounts for over half of the volume of the UK craft segment, and Hazy IPA is the fastest growing subsegment within IPA

Lee continued: “LWC prides itself on customer service, and being able to exclusively offer our customers innovative and trend-setting products is a core part of this We’re confident

the quality of the product, combined with the strength of LWC’s national distribution network, will put Camden’s Eazy Hazy IPA on the map and, more importantly, on the taps!”

Tom Mitchell, Commercial Controller for Budweiser Brewing Group commented, “Given the remarkable growth witnessed by both LWC and Camden Town Brewery in recent years, we are excited to further grow the craft beer category together ”

Want to promote your business to the UK marketplace?

Then here’s what this magazine is all about!

We’re a quarterly ‘Product & Services’ platform for the UK drinks production industry So if your business has something to sell to UK brewers , distillers, and cider makers, plus other drinks producers, you can publicise it within our pages.

Ask yourself, is there another UK drinks trade magazine that ticks all these boxes?

o Free subscription for a printed copy open to ALL UK brewers

o Free subscription for a printed copy open to ALL UK distillers

o Free subscription for a printed copy open to ALL UK cider makers

o Circulation figures which are actually ABC audited & certified (not assumed or simply mailed to members)

o Free editorial (no advertorials please!)

o Right-hand-page, low-cost advertising, with additional discounts and benefits.

o Online page-flip version with editorial live links to advertisers’ websites

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

o Social media coverage of advertisers’ editorial at no additional cost

To be included in the next issue please email chris@brewingbusiness.co.uk

Andrew Jeans BFBi National Chair

News from the Brewing, Food & Beverage Industr y Suppliers Association

Undoubtedly, as we dive into 2024, brimming with fresh ideas and vigour, we eagerly hope for a prosperous year ahead but are ready to support industry if challenges continue. To support collaboration and sharing of ideas, we are gearing up for a line-up of exciting events.

With an array of engaging occasions pencilled into our calendar, we extend a warm invitation for you to join us for both the professional and social gatherings planned over the next 12 months Notably, we're thrilled to announce the relocation of The International Brewing & Cider Awards to Manchester, a city renowned for its vibrant beer and cider scene. We invite you to join us in celebrating the medal winners at Mayfield Depot on Friday, March 22nd (https://ibcfest.com/tickets)

The highlight social event in our calendar is our biannual National Lunch at Guildhall, London, taking place on 1st May. Set amidst the grandeur of this historic venue, it is a momentous occasion that I personally am honoured to host, marking the culmination of dedicated efforts by all involved.

Medals and trophies will be bestowed upon deserving recipients, preceeded by a beer and cider reception in the Crypts, where award-winning beers and ciders await sampling.

Our calendar boasts a wide range of tours, webinars, technical meetings, lunches/dinners, social gatherings and exhibitions For further details, peruse the BFBi events calendar at https://www.bfbi.org.uk/events-calendar/ or reach out to us to secure your tickets.

BFBi offers exceptional networking opportunities, providing a platform to engage with industry colleagues and forge connections with like-minded individuals. Seize the benefits of membership, and let's forge friendships over a pint or two along the way

Andrew Jeans

Industrial Trading Solutions Managing Director and BFBi National Chairman

Demand for upgrades urges as independent brewers invest in self-sufficiency

A brewery equipment specialist is experiencing a surge in demand from independent brewers investing in their facilities to increase their self-sufficiency and reduce running costs.

Bradford-based Collective Motion Brewing has received orders from breweries across the UK for upgrading and expanding their machinery and technology to eliminate the expense of outsourced services

Dominic Smith, Director at Collective Motion Brewing, said: “While the core elements of their operation are carried out in-house, many SMEs rely on external suppliers for some of the costlier processes involved in the day-to-day running of a brewery, from keg washing to carbonation. Having that capability on their own premises enables higher efficiency, lower overheads and faster turnaround. Brewers are increasingly thinking about the long-term and realising that investing now can deliver big savings in the future ”

Lancashire-based Farm Yard Brew Co is one of many independent brewers to identify the potential gains The company commissioned Collective Motion Brewing to refurbish a secondhand keg washer-filler machine and oversee its installation along with

software, pipelines and a steam boiler. Steve Holmes, Farm Yard Brew Co founder and managing director, said: “The combined purchase and installation costs of the second-hand machine amounted to around £40,000, saving us between £90,000 to £100,000 on the equivalent costs for a brand-new machine. We used to outsource our keg washing, but doing it in-house is making big savings on running costs. Washing previously cost us £6 per keg and now it’s just £2.50 per keg, not to mention all the time savings involved We think that the machine will pay for itself within two years ”

Based in Radcliffe, near Bury, Brightside Brewing had similar objectives in mind when the company approached Collective Motion Brewing to supply a brand-new kegging machine alongside a refurbished carbonation kit and a refurbished filtration kit

Lance Friedrich, brewery director at Brightside Brewing, said: “We’re very happy with the results – it has improved our efficiency and we estimate that it will save us around £50,000 per year in running costs.”

On the other side of the Pennines, Brew York asked Collective Motion Brewing to expand its existing kegging equipment and make some technical adjustments which would

Pipeline-Picks: Flow Plate Case Study

This issue we’re running through one of our case studies, where we were asked to manufacture a Flow Plate for a local large-scale brewery.

The customer was very specific with its requirements to be able to brew its product throughout various ports,

requesting a stainless steel box section frame with a twenty-three port flow plate.

Our skilled fabricator, Andy, was able to successfully construct this piece, ensuring it met all hygienic standards to avoid dead zones or a risk of product being build-up inside the pipework

Additionally, our customer specified a preference for wanting CSE manual Butterfly Valves, being conscious about keeping the project costeffective whilst ensuring that the full unit was effective and efficient.

The next stage of the project was to install the proximity switches, which we constructed using our swing bends.

Overall, the customer was very happy

enable the brewery to turbo-charge production.

Lee Grabham, co-founder and owner of Brew York, said: “Collective Motion Brewing implemented the hardware and software changes to add an additional head to our keg washer filler In doing so they have allowed us to more than double the throughput capability of the machine for both washing and filling Since the implementation, we have achieved our record ever packaging week as so much more can be achieved in the same time and with the same resources!”

Collective Motion Brewing supplies brand-new and second-hand equipment throughout the UK, backed by full technical support and maintenance services.

https://cmbrewery.co.uk/

with the outcome of the flow plate

Want to know more? Scan the above

QR code to see the full version of this case study. This case study and all our others are available to read on our website now.

www.pipeline-products.co.uk

Alfa Laval Free Rotating Retractor: 100% cleaning coverage for ducts and tanks in hygienic processing lines

Preventing contamination is a crucial element in the design of hygienic processing lines, yet manufacturers often face uncertainty when cleaning ducts, tanks and other confined spaces with hard-to-reach shadow areas.

The new Alfa Laval Free Rotating Retractor, a high-efficiency retractable cleaning device, provides complete cleaning assurance, enhancing product safety while boosting uptime and productivity

“The Free Rotating Retractor is the latest example of how Alfa Laval works to make 100% cleaning coverage in hygienic processing lines, like milk or infant powder plants, a reality,” says Babak Shojaei, Manager, Product Management, Tank Cleaning, Alfa Laval “We remain tireless in our efforts to innovate to meet customer needs ”

Complete cleaning assurance

Preparing hygienic vessels quickly and economically so that all interior surfaces are spotlessly clean and ready for production is easy with the Free Rotating Retractor. Dynamic and resource-efficient, this retractable

Cleaning-in-Place device remains sealed off from the product area during production, flush with the vessel wall. The spray head slides out, expelling cleaning media in a 310°-up spray pattern across the vessel surface Upon completion of the cleaning cycle, the spray head retracts, and the vessel is production-ready

Boost process uptime and product safety

The Free Rotating Retractor quickly and effectively removes residues from the interior surfaces of hard-to-clean vessels, limiting cross-contamination, minimizing downtime, and increasing productivity. It complies with FDA, EU and China regulations while securing good manufacturing and hygiene practices at dairy, food, beverage, home and personal care, and other processing facilities. For high-purity pharmaceutical and biotechnology processing lines, the Free Rotating Retractor UltraPure is the solution. A 3.1 documentation package for metal parts is available upon request

Up to 35% savings in water, chemicals and time

Dynamic and resource-efficient, this cleaning device delivers up to 35%

BIG Forks available from B&B Attachments

B&B provides a variety of specialist big forks for your forklift truck requirements. Regardless of the load to be moved, or the type of fork connection, B&B offers capacities ranging from 1000kg to 60,000kg with mountings to cover standard ISO class carriages to bespoke connections.

B&B’s big forks are specially forged to handle the largest loads and are ideal for applications within heavy lifting environments especially in the timber industry, steel plants, and port/stevedore operations.

Large forks are often made of specialist steel, with extra hardening,

and can be manufactured to customer requirements, with various lengths and sizes to suit

The B&B specialist sales team can survey and measure your requirement and offer customised solutions to suit every task, such as unusual fork sections and tapers, to one off bespoke construction

B&B has the heavy-duty forks for every application, from pin, to roller, to terminal west mounting.

If you have a need for forklift forks with quick delivery, contact B&B today with your requirements.

www.bandbattachments.com

savings in water, chemicals and time for every CIP cycle compared to conventional static spray ball technology

Moreover, more efficient use of resources enhances sustainability throughout manufacturing operations

Low total cost of ownership

It is easy and economical to install, operate and maintain the Free Rotating Retractor due to its streamlined construction. To fully automate operation, pair two or more of these cleaning devices and Alfa Laval ThinkTop sensing and control units with an existing CIP system. All told, the retractor's total cost of ownership is low due to the minimal cost and effort involved in owning and operating it

www.alfalaval.com/ FreeRotatingRetractor

KNOWLEDGE I

Efficient food waste disposal with SEEPE X PC pumps

SEEPEX, a specialist in progressive cavity pumps for food and beverage applications, offers a sophisticated solution for chopping, pumping, and moving food waste.

This simplifies the handling of challenging by-products, ranging from fish, whole chickens, and vegetables to peelings and fruit stones. The BTM progressive cavity pumps not only reduce food producers’ costs, but also improve their standards of hygiene and health & safety.

Fruit, vegetable, meat, poultry and fish processing facilities inevitably produce waste This includes not just trimmings, wash residue and by-products, but also off-specification batches, overproduction, and expired goods Strict sanitary guidelines dictate the handling and quick removal of this waste from production areas

Clearing this food waste not only frees up capacity for primary processing operations but also provides an opportunity. This involves turning waste and by-products into additional revenue streams by using them for animal feed, compost, or even to generate renewable energy However, some waste products are notoriously difficult to handle – large, highly viscous, or non-flowable foodstuffs can be a challenge These include whole chickens, chicken frames, heads, feet, and necks as well as other animal bi-products Whole vegetables and fruit, along with fruit stones, seeds, and peelings also fall into this category

As a result, some operators still rely on traditional methods to remove them from the production area. Conveyor belts are often used in large food production factories.

Compressed air systems, vacuums and water flumes are also common.

Operators use waste containers, like tote bins or dolavs, for manual handling These methods can be inefficient, unsanitary and expensive

Automated, All-in-One Alternative

Fortunately, there are sophisticated, hygienic and cost-effective alternatives on the market The SEEPEX open hopper BTM pump range is one such option. Many fruit,

vegetable, meat, poultry and fish processing factories across the UK and Europe have adopted this pumping technology for the disposal of food waste. The BTM progressive cavity pump with a feed auger and macerating knives, chops and pumps food waste in a single operation. This process effectively reduces solids waste volume by up to 60% and provides a pumpable consistency without requiring additional water

SEEPEX Pumps for Food Waste Handling

Changing from traditional waste removal methods to an enclosed food waste removal solution like the SEEPEX BTM pump has several advantages for food manufacturers:

• Hygienic waste removal

Firstly, it is more hygienic Transferring food waste products through a closed pipe system eliminates the need for dedicated cleaning of tote bins This is especially beneficial before re-entering highcare areas, as it helps prevent potential cross-contamination.

• Improved health & safety

Secondly, it is safer Manual handling or conveyor systems can cause waste products to fall on the floor This creates an immediate health and safety risk for workers and increases the risk of slipping accidents. In contrast, SEEPEX automated solutions streamline the process, needing only one staff member to load products into the hopper or even fully automating the feeding process. This improves efficiency and safety on the factory floor by minimising traffic and hazards in high-risk areas. Reducing the number of forklift trucks, operatives, and tote bins significantly improves overall safety.

• Cost-saving solution

Finally, the BTM pump range is more efficient, generating significant cost savings. By chopping and pumping all-in-one, the BTM pump is able to create a pumpable consistency without requiring any additional water, resulting in savings from water usage It can also reduce food waste volume by up to 60%, making it easier

to transport and cutting transport costs.

The operating and energy costs of the BTM are considerably lower than vacuum or compressed air systems, generating savings. Automating the process and eliminating manual labour also allows food producers to cut down on labour costs, freeing up employees for more profitable primary production roles.

In chilled high-care production areas, using a simple pipeline to remove waste instead of manual transport through doorways will help reduce energy costs and minimise potential contamination from external sources

Bespoke Options for Challenging Waste Streams

Customised solutions are available for transporting more challenging by-products To ensure continuous pumping, the BTM pump range incorporates an auger with a large pitch, feeding the product into the cutting elements

Horizontal and vertical grinders can also be integrated; as can solids traps to prevent pump damage. Dewatering devices can help reduce waste volume even further. Additionally, all BTM pump systems can be fitted with Smart Conveying Technology (SCT), a pump maintenance solution from SEEPEX that enables rapid dismantling and cleaning, reducing maintenance time by up to 85%. With SCT, the adjustable stator can also increase pump stator life by up to 200%. Pumps fitted with this maintenance solution can be fully maintained in place without removing any pipework and are also suitable for Clean-In-Place (CIP)

Contact SEEPEX to discuss your requirements and learn more about our food waste pumps and food waste pumping applications We also offer solutions for fruit and vegetable processing

www.seepex.com

Berlin Packaging announces the acquisition of Alpack Limited to expand further into Ireland

Berlin Packaging, the leading Hybrid Packaging Supplier®, has announced the acquisition of Alpack Limited, a family-owned food packaging supplier located in Dublin, Ireland.

Founded in 1988 by Tony Lord, Alpack is now owned and operated by his son, Peter Lord. Alpack supplies a wide range of food packaging products, including glass bottles and jars, twist-off caps, cardboard boxes, and eco-friendly containers

The entry of Alpack into the Berlin Packaging EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) family offers multiple advantages for its suppliers and partners

Greater business opportunities

Currently, Berlin Packaging has over

250 sales representatives across North America, Europe, and Africa. Each member of the sales staff is dedicated to helping customers with the support of its Marketing, Purchasing, Service, and Logistics teams.

Through this acquisition, we will have access to a broader customer base, further developing our customer portfolio of over 45,000 active customers in market segments such as food, beverage, beauty, and pharmaceuticals

Simplification of business

We will work with you and your customers to streamline supply chains with our warehousing and inventory management programs.

We maintain our steadfast commitment to supplier relationships and commitments during the combina-

Leading dair y company switches to FaBLINE™ for better hose life

Leading dairy products group

Lactalis has switched to using FaBLINE™, a food grade PTFE-lined hose from Aflex, to transfer milk, yoghurt and fruit filling at production facilities in Serbia and Croatia.

Lactalis, which has 270 production sites in 52 countries, is using two long-life FaBLINE hoses that are two metres in length and have a bore size of two inches after replacing a competitor’s rubber hose at its factory in Sombor, Serbia

Engineering experts at Aflex have developed FaBLINE to meet the latest

hygiene standards The patented PTFE-lined hose, with standard 316 stainless steel braid and EPDM cover, ensures efficient product transfer and handling with extended life over any rubber hose alternative on the market. Durability and flexibility With excellent flexibility and kink-free design, requiring less force to bend than competitor smooth bore products, FaBLINE offers Lactalis a versatile hose solution throughout production processes.

FaBLINE hoses provide up to twice the flow of similar sized convoluted delivery hoses, for a faster, more efficient processing solution

tion process. There will be no change in current commercial relations as we continue to partner with our entire network of suppliers to find the best possible solutions for our customers.

Alpack’s suppliers will continue to interface with the same contacts Peter Lord will continue to guarantee the continuity of all the company's activities and teams

The entire Berlin Packaging EMEA team will be pleased to assist our new colleagues to optimise the contribution made to our suppliers and offer the best possible packaging solutions and service to our customers.

The Company will be rebranded as: Berlin Packaging | Alpack

www.berlinpackaging.com

I

Continuous processing more efficient than dealing with batches

By Matt Hale, International Sales & Marketing Director, HRS Heat Exchangers

Products such as mechanically separated meat (MSM) and meat emulsions are commonly used in a wide range of products including sausages, chicken nuggets, patties and some minced meats.

While different meat sources and products will have different processing and cooking requirements, it is important that the methods chosen to minimise the energy use involved, saving money and reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Meat emulsions, slurries and reformed meat products have been used around the world since the early 1970s Around the world there are strict rules, both about the raw materials used for the production of MSM, but also how it is processed and labelled Similar cooking, handling and cooling methods are also used for other food products, such as ground (minced) meat and soups, and these products can also benefit from the same approach to choosing cooking systems.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) advises that, ‘Microbiological and chemical hazards associated with mechanically separated meat derived from poultry and swine are similar to those related to non-mechanically separated meat (fresh meat, minced meat or meat preparations). However, the risk of microbial growth increases with the use of high-pressure production processes. ’ In addition, ‘High pressure mechanically separated meat must be immediately frozen and can only be used in cooked products ’

These products are often cooked in batches prior to final product formation, often using large steam-powered kettles or pressure vessels Some companies processing large volumes of product may have ten or more vessels in various states of operation at one time This is because, while these vessels are an effective method of cooking and pasteurising a range of products including MSM, they are limited in their capacity because it is important that the product is cooked through thoroughly. Because each vessel must be heated from scratch for every new batch of product, and the heat used is then lost when the vessel is emptied, this is an incredibly inefficient method of cooking such products.

minced and ground meat products, or products containing definite pieces or product. In this case the HRS Unicus Series is preferred. This patented design uses as reciprocal action to prevent fouling of the heat exchanger by the product and to ensure thorough heating of the product to the required temperature. Importantly, once the unit has temperature as the heat is not lost between processing batches. This continuous processing saves large amounts of energy compared to a batch approach

The same is also true of the equally important cooling process, which must be conducted in a timely manner In fact, this cooling allows for the use of heat generation, where the heat removed by the cooling process is not lost but can be returned to the start to pre-heat the product, so that less energy (for example steam) is required for heating Further economic savings are also achieved by reducing the need to fill and empty separate cooking vessels, and the fact that cleaning-in-place (CIP) can be performed when required, rather than simply between each (smaller) batch.

HRS have provided clients with continuous processing solutions to replace batch-cooking and cooling systems. One Colorado-based manufacturer of sauces and soups replaced their batch-based system with a continuous process based on a number of HRS products in order to increase its manufacturing capacity to meet increasing demand.

HRS complete systems not only include the HRS R Series and Unicus Series scraped surface heat exchangers for cooking and then cooling the product, but also transfer pumps, balance tanks, other heat exchangers for pre-heating and pre-cooling, and auxiliary equipment such as CIP systems and steam-powered hot water sets Such systems are designed to have simple intuitive controls and to occupy the smallest possible footprint in order to fit within existing production facilities

www.hrs-heatexchangers.com

A much more energy efficient method is to cook a continuous stream of product using a scraped surface heat exchanger such as the HRS R Series or Unicus Series. The HRS R Series uses a rotating action to scrape the tube surface and a helix to ‘push’ material through the heat exchanger, ensuring thorough mixing and heat distribution It provides an economic solution for situations where product mixing is a benefit in processing, or where physical integrity is less important than heat transfer For example, it is ideal for MSM, meat emulsions and co-products (such as materials which are destined for the pet food market)

In some situations, the robust mixing action of the R Series can damage the product For example, some

I

Changes in leadership at PureMalt Products

Ross Turner has been appointed as Managing Director of PureMalt Products Ltd, succeeding Bruce Turner who has spent over 50 years making PureMalt the great company that it is.

“Bruce remains a key contributor in the capacity of non-executive director, so his experience and wisdom will still be there at board level, for which I am very grateful,” says Ross.

Bruce Turner commented on Ross’s appointment: “I am confident that Ross, given his experience and enthusiasm, will lead the company with the right strategy, which anticipates and responds to changing customer needs and opportunities and which will ensure the continued success of PureMalt

“To re-prioritise innovation and quality as key to our success, we are also restructuring departments at PureMalt to include dedicated functions for both disciplines I am pleased to therefore announce that Gary Shaw is appointed to the new position of Technical Innovation

Manager.”

Gary joined PureMalt (then Bermaline) in 1984 as a brewing graduate from HeriotWatt University

Over his forty-year career with PureMalt, Gary has held several different roles in production, quality and new product development. Gary has been instrumental in developing a number of new products and has built an encyclopaedic knowledge of PureMalt’s production processes, customers and final applications.

Ross Turner commented on Gary’s new role: “Gary’s all-round knowledge of PureMalt positions him well to lead our innovation efforts and develop creative solutions for customers in new and existing markets I am confident in Gary’s skills and abilities to bring to life our next generation of products

“Additionally, it gives me great pleasure to announce that Dr Peter Elderfield is appointed to the position of Quality Manager ”

Peter joined PureMalt in 2015 following 27 years with Heineken UK. Peter’s tenure at Heineken included various roles leading quality which ultimately concluded with his appointment as Quality Manager at Heineken’s Manchester brewery.

Ross on Peter’s appointment: “I know that Peter will bring a wealth of experience to this role and trust that he will build upon the strong foundations and team that we have in the Quality department ”

www.puremalt.com

Global drinks manufacturer commissions ATi: A Badger Meter brand

A global leading soft drinks company has commissioned the design and installation of a bespoke, pioneering, gas monitoring solution for Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen.

Our Innovation Hub worked closely with AG Barr to provide a tailored, smart gas detection system, utilising our GasSens control panel with multiple gas heads, to provide industry-leading measurement and logging for hazardous-area sensing

The gas controller is configured to monitor CO2 and Oxygen levels utilizing our D12Ex-IR and F12D gas detectors, to protect operators from harmful levels during the bottling process for cans and bottles This specialised configuration enables alerts to be sent to the operator when pre-determined levels are exceeded, while safely shutting down the system and locking the doors of the room to prevent unauthorised access, preventing harmful exposure

Each gas sensor continuously monitors the atmosphere at the soft drinks production sites 24/7, reporting any hazardous conditions to the control unit for display by the alpha numeric screen, indicating the reporting sensor, gas type, concentration, and alarm status Alarm levels that are exceeded automatically activate signal outputs, including analogue and digital data and user selectable relays

This class-leading GasSens controller system operates on a 6-core cable network and has the capacity to monitor up to 14 addressable sensors.

The bespoke monitoring solution features heated sensor holders to help with the damp location, along with splash and water guards for cleaning. Its flexibility also allows the client to have full control of the network, tailored for the needs of their application, with automatic safety check diagnostics and system surveillance for complete peace of mind Capable of measuring over 60

different gases or vapours, the GasSens controller was supplied ready to use with pre-calibrated gas sensors

sales@atiuk.com

Pictured above: GasSens controller and D12Ex-IR from ATi: A Badger Meter Brand

Ross Turner Gary Shaw Dr Peter Elderfield

International consultancy company NIR A S acquires Lorien Engineering Solutions

International consultancy company NIRAS has completed the acquisition of Lorien Engineering Solutions, a division of GP Strategies Corporation.

The integration accelerates NIRAS’s growth ambitions within the global food & beverage and life science sectors and significantly strengthens the company ’ s market position within process industry

A strong fit of capabilities

“Lorien Engineering Solutions and NIRAS are a strong fit in terms of expertise, scale, clients and markets With this integration, we can grow and develop Lorien Engineering Solutions' services as part of our core business to solidify our position in the food & beverage and life science industries and expand the offering for our clients throughout and globally", Senior Vice President in NIRAS, Thomas B Olsen explains

Lorien Engineering Solutions is a fullrange provider of engineering consultancy services ranging from conceptual and predesign all the way through to project management and commissioning within the food & beverage, life science, and advanced manufacturing Industries It also provides extensive compliance and energy optimisation services to its clients worldwide The company has offices in Poland, the U.K. and South Africa, which will add to NIRAS’s international profile and global presence.

“NIRAS has a strong position within food & beverage, and our life science

business is growing fast, so in adding the expertise from Lorien Engineering Solutions, we will become an even stronger player in both sectors,” Thomas B Olsen continues

“The company is also involved in energy solutions and design of facilities supporting the green energy transition which will further strengthen NIRAS’s capabilities around this area. This means that we will be able to provide an even better service to our clients, drawing on the knowledge from Lorien Engineering Solutions and leveraging the power of collaboration across clients segments, countries, and skilled colleagues”

A multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy anchored in sustainability

In joining NIRAS, Lorien Engineering Solutions becomes part of a multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy with more than 2,800 employees focused on delivering sustainable solutions for the progress of society The acquisition facilitates opportunities for increased international scale and growth, diversity, and balance across all products, services, and geographies

“We are delighted that Lorien Engineering Solution has been acquired by NIRAS, a renowned engineering consultancy recognised as a leader in the food and beverage industry. With this merger, our dedicated employees join forces with a like-minded organisation, presenting expanded opportunities. We will be well positioned to provide our clients with greater value and

support as we expand our services, enhance our capacity, and deepen our expertise,” said Shay Moran, Senior Vice President EMEA, GP Strategies Corporation.

About NIRAS

NIRAS is a foundation-owned international multi-disciplinary consultancy company working on more than 7,000 global projects across industries and sectors, ranging from Process Industries to Building, Environment, and Ecology

NIRAS is a leading consultancy within the food and beverage and pharma and life science industries Key clients include many of the leading global food & beverage and life science companies.

About Lorien Engineering Solutions

Lorien Engineering Solutions is a consultancy engineering business providing services within the food & beverage, life science, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Lorien Engineering Solutions provides support on CapEx projects including engineering design, project management and technical consulting services for manufacturing plants and facility design They assist companies to manage their safety compliance issues connected with manufacturing operations and construction and develop clients' energy strategies

www.lorienengineering.com

Innovative new product launched by Pneumatech

Take complete control of your nitrogen supply with the PPNG 1-5.5 HE. This option offers costeffectiveness and dependability for your brewery, serving as a practical substitute for the hassle of managing gas cylinders.

Compact in design, it seamlessly integrates into your current air setup With its low energy consumption and elimination of gas transportation emissions, it also contributes to shrinking your environmental impact

The PPNG 1-5 5 HE nitrogen generator from Pneumatech is the cost-efficient and reliable alternative to ordering and storing gas cylinders

Extremely small in size, it easily fits in your existing air system, and thanks to its minimal energy use and the elimination of gas transport emissions, it can help reduce your environmental footprint too.

The PPNG 1-5.5 HE’s innovative PSA

cycle and highly efficient CMS material keep your operational costs down. The Economizer function ensures no air/energy is wasted because of stand-by losses.

Its extruded profile design and protective features safeguard the performance and reliability of the machine and the CMS

A host of optional features is available for applications that require strict quality and purity control These include inlet and outlet PDP monitoring, a nitrogen purity analyser, and a flow meter sensor It also includes an advanced controller that allows for remote monitoring Its intuitive colour touch screen shows the machine status, key parameters, service information, and alerts.

Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) generators allow companies to produce their own nitrogen instead of relying on third-party vendors. This offers wide-ranging benefits, such as

lower costs, reduced logistics, and increased flexibility (for more on the many benefits of on-site nitrogen generation, go here) These generators are a very safe nitrogen solution and quickly pay for themselves

www.pneumatech.com/en-uk

Sustainable cardboard cup holder bin solution for trailblazers, Valpak

Think about how many cardboard beverage cups you see on your daily commute or school run. The allure of a convenient takeaway hot drink sees hundreds of thousands of people enjoying their daily caffeine ‘fix’.

The associated waste from these discarded cups is huge What if we could make recycling them straightforward so that the planet doesn’t suffer for our latte-loving ways?

Tackling paper cup waste with tailormade cardboard bins for recycling

The team at Valpak were looking for a sustainable packaging solution that eliminated the need for packing by a third party. They required a custom designed box that enabled cups to be stacked inside for recycling. The brief included two different sizes, and Valpak also needed dividers to create cells for a specific number of cups inside the box

The talented team of Smurfit Kappa packaging pros provided a unique solution that delivered exactly what Valpak required in the easiest, most affordable, and sustainable way possible.

Tackling recycling together

Valpak’s brief centred around creating sustainable packaging in line with its planet-friendly ethos In 2018, Valpak partnered with Costa Coffee to develop a new national initiative, The National Cup Recycling Scheme, which aims to significantly increase the collection and recycling of paper cups across the UK The scheme sees major retailers working together to create a streamlined system for collecting and recycling hot and cold paper cups –covering a multitude of beverages from coffee to milkshakes.

In the UK, there are now enough recycling facilities accepting PE-lined paper cups to recycle every paper cup on the market (over 2.5 billion cups). The problem is managing how we collect the paper cups when, as an on-the-go item, they end up in a whole host of places such as train stations, universities, offices, and domestic bins

This pioneering scheme aims to make

the collection of cups commercially attractive for waste collectors to include as part of their recycling offering to customers The National Cup Recycling Scheme collaborates with businesses across diverse sectors, tailoring cup recycling solutions that encompass internal education, strategic bin placement, consumer behaviour change, and engagement with waste collectors

A cup half full when it comes to a fit-for-purpose cardboard cup holder bin

The National Cup Recycling Scheme wanted to create the Cup Box as a recycling solution for small to medium-sized businesses across the UK. While their main purpose was to facilitate the recycling of these cups, Valpak also wanted to use the opportunity to ensure the new packaging aligned with the National Cup Recycling Scheme’s branding to help raise customer awareness

separate layer pad, so that when the box is filled the layer pad can be clicked underneath the lid to seal the holes ready to be sent for recycling

The designers also created a folder that all components would fit inside so that when the logistics company received an order, it could simply label up the package and send it straight out, eliminating any packing work to be carried out by a third party This box will also be recyclable via the paper and cardboard waste stream by the waste collector upon delivery of the full box.

Valpak came to the team at Smurfit Kappa Leeds with this unique cardboard disposal bin conundrum With their logistics company also keen to post the product straight out, this meant that a secondary product to house the cup recycling box components for transportation would need to make up part of the design. So, Smurfit Kappa Leeds put their cardboard freestanding cup recycling box hats on and constructed an innovative custom packaging solution.

All revved up for a fully recyclable result

To address all the customers’ requirements, the Smurfit Kappa Leeds team designed a freestanding cup recycling box, with dividers to create 9 internal compartments to stack the cups inside. They also designed a lid with holes that lined up with each compartment and a

Another important component that our Leeds team built into this highly effective and convenient cardboard bins for recycling design is a QR code that links back to the National Cup Recycling Scheme to make it simple for customers to arrange collection of the box

Raise your cups to toast Smurfit Kappa’s ingenious packaging solution

“We’re delighted with the creative and clever design for the ‘Cup Box’ from Smurfit Kappa! The National Cup Recycling Scheme is very excited about seeing it in situ within businesses being used to recycle cups Our team and the packaging design team at Smurfit Kappa worked closely on the design of these cardboard disposal bins to ensure they were easy to unpackage and set up, whilst being sturdy enough to hold the maximum capacity of cups to be couriered. There has been a lot of interest in the box, especially in office environments!” comments Sam Kinnear from Valpak. With this easy-to-use, highly efficient, time-saving, and cost-effective sustainable packaging solution there is simply no excuse for neglecting to recycle your cardboard cups anymore!

At Smurfit Kappa, we ’ re as invested in our customers’ success as we are committed to finding innovative new packaging solutions that champion sustainability

smurfitkappa.com

Elevate your cask experience with Booth Dispensers equipment range

When it comes to your cask cooling and dispensing needs, settle for nothing less than the best! Cask beer enthusiasts understand the unique benefits that come with this traditional brewing method.

The nuanced flavours, the artisanal craftsmanship, and the communal experience of pulling a pint from a cask. It's an art form that deserves the best dispensing solutions and our Cask Dispense Equipment range not only celebrates this rich heritage, but also elevates it to new heights.

We offer an exhaustive range of ancillaries that complement your dispense setup

From specially crafted dualpurpose cask taps to self-tilting cellar stillage, single

auto-tilts, and beer festival racking, our extensive selection ensures that you have everything you need for a seamless and high-quality setup

Our commitment to excellence extends to completely bespoke cask & keg cooling jackets with optional water and glycol piping for extra cold application

Our jackets are perfect for beer festivals and events where cooling options are limited, maintaining the ideal temperature for your cask ales along with ice blankets that ensure your beer stays cool until the last drop. Their versatility allows you to deliver an exceptional beer-drinking experience to any venue.

Discover the difference with Booth, where tradition meets innovation, and every pour is a celebration of the art of cask ale

CustomerService@ booth-dispensers.co.uk

More in-depth reading

How to reduce the effects of heat exchanger fouling

A leading manufacturer of industrial heat exchangers is warning those specifying heat exchanger installations not to underestimate the effects of material fouling on performance

Watford-based HRS Heat Exchangers says that in many cases the effects of fouling can be reduced by specifying the correct type of heat exchanger in the first place.

Read the full story by scanning the code left.

Whether you seek a refresh or a comprehensive brand enhancement, Brewfitt has the expertise to make it happen. For more details or to discuss your specific needs, please reach out directly.

Brewing Food & Beverage Industry Suppliers’ Association

11 Side Strand • Pendeford Place

Pendeford Business Park

Wolverhampton WV9 5HD

Chief Executive: Ruth Evans MBE

Tel: +44 (0)1902 422303

Fax: +44 (0)1902 795744

Email: info@bfbi.org.uk

Website: www bfbi org uk

OVER 100 YEARS SERVICE TO THE BREWING, FOOD & BEVERAGE INDUSTRY

Limited Company by Guarantee Company Registration Number 11760186

BFBi represents the supply chain into the beverage industr y with Full Members ranging from barley and hop merchants through to process engineers, packaging, point of sale, etc Manufacturers, including brewers/distillers, may join as Associate Members. As a “traditional” industr y (in its best sense), where relationships between supplier and customer are recognised as adding value and ensuring sustainability, BFBi is well known as a facilitator of social and professional networking events

Forthcoming events

MARCH

Thursday 7th Northern Section Lunch – The Queens Hotel, Leeds

Wednesday 13th BFBi BeerX Evening – The Pump House, Liverpool

Tuesday 19th - Thursday 21st International Brewing and Cider Awards – Mayfield Depot, Manchester

Friday 22nd Announcement of IBCA Medals – Mayfield Depot, Manchester

Friday 22nd - Saturday 23rd International Beer & Cider Festival Trade Day – Mayfield Depot, Manchester

APRIL

Friday 18th Eastern Section AGM, Annual Dinner & Casino Evening – Robinson College, Cambridge

Sunday 21st - Wednesday 24th Craft Brewers Conference - Las Vegas, USA

Thursday 24th Tour of ChapelDown Winery & Disgourging Facility – Kent

MAY

Thursday 1st National Lunch & International Brewing and Cider Awards – Guildhall, London

Wednesday 7th Tour of Soufflet Maltings - Burton Upon Trent

Friday 9th BFBi/SIBA Networking Event - Ludlow Castle

JUNE

Thursday 6th London Section Seminar - Moving Beyond Plastic Packaging - London (venue tbc)

Wednesday 18th Midland Section Tour & Luncheon – House of Lords, London

Wednesday 25th Tour of Syngenta Pilot Trials Suffolk + Humber Doucy Brewery & Heart of Suffolk Distillery

SEPTEMBER

Thursday 26th Midland Section Golf Day - Branston Golf Club

Date tbc Tour of Somerset Cider Solutions

Date tbc Cellar2Seller - Industry Technical Update

OCTOBER

Thursday 3rd Tour of Bevisol - Ledbury

For further information about any of our events please contact ruth.evans@bfbi.org.uk