Brewing & Beverage Industries Business - Spring 2022 - Issue 23 by Brewing & Beverage Industries Business

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ISSN 2398-2489

Spring 2022 Issue 23 March • April • May The Products & Services Magazine for the UK’s Drinks Production Industry

PREVIEW

BeerX 2022 SHOWCASES

In The Mix Branding In this issue

Plus all the latest products & services news from the UK drinks industry’s supply chain

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WELCOME TO

Brewing & Beverage Industries Business is a quarterly ‘Supply Chain’ magazine targeting the UK drinks production industry. If your company supplies products and services to brewers, distillers, cider makers, etc, then this is the platform for you.

Subscription is free and printed copies are mailed out throughout Great Britain and Northern Ireland. If you are one of the very few UK brewers, distillers, or cider manufacturers, not receiving a regular copy, then please contact us today.

The Products & Services Magazine for the UK Drinks Production Industry

ALWAYS IN PRINT & ONLINE - Now into our 6th year!

WHO WE ARE Magazine Editor

Chris Freer Digital Editor

Simon Butler

For editorial or advertising enquiries, call the Editor on 0115 8 549 349 or e-mail:

chris@brewingbusiness.co.uk

WHO WRITES FOR US RUTH EVANS MBE

Ruth is CEO of BFBi, whose membership represents the supply chain for the brewing and beverage industries.

JULIAN GROCOCK

Julian Grocock is a former chief executive of SIBA with extensive experience in beer, brewery and pub politics.

ALAN POWELL

Alan Powell is a specialist excise duties consultant, who heads up the British Distillers Alliance.

ADRIAN TIERNEY-JONES

‘Beer Writer of the Year 2017’, Adrian Tierney-Jones is a leading UK beer journalist and international brewing judge.

STEPHEN BEAUMONT

Award-winning North American-based beer and travel writer with an insight into trends ‘across the pond’. Cover illustration - Fabian Clark, Senior Brewing Technologist at Muntons

ISSN 2398-2489

Published by freerbutler limited PO Box 9666 • Nottingham • NG10 9BY United Kingdom Tel: 0115 8 549 349 brewingbusiness.co.uk Our print circulation is audited and certified

Brewing & Beverage Industries Business magazine is an independent publication delighted to be a MEDIA PARTNER to

Representing the entire value chain supplying the Brewing, Food & Beverage Industry

Members of

freerbutler limited is a Supplier Associate member of All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any other means, electronic or mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of freerbutler limited. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information in this publication is accurate and up-to-date, freerbutler limited does not take any responsibility for errors or omissions. Opinions expressed in editorial contributions to this publication are those of their respective authors and not necessarily shared by freerbutler limited.

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Word from the BFBi

Ruth Evans MBE

BevExpo 2022 - a date for your diary

Photo by Gerardo Jaconelli

I am currently participating in a BEIS initiative, where CEOs and MDs work together, in a cohort, and discuss work challenges, with a view to the cohort suggesting solutions. I approached it with a “Must I?” attitude but have found it energising to be able to discuss work challenges to relative strangers and receive their thoughts/suggestions from an unbiased perspective. We discussed what exactly BFBi brought to the table in a post-covid landscape. How a trade association, formed in 1907, can still be relevant in an environment where the digital world’s reach and speed far exceeds that of even 20 years ago.

What became clear is that BFBi and its Members are still part of the solution. What solution? Whatever solution within the brewing and beverage supply chain you need to find, whether it be finding the right raw material; a new packaging line; better and more efficient filtration system; advice on branding; finding new staff – BFBi Members have the solution. Which segues nicely onto our two-day event, organised by BFBi Members for industry – BevExpo, 7th & 8th June, Manchester Central.

The Speaker programme is now live, bringing Industry experts across all beverage sectors together to deliver an unmissable programme. Combining technical seminars and hands-on, interactive workshops – the two-day event will focus, in a pragmatic way, on ‘hot topics’ such as environmental sustainability and share of shelf post manufacture.

Soft Drinks International will host seminars from the likes of Coca Cola and Sure Purity. Other speakers such as Charlie Bamforth, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California Davis; Alan Powell, the British Distillers Alliance; Susanna Forbes, Little Pomona Cider; Christian Barden, MD of Kegstar; Steve Livens, BBPA; Will Todd, Carbon Architecture and Iain Ramage from Tapin2 Dispense Consulting will join many more industry professionals to deliver a quality programme.

The two-day seminar and workshop agenda, together with accompanying trade show and Taste Town provides visitors with invaluable knowledge and solutions, with talks on: •Lean maintenance for small to large breweries and beverage producers •The dangers of CO2/N2 when distributing carbonated drinks •How to get your distillery approval •Intellectual property for the beverage supply chain •CO2 Polishing Filtration; its role in maintaining beverage CO2 gas purity and food safety.

BFBi annual Trade Directory 2021/2 issue out now! The most authoritative directory of the UK food & drinks market available

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

For details of how to obtain a copy, please contact

admin@bfbi.org.uk

BevExpo is a free-to-attend, not-forprofit event (supported by its gold sponsors BFBi, Core Equipment, Holchem, Kegstar, Microcan, SSV Ltd), enabling manufacturers, brand owners and suppliers to meet, learn, network and celebrate excellence throughout the supply chain.

Visitors planning to attend BevExpo 2022 are encouraged to pre-register and secure their free pass. Links to exhibitor and visitor registration, details of the new Taste Town, and floorplan can be found at www.bevexpo.com

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.

SEE PAGE 66 FOR MORE INFO

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Called ToThe Bar Adrian Tierney-Jones

Climatarianism - easier to say than do!

Because I am on various media lists, I get a lot of emails that have nothing to do with what I write about. These include ones that feature luxury hotels in luxurious parts of the world (luxury to me is a night in the pub), new whisky distilleries (much as I respect those who enjoy a dram it’s not for me) and once something about funerals, which was a bit odd (I will obviously need it one day, but, to paraphrase St Augustine, when he wrote about taking up chastity and continence, not just yet). I also get emails on food trends, which I do cast an eye over, just in case there is something there I can apply to beer.

Towards the end of January I got such a communication, with the writer telling me that a new buzz word was dominating conversations about food (obviously amongst people I don’t know because when I mentioned it in the pub I got blank looks). The word was climatarianism and the writer went onto explain that a ‘climatarian is someone who pays more attention to where their food comes from, rather than worrying about the food itself, and prioritises locally sourced produce to exotic items flown in from the other side of the world’. Ok, I thought rather cynically, I remember that, local people for local beer. It’s about choosing beer because the brewery’s food miles are low and you will feel virtuous as you drink away even though you wake up next morning in a doorway. So when it comes to beer, I would have thought that there are plenty of pint-clasping climatarians to make their presence felt as well as pubs and breweries eager to reduce their environmental footprints. Yet things aren’t always that clear cut (said a voice from the doorway).

Let’s look at CAMRA’s LocAle scheme, which was set up in 2007 to promote ‘pubs stocking locally brewed real ale in order to reduce the number of “beer miles” from brewery to pub cellar’. From a licensee’s point of view getting involved in the LocAle scheme makes perfect business sense. For instance if you are in a scenic area where tourists come on holiday, when they visit a pub one of the first things they ask for is a local beer. Pub regulars are also keen on celebrating local beers, after all pride in a brewery whose workers might be part of the family or just the persons you bump into on the high street, is a long established aspect of pub-going. However, and you knew that there was going to be a however, the downside of this, as I have all too often discovered

when drinking a locally made beer, is that it might not be very good. Ordering a local beer and discovering that it tastes like dish water might make life difficult for even the most keenest of climatarians.

By their very nature people who identify as climatarians will be definitely save the world types. The breweries that get their business will be the ones whose practices have maybe seen them, just as an example, reduce the amount of water used in brewing and cleaning, recycle energy, install solar panels and, or maybe, bring in electric drays. Here’s another however (and you just knew I was going to shoehorn a certain Scottish brewery in). A couple of years ago BrewDog claimed that they were carbon negative across all their businesses. Great news, though given the recent allegations against co-founder James Watt, it seems a shame that this attention to ecological detail didn’t allegedly stretch to the same care and attention towards a lot of its employees (mainly of whom are now firmly ex).

It is an excellent idea to go local, but as the LocAle scheme and the BrewDog trumpeting demonstrate there are ups and downs in trying to do the right thing and climatarians might discover many contradictions. You might be thrilled to discover that the brewery a couple of miles away from where you live makes excellent beer, a well-hopped hazy and juicy pale for instance. Naturally, this is thanks to the use of North American or Antipodean hop varieties. Quite a few air miles there.

Maybe this is the reason that we are seeing more new hop varieties grown in the UK, which have the vivid colour and vibrancy modern beer drinkers are demanding. One brewery, Utopian, who are based outside Exeter and whose

lagered beers are fantastic, use English hops in all their beers and the results are stunning. ‘The decision to brew with 100% British ingredients reduces our environmental footprint,’ head brewer Jeremy Swainson told me, ‘and that is a worthy cause. Britain grows wonderful barley and hops and when used to brew lager, results in a product unique to our brewery.’

The indie brewing industry seems both driven by the market, such as the demand for hazy pales, even though some breweries making them started off being known for other styles, and Generation Untapped. I would like climatarianism to take hold but I fear that within British beer at the moment the love of the new, whether it’s a beer with a fearful adjunct or tingling with hops brought in from around the world, will still put many a budding climatarian in a bit of a bind.

Adrian Tierney-Jones

Voted ‘Beer Writer of the Year 2017’ by the British Guild of Beer Writers, Adrian Tierney-Jones is a freelance journalist whose work also appears in the Daily Telegraph, Pellicle, Good Beer Hunting, Daily Star and Beer Magazine amongst many others.

He’s been writing books since 2002 and they include West Country Ales, Great British Pubs, Britain’s Beer Revolution (co-written with Roger Protz) London Local Pubs and his latest, United Kingdom of Beer, out at the end of March. He is also general editor of 1001 Beers To Try Before You Die and contributor to The Oxford Companion to Beer, World Beer and 1001 Restaurants You Must Experience Before You Die. Chair of Judges at the World Beer Awards and also on the jury for several other competitions, Occasionally blogs at http://maltworms.blogspot.co.uk

Beer Writer Of The Year 2017 • Best Beer Writer, National Media 2019

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Letter From North America Stephen Beaumont

Craft Beer’s Communication Breakdown

Back in the 1970s, wine had an image problem, which was that it was perceived as a snooty, elitist beverage, compounded by a communications problem, which was that no one could understand the labels. Wineries, predominantly New World ones, addressed this dual dilemma by educating the drinking public about grape varietals and then listing those varietals on their labels. A decade or two later, most people knew what to expect from a white wine labelled ‘Chardonnay’ or a red marked ‘Cabernet Sauvignon,’ although some varietals resonated with the public better than did others – highly touted Viognier failed to register its predicted popularity in the early 2000s, and I vividly recall the failure of a rather good Ontario wine named for its Austrian grape, Zweigeltrebe. By and large, however, the strategy was successful. Craft beer in the 21st century finds itself facing a similar dilemma, except that it is one created rather than resolved by the modern generation. It is also one about which the industry seems scarcely aware.

The difficulties begin with hops, which are today available to brewers in a breadth of varieties and aromas the likes of which have never before been seen. Quite naturally, modern brewers are excited by this abundance, and so new hop strains are embraced with almost evangelical fervour, often receiving top billing in label copy or even beer names.

The problem is, like the wine drinkers of the 1970s who didn’t know a Pinot from a Riesling, many beer consumers remain unsure of the role hops play in brewing, much less the names of specific varieties and what flavours and aromas each brings to a beer. Sure, craft beer diehards collect new hops like foodies do Michelinstarred restaurants, but for the casual beer consumer, hops beyond, at best, Cascade, Centennial, and maybe something recently trendy such as Amarillo remain within the realm of exotica, entirely incidental to the enjoyment of a good IPA or Pilsner.

This inconvenient fact has done nothing to damper the enthusiasm with which breweries promote beers brewed with specific hop varieties. Which would be fine and quite understandable were that promotion coupled with explanations of what the hops bring to the beer, but in the overwhelming majority of the cases, it is not. Back label tasting notes might make reference to certain flavours and characteristics, from ‘citrusy’ and ‘tropical fruit’ to ‘zesty’ and ‘invigorating,’ but connections between these notes and the specific hops advertised are rarely made.

While some drinkers will obviously be content to overlook the championing of specific hops in pursuit of a wellmade ale or lager, it doesn’t take much imagination to surmise that others might be put off by the ‘insider’ nature of hop references delivered without illumination. And if the small brewery segment wants to continue its erosion of the multinational breweries’ customer base, then it had best start addressing that less knowledgeable cohort.

The same holds true for some of the terminology that has been popping up on labels recently, most notoriously ‘DDH.’

Even I, a thirty-year-plus beer writer, had to pause for a moment the first time I saw those initials appear on a can of pale ale, taking a minute or two to connect it to ‘double dry-hopped.’ And with no explanation appearing anywhere on the can, what chance does a craft beer newbie have of figuring it out?

(Compounding matters, I recently came across a Facebook discussion among brewers in which the actual meaning of the term was debated, with no firm agreement or conclusion So not only is the use of ‘DDH’ opaque, it doesn’t even have a conclusive definition!)

BEST BEER & TRAVEL WRITER 2017

Likewise, when Kveik began cropping up in yeast banks, brewers employed them not only as fermenting agents, but also brand descriptors, with ‘Kveik Pale Ale’ becoming for a time a sort of subcategory of the Pale Ale style. But again, rare were the instances where it was explained exactly what Kveik is or does, leaving the average mainstream beer drinker to ponder what these oddball craft beer nerds were up to this time.

And don’t get me started on ‘farmhouse,’ a curious term used by largely urban breweries to denote, well, I’m not quite certain what. It was originally deployed as a catch-all for several styles of ale native to Belgium and northern France, at least judging by Phil Markowski’s 2004 book, Farmhouse Ales, but now seems to cover almost anything with a profile slightly funky or even a little bit spicy.

In contrast to this sort of bafflegab, the past few years have witnessed the explosive growth in North America of hard seltzers, which are simple, straight-forward, and remarkably easy to understand. Gee, I wonder what sort of activity might have fuelled their rise?

Stephen Beaumont

A professional beer writer for 30 years, Stephen Beaumont is an award-winning author or co-author of fourteen books on beer, including his latest solo work, Will Travel for Beer: 101 Remarkable Journeys Every Beer Lover Should Experience, and the fully revised, rewritten and updated third edition of The World Atlas of Beer, co-authored with Tim Webb and available now. Stephen can be found online at beaumontdrinks.com and on both Instagram and Twitter @BeaumontDrinks

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PREVIEW BeerX 2022 Being staged at Liverpool Exhibition Centre from 16th-17th March 2022, BeerX is back after a two-year absence. Over the following pages we give exhibitors an opportunity to let brewers know a little of what they can expect to see at the show.

Clearmark to tap into Beer X 2022 with automated print and apply labelling solution

After success at the show in 2020, pack labelling specialist, Clearmark, is returning to exhibit at this year’s BeerX, 16th-17th March at Exhibition Centre Liverpool. With proven results in the brewery sector with The ICE Vulcan Print and Apply Labeller, Clearmark is exhibiting this robust and versatile product on Stand 149. Expert engineers will give live demonstrations on the ‘benefits to brewers’ this product provides, and information on how to become GS1 compliant with print and apply labelling technology.

Over the past year, most businesses have seen an increase in staff shortages and supply chain issues meaning that automating the packaging line is now more important than ever. With easily customisable label design and the ability to print and apply up to 150 packs per minute whilst never missing a pack, the ICE Vulcan Print and Apply Labeller quickly provides a great ROI to craft breweries who have ever-changing product lines. Breweries can benefit from increased speed, reliability and freeing up operators to perform more

Leading distributors for various brewing and packaging equipment needs, including counter-pressure canning lines, brewhouses, fermenters, kegging machines and much more, Core Equipment provides brewers with the latest innovation to support business development and growth. All the

With many breweries now tapping into grocery shopping market, it is important for products to be labelled with correct and clear information in order to avoid costly fines. It is imperative the labelling solution can not only quickly and accurately apply labels to kegs, casks and bottles, but also has the ability to rapidly change labels to fit product changeovers as needed.

The Clearmark team is on hand to chat to visitors about success in the industry with the most recent application at Vocation Brewery. With Vocation’s sales soaring, 51 new product lines, and its beers making their way onto supermarket shelves, the brewery needed a solution to automate the labelling process whilst also complying with the new GS1 regulations.

“Everything sent to the retailer has to be boxed and labelled”, said Dan Tasker, Packaging Manager at Vocation

Brewery. “We produce about 30 pallets a day, with 100 or 200 cases on each pallet. Anything other than our core brand has to have a custom label on it. Since automating our labelling process we’ve had zero defects - the ICE Vulcan print and apply system is 100% fool-proof and in hindsight we should have automated sooner.”

Installation at Vocation pictured above

For further information: Tel: 01159 640144 enquiries@uk.interactivecoding.com STANDS

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equipment supplied by Core is manufactured by industry-leading companies and has been quality assessed by Core.

seemed to be no match against the incredible resilience of brewers.

At every stage of the order process, Core’s experienced team is on-hand to support and help whilst the Core service team works closely with customers during installation and on an ongoing basis.

“Set to be the biggest brewing event in the calendar, we look forward to welcoming old and new customers onto our stand (160-176) this year.”

The Core Equipment representatives will be on-hand across the 2-day event, to answer any questions and queries relating to brewing and packaging equipment.

Marketing Manager, Beth Kelsey of Core Equipment, explained: “Despite the difficulties inflicted by COVID, it

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value added tasks.

Core exhibiting the CODI at BeerX

After two years of virtual conferences, market-leading brewing equipment supplier, Core Equipment, returns to Liverpool’s Exhibition Centre for BeerX 2022.

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“We are delighted to exhibit at this year’s BeerX, connecting all sectors of the beer market together once more. As the beer market continue to experience phenomenal growth, we wanted to build on years of success previously built on at BeerX.

For further information: Tel: 01327 342589 www.core-equip.com

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PREVIEW BeerX 2022

Brewing 82 Services Ltd.

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Brewing Services Ltd has worked with over 200 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. 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. Our ‘Fundamentals of Mini-Brewing’, 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.

For further information: www.brewingservices.co.uk enquiries@brewingservices.co.uk

Evolution uncovered

With 17 years experience in delivering bespoke packaging line solutions, Evolution BPS is recognised for its expertise in providing state-of-the art equipment combined with first class customer service.

Evolution BPS understands your passion for the unique qualities of your beer. In particular, bottling represents a critical stage in the life cycle of beer, and for this reason it must be managed with competence and accuracy. Evolution provides quality, innovative machinery for all parts of beer bottling lines, maintaining product integrity at every stage, and in particular during the delicate stage of filling.

Evolution works in partnership with MBF for rinsing, filling and capping machines. MBF is a renowned expert in the careful management of delicate products through the filling process. In addition the Evolution portfolio includes TMG for depalletisers, palletisers, case-packing machines and all end-of-line machinery; Robino & Galandrino for all capsuling and wirehooding machines; P.E. LABELLERS for types of labelling machines; Logics & Controls highly advanced inspection

ABUK

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systems for fill level, label, empty bottle and closure inspection.

In partnership with its suppliers, Evolution provides quality, innovative equipment to secure the correct solution for any project, creating a proposition that can offer full line turnkey solutions or individual machines for all your bottling and packaging needs. All equipment is installed, commissioned and maintained by the UK-based team of Field Service Engineers, complemented and supported by the manufacturers every step of the way.

Providing bespoke solutions via its premium product range is only one aspect of the Evolution BPS proposition. Evolution also prides itself in delivering outstanding customer service by developing a partnership with customers based on delivering a solution-driven working relationship.

For further information: Tel: 01721 724296 sales@evolutionbps.co.uk

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What if you could resize your brewery for the best future-proof fit?

What choices would you make in regards to the layout, brewhouse, tanks and packaging? S.A. Brains Brewery in Cardiff faced this challenge and found a partner in KEG cleaning and filling solutions by m+f KEG Technik, from Bottrop in Germany.

Downsizing a KEG plant from 400 KEG/ h to 80 KEG/h KEG, did not really sound logical? After hearing S.A. Brains Brewery’s story behind why they wanted to do this, we understood what the idea was and how to make it work. The big line was only running for a few hours per day. The rest of the time was spent on CIP cycles, cleaning and maintenance. Not very efficient!

Changing this system to an 80 KEG/h, a normal CIP run, and keeping it very low maintenance, was our goal and the fit was made. In the old plant, their One Way KeyKegs were being filled up manually, which has a great risk at a microbiology level. This also led to problems of over and

under filling. By choosing a Hybrid solution on the new plant, these risks were all gone. On the same machine, stainless steel KEGs are cleaned and filled. After a short switch over time, the machine can fill KeyKegs. The KeyKegs also run over the scale and full KEG Handling is the same. Downsizing is one thing, but can shrinking your system this much be good? It took a while for the operators to get used to this new small, compact and efficient machine and after some proper hands-on training; the joy was there due to the extra productivity. The fact that the new set-up is compact and easy to handle made the operators very happy again.

For further information: Tel: 01427 890099 peter@abuk.co.uk

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PREVIEW BeerX 2022

Cask Force - it’s great to be back!

After a two-year break, it’s great to be back at BeerX this year and we look forward to seeing customers old and new. We will be on stand 125 with a 200 K-series, steam-heated model.

It’s been a difficult couple of years especially for the brewing industry but it’s good to see that we are now thankfully emerging out of the global pandemic. Although the sector was hit hard during 2020 the last twelve months has seen confidence return to the market with our order books and installations back to the levels we experienced before the pandemic hit. Our range of Cask and Keg Washers are manufactured and built in the UK at our workshops in Acle, near Norwich. Using state-of-the-art manufacturing processes we pride ourselves on using the best quality components and with nearly 20 years of R&D in the products we are confident that they are a market leader, and at an affordable price.

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

One cask washer that has proven popular over the years is the 200K Electric machine. It cleans up to 26 casks per hour and is electrically heated. Power is supplied though a 16amp 3 phase supply although the steam version can be powered by a single phase supply.

The cleaning process is simple and clients have seen massive savings in manual labour and time taken to thoroughly clean returned casks. The machines also provide other financial benefits. They save water, as the recycled water from the cleaning process is cleverly reused for pre-rinsing minimizing 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. The K-series machines operate with the same cleaning functionality as the traditional cask washers with a pre-rinse, caustic wash and post rinse. If steam is available in the brewery a steam sterilisation can be automatically carried out at the end of the cask washing process.

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Switching between cask and keg washing is simple, turn the selector switch to keg, raise the keg bed and attach the keg couplers. The whole change over process takes approximately one minute.

Breweries have also requested additional product features. This has resulted in the implementation of CO² charging at the end of the cleaning cycle as well as a specialist dual electric/ steam heating model. Additional benefits of these multifunctional machines are the small footprint that maximises the useable space within the brewery, the flexibility to use both cask and keg without the additional cost of purchasing a bespoke keg washer and the efficiency of its automated cleaning process which results in reduced ullage helping to increase productivity and maximise profits.

If you are looking to make an investment in our range please call or email us or alternatively see Tim Crane at BeerX. We look forward to seeing you there.

For further information: Tel: 0800 157 7198 sales@caskwasher.co.uk

Bulk Storage & Process Systems Limited installs new bulk malt silo at Felinfoel Brewery

Felinfoel Brewery, one of the oldest breweries in the UK has been brewing quality cask ales at its present site since 1878.

The production of beer in cans commenced in 1935, staking its claim to being the oldest canners of craft beer in the world! The traditional Mash Room is situated on the top floor of the building and, until 2020, 50 Kg bags of whole malt were delivered for milling and lifted with a sack elevator. Two years ago a bucket elevator was installed to enable the bags to be unloaded at ground level before being weighed and lifted to be milled. With the demand to reduce raw

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material costs the idea of a bulk malt silo was investigated to bring in the malt using 27T bulk lorries thus eliminating the need to handle the bags manually. So Felinfoel looked to Surrey and Northampton-based company, Bulk Storage and Process Systems Limited (BSPS), to design and install a bulk malt silo and conveyor to the malt elevator. The design and implementation of the new silo needed to be in keeping with the historic building and BSPS was able to achieve this by designing external wood cladding system around the silo.

BSPS undertook all planning, design, and installation at the brewery (pictured)

with its own fitters.

To learn more about our products and services, please come and see Bill Egerton on our stand 41 at BeerX.

For further information: 01483 202211 info@bulksystems.co.uk

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PREVIEW BeerX 2022

Lambrechts exhibits Omni Compact at Beer X 115/116 This year at BeerX, the Lambrechts group will be exhibiting its semi-automatic Omni-Compact machine, a model that has proved to be a popular choice with the UK craft brewing sector.

This flexible machine is capable of filling any of the current one-way kegs, with or without internal bag, at 60 per minute, the same rate for prewashed returnable all-steel kegs. With one washing and a single filling head both manufactured in titanium 316 stainless steel for longer life, it produces 35 sterilized and filled kegs per hour. Customers will be able to see the rugged build quality with tanks produced in 316 stainless. We can also offer an inexpensive cask washing option with easy change over to cask from keg.

Despite the covid restrictions over the last two years the Lambrechts group has been busy installing its keg washer fillers all over the world. This has in many cases been achieved by means of

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‘remote commissioning’. At our facility near Antwerp we are able to check all systems, settings, and values on our PLC controller. Monitoring remotely via a secure connection over the internet is a great diagnostic tool giving more than adequate warning for a future service.

With a growing shortage of available labour in the UK, a number of craft brewers will be looking to reduce the labour element and related costs of their kegging operation and move to more automated equipment.

To meet this demand Lambrechts has recently added to its range the Monobloc 50. Combining small footprint with maximum output, it has three process heads, capable of washing and filling 50 x 50 l kegs per hour. The media tanks are built into the frame and a walking beam mechanism transfers keg from head-to-head. Purpose built In-feed and take-off conveyors are also

part of the package.

For brewers requiring higher output we offer 60, 70 and 80 keg per hour Monobloc solutions. So from a 20 kegs per hour solution up to lines for a 1,000 kegs per hour Lambrechts can help your business. Contact Benois on the number below.

For further information: Tel: 0032 486 54 9570

B.Rubbens@lambrechts-group.be

Schäfer showcases its ‘draft2 go’ system for the first time at BeerX 2022

The Schäfer team will be displaying the ‘draft2 go’ portable dispense system at BeerX. Ideal for all types of beer from carbonated lager to traditional draft beer, the Schäfer system allows no air ingress into the container so keeping beer fresh in the keg for weeks after broaching with absolutely no waste. According to UK spokesman, Mike Hickman, ‘draft2go’ is ideal for small volume outlets such as cafés, sports clubs, hotels which may not warrant a fixed keg install with all that entails, and the considerable cost involved.

“Our industry is also seeing another big market opportunity,” he said. “That is the desire of beer enthusiasts to replicate the ‘pub experience’ at home, combining the ‘theatre of dispense’ with quality, presentation with overall satisfaction paramount. The ‘draft2g’ system alone meets this challenge.”

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The draft2go system is based on a stainless steel two-chamber keg, with 10 litres of product in the larger chamber, and a separate smaller chamber for the 6 bars of CO2 or mixed gas which acts as a propellent pushing down on the beer and up the tube and via the tap into the glass. With built in burst discs and regulators it is 100% safe for your customers with no electricity or power source required. “We are using the same technology as in your local pub,” added Hickman, “only without the need for four separate items of equipment, which are all incorporated into the Schäfer system. “Unlike traditional bottles, cans and newer systems using PET containers requiring electric power the ‘draft2 go’ is reusable, the same as the kegs at your own brewery and will last for decades, washed, and filled on conventional keg plant.”

Also displayed will be the Ecokeg, as with rising costs of stainless steel the new returnable Ecokeg is a much lighter

alternative to traditional all steel kegs. Ideal for 20 and 30 litre sizes, its colourcoded polypropylene hoops and silk screen printing result in increased brand recognition for your beers.

For further information: Tel: 07538 069886

mhickman@schaefer-container-systems.com

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PREVIEW BeerX 2022

Filling, kegging and canning solutions from Vigo Ltd

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BeerX is always the next big date in our calendar after Christmas and New Year, and this year's BeerX22 will be an even bigger diary date because it resumes to its former self as a 'real-life'/ 'actual'/off-line (it is surprisingly difficult to find one word that adequately expresses the opposite of virtual) event. We are really looking forward to returning to Liverpool and face-to-face chats and beers with friends, familiar faces and those who are joining the BeerX community for the first time. Welcome, if this applies to you!

If you are looking to increase or improve your processing or packaging capabilities, please come and chat to us on Stand 78 & 79. Andy, Tom and Chris from our Technical Sales team will be on hand to discuss your production aims for 2022 and/or your ideas for the years ahead. Filling equipment for bottles, kegs, cans and bags make up only part of our range. We also supply complete chilling/temperature control systems, tanks, brewhouses, filtration equipment and consumables. Whether you are looking to source a single piece of equipment or a complete packaging line like the one we recently supplied Salcombe Brewery (as pictured) for its major investment in facilities at a brand-new site, we are here to help you.

Salcombe's line included: • a CIMEC bottling line • an ABE canning line • Malek kegging equipment • ABE tanks • Kreyer/Quantor chiller unit • full ringmain for chilling system, installed by our team of engineers, controlled by a bespoke Vigo manufactured PLC control system • a Bared cross flow filter • installation of the complete line by our engineers, including the ringmain for all the service pipework • interlinking the canning & bottling lines to share a single packing area, in order to minimising the footprint It is worth noting that we are acutely aware that one size definitely doesn't fit

We provide comprehensive, on-going back up and support, including servicing, repairs and maintenance, from our engineering team.

So, if you are planning to attend BeerX, do come and chat to us. If you aren't able to attend, please do give us a call

For further information: Tel: 01404 892 100 www.vigoltd.com

Ten LemonTop years!

As we prepare for our 7th BeerX, we also celebrate our 10th year in business and can't wait to catch up with friends, clients and colleagues at BeerX 2022. It feels like only yesterday we were at the last BeerX celebrating beer award wins for many of our clients and discussing our plans for the following year. So much has changed since then, it's now a different world and your branding and marketing is more important than ever. You need to be aware of the wider industry, know what your customers

all, and we work hard to provide tailored solutions appropriate to the objectives of each project, so if you have a specific requirement, please come and discuss them with us.

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want and do everything you can to get them to pick your beer up over another. That's where LemonTop can help. Come along to stand 64 (look for the yellow balloons) and tell us about your business so we can help you make the most of every opportunity.

Not going to be at BeerX? Then head to our website and take a look at our Top 6 Tips for standing out from the crowd.

For further information: Tel: 01642 969 222 hello@LemonTopCreative.com

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PREVIEW BeerX 2022

Croxsons to unveil ambitious sustainability plans at BeerX

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Celebrating a remarkable 150th anniversary this year, leading glass packaging company, Croxsons, will be using BeerX to its ambitious sustainability plans.

The Sutton-Surrey based business, which recently saw a change of CEO from James Croxson to Tim Croxson, as part of its father-to-son succession, is planning a number of environmental initiatives to mark this special year.

As part of its carbon reduction strategy, the company has made a commitment to achieve carbon net zero and will be working towards this target in the future. Also, in marking the anniversary, Croxsons will be planting 150,000 trees not only in celebration of the achievement, but also to signify its intent in tackling environmental issues. This initiative applies to any customer who places an enquiry and makes an order up to 100,000 bottles, and thus can have their first order completely offset in terms of its carbon footprint. “As we are not a manufacturer, there is only so much we can do when it comes to sustainability,” said Croxsons’ CEO,

Tim Croxson. “We can analyse our carbon footprint and have plans to reduce that to zero, but we also wanted to be gutsy and show our intent - that’s when we decided to plant 150,000 trees! “Sure it’s outrageous, but why not - it’s our gift back in many respects. In offsetting a customer’s order, we’re saying that we can’t fix everything, but we must do something and this is

Enterprise Tondelli

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Stand 155 and 156 is the place to find Enterprise Tondelli at this year’s long-awaited BeerX 2022.

Enterprise will be showcasing some of their recent projects with particular attention to product stabilisation and also saving labour and reducing costs. These include energy saving and compact tunnel pasteurisers, rotary counter pressure can fillers from 1,500 cans per hour to 80,000 cans per hour. A new project for widget can filling with flow meters for super low d.o./tipo and accuracy at 6,000 cph. Plus compact end of line automatic secondary packaging options so you can spend more time doing interesting tasks rather than packing your product! Also the latest range of empty can and bottle depalletisers in stainless steel and designed around your space.

We hope to see you there, please feel free to email us for an appointment or just drop in and we will be happy to discuss your bottling, canning and packing ideas over a cup of coffee.. stand 155 and 156 – come and see what’s new.

For further information: Tel: 01525 718288 www.enterprisetondelli.co.uk

something that we can do.

“Sustainability should be the heart of everything we do and hopefully this will also help customers with their sustainability goals too.”

For further information: Tel: 020 8337 2945 www.croxsons.com

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PREVIEW BeerX 2022

Winning hops! Fabdec introduces new BRITANX brand at 62 BeerX 2022 Do you want a chance to sample the latest, and very greatest, innovations in hop development?

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This year at BeerX we will be giving you access to winning hops from the latest Charles Faram International Hop Awards. There will be both commercial and new development hops available from around the world.

The Charles Faram International Hop Awards are an annual competition to discover the very best hop variety samples from our Charles Faram Hop Development Programme and celebrate all those involved. From scientists and growers, through to the brewers who are using the hops to create exciting new flavour combinations.

You can find us on stand 62 or in ‘The Taproom’ which we will be sponsoring.

For further information: www.charlesfaram.co.uk sales@charlesfaram.co.uk

The current mix of semi- and fullyautomatic machines have become popular within the beverage industry, reducing the need for high labour costs and increasing the sheer volume of product delivery. In addition to the popular multipack machines, T. Freemantle is ready to deliver its brand new combo tray and

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For over 60 years Fabdec has pioneered innovations in stainless steel heat transfer technology

As specialists in hygienic and pressure vessels, and with ISO 9001 accreditation, Fabdec is an established name across multiple industries including dairy, water heating, brewery and others. Capacities up to 500HL with all sizes, shapes, fittings and accessories accommodated through our product engineering and design capabilities.

This year we are excited to launch our new brand BRITANX, providing high quality British manufactured vessels dedicated to the food, beverage and processing sectors. We look forward to seeing you on our BeerX stand 83/84 and showcase our offering.

Fabdec continues to lead the way and fly the flag for UK manufacturing.

T. Freemantle is heading to BeerX to showcase its four beverage packing machines

British packing machine manufacturer, T. Freemantle, will showcase its four beverage packing machines at BeerX. The range of machines aims to assist beverage manufacturers in packing cans or glass bottles into cardboard multipacks.

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case packing machine to Canadian Brewery, Station22. Working alongside its current fully automatic beverage multipack machine, the tray/case packer will pack cans into outer cardboard tray or boxes, reducing the need for shrink wrap and excess packaging. The trays will be suitable for instant distribution to supermarkets and buyers, without the need for further wrapping or handling. T. Freemantle has worked with both small and large craft brewers and its product range aims to suit the needs of both. Visit stand 88 to find out more, watch demo videos and chat to them.

For further information: www.tfreemantle.com

For further information: Tel: 01691 627200 sales@britanx.com STAND

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PREVIEW BeerX 2022

Pump clips, handpulls, tap handles and branded POS from Willis Publicity

Willis Publicity is delighted to showcase the all-new Abbot Ale pump clip and handpull at BeerX. With competition for handpull space increasing on bars it was important for Greene King to bring its product to a contemporary audience, whilst respecting the heritage of the brand.

Working closely with its appointed agency Ziggurat, we utilised the skills of our design and production team to ensure we delivered a product with

We are so thrilled to announce that Saxon Packaging will be exhibiting at BeerX 2022. From the 16th to 17th March, you will find us at the Liverpool Exhibition Centre, and we can’t wait to meet SIBA Members, old and new.

Following the disappointment of having to pull out of BeerX 2020 due to COVID concerns, we are looking forward to seeing fellow SIBA members in Liverpool this March. We were so delighted to be involved with the virtual BeerX 2021, by supplying the beer packaging for tasting sessions and working as the Official Beer Box Partner. While 2021 was a unique year for all our fellow SIBA Members and the BeerX event, we are ready for meeting our friendly brewing customers face-to-face once again.

This year, you will find the Saxon Packaging team at Stand 36 throughout the event where you will have the opportunity to discuss your packaging requirements with our packaging experts, Mike Impson (Sales Director), Stuart Haggar (Business Development Manager) and Adam Futter (Business Development Manager). Whatever questions you may have for your beer packaging, we will be there to help find the right beer packaging solution for you. We will also have plenty of samples of beer packaging on hand, to show exactly what we can do for your brewery

standout giving Abbot Ale a fresh and modern feel.

Manufactured from premium metal, both the pump and handpull have been engineered for easy installation for outlets and on bar permanency for the brand. To see our latest range of pump clips, handpulls, tap handles and branded POS please come and visit us at on Stand 29 at BeerX.

For further information: Tel: 01582 764040 www.willispublicity.co.uk

Visit Saxon Packaging at BeerX 2022!

SIBA BeerX is back, and excitement is certainly brewing!

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and products. If you are an existing or new Saxon Packaging customer, be sure to swing by to say hello, so we can catch up with old acquaintances and put faces to names and get to know you and your brand a little better.

“BeerX is an event we look forward to every year at Saxon Packaging.” said Mike Impson, Sales Director of Saxon Packaging. “Our team has always enjoyed attending and exhibiting, meeting fellow SIBA members and brewers alike. Naturally, we were all disappointed not to be able to attend the last BeerX exhibition in Liverpool due to Covid-19. This year we’re thrilled to return to BeerX and support our SIBA members with their beer packaging enquiries at one of our most enjoyable events of the year.” The SIBA Business Awards 2022 One of the highlights of BeerX for all involved is the SIBA Business Awards. Last year, we were lucky enough to be awarded Highly Commended for the ‘Best Covid Supplier Initiative’ category. We were also nominated as finalists for the Supplier Associate Of The Year Award, and Best Individual Design Award. Our nomination for Best Individual Design came off the back of our hard work on the Northern Monk Heaven Chocolate Box packaging. These awards and nominations in 2021

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were a fantastic achievement for the Saxon Packaging team. They demonstrated the hard work and efforts we all put in during a difficult year, and it’s great to be recognised in the brewing industry and by our fellow SIBA Members. This year, we have entered the SIBA Business Awards in the following categories: Best Individual Design; Best Concept Design; and Supplier Associate Of The Year.

If you are attending SIBA BeerX 2022, make sure to come and say hello at Stand 36. Our team certainly knows their stuff when it comes to adding some ‘flavour’ to beer packaging, and we will be on hand to show you our wide variety of beer packaging solutions. If you are unable to attend BeerX 2022 but want to discuss your beer packaging, or find out more about the beer packaging solutions we offer, contact us via the web address below.

For further information: www.saxonpackaging.co.uk

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PREVIEW BeerX 2022

A box full of ideas for your beers!

Leading beer packaging supplier, Beer Box Shop, is excited to be back at BeerX this year to showcase its extensive range of trade and retail packaging and chat to you about your packaging needs. Beer Box Shop produces a wide selection of fully recyclable FSC approved packaging specifically designed and sized for the brewing industry.

Managing Director, Simon Hulse (pictured), said “BeerX has always been a successful show for us, not least in 2020 when we were voted Supplier Associate of the Year. We’re delighted to be back in Liverpool this year along with our newest member of the sales team, Aoife. It’s nice to meet our customers in person and talk to them about their packaging ideas.” Retail packaging Beer Box Shop stocks a range of plain and pre-printed off-the-shelf gift packaging available for next day delivery. You will be able to see examples of the products at BeerX and

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feel the board quality for yourself before you order. New for this year, eye-catching fridge packs will be on display.

Trade and courier packaging Boxes designed for shipping small pack and mini kegs direct to consumers will be presented at the Beer Box Shop stand, alongside packaging options for self-delivery/ palletisation. Speaking of the impact of the pandemic, Director Heather Hulse said, “So much has changed in terms of how beer is being delivered to customers since our last visit to BeerX, as breweries have had to adapt to cope with the effects of lockdown. We have solutions to help brewers to ship direct to the end user safely, including our new Postal Packs for 6 cans.”

Personalised boxes In addition to stocking plain or preprinted boxes, Beer Box Shop offers various printing services on its full range of retail and trade packaging. Many examples of its current customers’ designs will form the backdrop of the display at the show.

The team would love to discuss bespoke options with you and are able to take details on the day should you require a quote.

Heather Hulse added, “BeerX 2020 was my first time at the show and a great opportunity to network and meet customers both old and new. Please pop along and say hello to us at stand 154.”

For further information: Tel: 01538 528181 sales@beerboxshop.co.uk

Cheers! Beatson Clark is back at BeerX

Excitement is brewing for leading glass packaging manufacturer Beatson Clark as the company prepares to showcase its products and services once again at BeerX 2022. Beatson Clark produces a wide range of beer bottles for breweries large and small and will be exhibiting at the UK’s largest independent beer and craft brewing trade show in Liverpool on 16th and 17th March 2022. Held at Exhibition Centre Liverpool on the River Mersey, the two-day show, organised by The Society for Independent Brewers (SIBA), will feature expert workshops, panel debates, networking opportunities, tasting sessions, a trade exhibition, and a trade-only beer showcase. Because of the pandemic BeerX took place virtually in 2021 but it’s returning this year promising to be bigger and better than ever, with a variety of fringe events and after parties lined up throughout Liverpool.

Beatson Clark stocks a wide variety of standard bottles and can offer lower production volumes for smaller breweries.

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Thanks to this flexible approach and centuries of experience in the glass manufacturing industry, Beatson Clark designs and manufactures bottles for many popular beer brands including BrewDog, Robinsons and Greene King.

“We really missed BeerX last year as it’s a great event for meeting up with your customers and making new contacts,” said Charlotte Pike, Marketing Manager at Beatson Clark. “This year we will be exhibiting our elegant 330ml Champagne Style beer bottle as well as our new 330ml Alpha Drinks bottle – this design is based on an Alpha Sirop bottle traditionally used in pharmaceuticals, a trend which has become really popular in recent years for brands wanting to convey a retro, vintage feel.

“This amber bottle is suitable for carbonated and fermented drinks such

as beers as it’s tested to a 3.0 bar and is available in both an MCA and crown neck finish to suit breweries.

“In addition to printed crowns that further enhance your brand, we also offer embossing options on our standard beer bottles. These are perfect for smaller breweries who still want a customised finish to their packaging, without the large volumes and outlay of a fully bespoke container.”

For further information: www.beatsonclark.co.uk

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PREVIEW BeerX 2022

Complete packaging line solutions for bottling, canning and kegging

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FRAMAX is excited to be back exhibiting at SIBA BeerX 22!

Specialising in the supply of machinery and complete “Turn Key” production lines for the bottling and packaging industry. Our main objective is to provide a custommade solution, specifically designed to protect and guarantee the quality of the finished product with the use of the highest and most up-to date technology.

Framax can design, supply and install filling lines and packaging solutions to suit a wide range of products into traditional or modern packaging, such as bottles made of Pet, Pen, Glass, HDPE, cans, bag-in box-etc.

The key to our success is the “know how” gained in over 40 years of experience in this industry and the ability to supply equipment performance, competitive pricing and efficiency of after sales service and support. Visit our stand to discuss your requirements from single or small footprint canning

like our Canblock 6/6/1-LE to complete bespoke lines. Come and see us on Stand No. 42.

For further information: www.framax.com info@framax.co.uk

Moody Direct Ltd to exhibit at BeerX 2022

Reputable supplier of liquid processing equipment, Moody Direct Ltd, will be exhibiting a range of process spare parts and components on stand 184. As the UK authorised distributors for some of the best-known brands in the brewery industry, Moody Direct will have on display components from the likes of Alfa Laval, SPX FLOW, GEA and Keofitt. With such well-developed business partnerships with these original equipment manufacturers, Moody Direct can support breweries no matter the equipment they have on site.

Moody Direct has been operating within the brewery sector for over 45 years, allowing the company to build an advanced knowledge of the industry’s process requirements.

As a full-service organisation, Moody Direct can support your

brewery with spare parts and STAND components, servicing solutions, integrity testing services, PHE refurbishment, new equipment and complete turnkey projects.

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Ken Wild, Moody Direct Director said: “Whether it’s a single spare part to a process valve or a complete turnkey solution, we’re here to provide much needed, reliable support to breweries of all sizes.

“We have always valued the importance of meeting with brewers in person at trade events such as BeerX.

“The prospect of new discussions and connections with a, long overdue, beer in hand, is very exciting.”

For further information: www.moodydirect.com

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SHOWCASE In The Mix

Speeding up QC and improving the quality of beer

A rapid-paced environment like brewing requires an equally rapid quality control (QC) regime. Unfortunately, QC procedures are limited by slow, but essential, microbiological methods that last days

Without such procedures, contaminants will infect beer and impair flavour, haze, and aroma. Anecdotal evidence suggests when a consumer experiences an off beer they are likely to change brand and/or location, impacting the turnover of both the brewer and the retailer. Murphy and Son is committed to helping our customers protect their brand and reputation with our microbiology support and expertise. Looking further afield, it is clear there are an abundance of methods that will allow brewers to rapidly identify and quantify microbial contamination. Moreover, as the industry recovers from the impact of the pandemic, ensuring the purity of yeast slurries, clean

fermenters and serving consistently quality beer has never been more important. Murphy and Son is committed to offering the best service to our customers, and after months of research we are proud to announce our new PCR service that will serve as an important quality control measure across the brewing process, from yeast slurries to packaging. This service will offer improved turnover time, sensitivity, and accuracy. No, this is not a COVID-19 PCR test! I think we have all had enough of that. Despite PCRs recent thrust into popular culture, PCR has been around since 1985. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) enables us to amplify a low concentration of DNA to millions of copies in the space of a few hours. With this technology, we will be able to

identify a range of beer-spoiling microorganisms and aim to get your results back to you within 1 day (Table 1). PCR helps answer the question ‘can these microorganisms grow in my beer?’. As there is no need for culturing on foreign medias, the entire process can be

completed in situ. With only a small volume of beer, we can extract DNA and amplify using specifically targeted primers, permitting the species-level identification of beer spoilage yeasts and bacteria.

For further information: www.murphyandson.co.uk

Gas safety in the brewing and beverage industries by James Harmer, Account Manager, Draeger Safety UK

Gas safety in the brewing and the wider beverage industry is an area of growing focus for many organisations: An everdeveloping emphasis on the need to implement more effective, as well as more efficient, ways to safeguard employee safety, is driving innovation in the space.

One of the most prominent gases to consider in the sector is carbon dioxide (CO2), whether created as a by-product during the fermentation process in brewing or used for carbonisation more broadly. But because CO2 is a colourless and odourless gas, an escape is hard to detect without the appropriate technology, and it can form potentially lethal pockets of gas, even where there is ventilation in place.

As in many areas of safety, the first line of defence in combatting this risk is prevention. A suitably designed gas detection system can alert staff to any potential build-up of harmful gases, whilst automatically triggering mitigating

actions such as pre-programmed ventilation.

Although gas detection is one of many considerations for the industry, a comparatively small investment in a well-designed and reliable gas detection system, as demonstrated by Everards Brewery below, helps to protect not only employees’ health but ultimately protects against the loss of assets and lives, often both.

Everards Brewery case study Everards is an independent familyowned brewery which recently opened a state-of-the-art brewery and head office on a 70-acre site just outside of Leicester.

Draeger worked with Jon Elks, Everards’ Head Brewer, to understand and address the brewery’s gas safety requirements during the construction phase of the new premises. Following a pre-construction risk assessment using the footprint and plans of the new building, 15 explosionproof fixed infrared gas detectors were installed to provide continuous

monitoring to safeguard against possible CO2 leaks at key-points around the brewery. The system has been structured so that if there is any elevation in levels across any three devices, an alarm will also go off. This protects against any slow gas leaks which can be rectified before they become a major problem.

The fixed detection system is also connected to Everards’ ventilation system so this is automatically increased if a leak is detected to reduce the risk.

In addition, the brewery has six portable gas detectors as part of its gas safety system. These are used by staff give an extra layer of personal protection to employees in areas of higher risk. For example, these devices are worn by staff who work in the bar if they need to go into the brewery, to alert them if there is a leak, and all staff on site are trained in the use of CO2 monitors.

For further information: www.draeger.com

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SHOWCASE In The Mix

Bohem Brewery and Charles Faram launch Most single hop collaboration lager

In a celebration of the unique character of Czech beer, London’s Bohem Brewery is launching Most, a single hop lager brewed in collaboration with hop specialist and merchant Charles Faram. The beer is named for the Most hop, developed by Charles Faram and grown exclusively in the Czech Republic.

Bohem is one of a handful of brewers taking part in a select series of international collaborations spotlighting Most. After six weeks in the refrigerated lagering tanks at Bohem’s north London brewery, the new 4.5% ABV dry-hopped, single hopped limited edition Czech lager is now available in kegs and cans, while stocks last. The brewing collaboration day saw Charles Faram MD Paul Corbett, and Jon Stringer, sales manager/brewer, join Bohem head brewer, Matěj Krizek. The team used the brewery’s authentic Czech decoction brewing kit to create a beer that spotlights the flavour profile of the Most hop, which has been in development over the past five years.

Most lager has a grapefruit and melon aroma, with a complex taste profile for a single-hop lager. Initial ripe fruits contribute to a balance of sweet and savoury notes. A soft, full mouthfeel and subtle bitterness rounds out a drinkable beer that tastes bigger than its 4.5% ABV. Corbett said: “Most is a very new hop and still in trials. Brewing with Bohem gave us a chance to see how the hop performs ‘under fire’, using real-world Czech brewing kit and producing a commercial beer with genuine appeal to lager drinkers.” Bohem and five Canadian breweries have joined in a technical collaboration with Charles Faram to unlock the exciting and creative potential of this burgeoning hop.

For Krizek, and brewing assistant Honza Svatek, it was an opportunity to create a lager that highlights the light fruity characteristics of Most, including tropical fruits and strawberry, while still retaining the essential character and spicy finish of a classic Czech lager. “Most is a complex hop that has delivered a complex beer, which is

different to anything else we brew. We’re really pleased that Charles Faram has given us the opportunity to work with the new hop, and it was great to work with Paul and Jon on the collaboration.” Most is a dual-purpose hop that can used for aroma or bittering. It was developed by Charles Faram & Co Ltd and named Most by the Czech growers, meaning “bridge”, as it was seen as a bridge between the UK and the Czech Republic. It is a sister variety of Charles Faram UK hop varieties Jester and Olicana.

Most Dry-Hopped, Single Hopped Czech Lager is available on draught and a limited run of cans from Bohem Brewery while stocks last.

For further information: www.charlesfaram.co.uk sales@charlesfaram.co.uk

CO2Sustain helps drinks brands with carbonation shelf life and foam control

One of the key business drivers of global manufacturing business CO2Sustain is providing valuable time and cost efficiencies to both manufacturers and brands in the beverage industry.

Its patented carbonation aid, CO2 Sustain® is proven to significantly improve carbonation shelf life through innovative bubble technology. Designed for carbonated beverages including fizzy soft drinks, mixers and cider, adding the solution-based CO2 Sustain® to the beverage offers manufacturers and brands the ability to retain and extend carbonation, giving longer lasting fizzy drinks. CO2 Sustain’s team of technical innovations chemists (or ‘fizzicists’ as they are referred to internally) pioneered

the preservative-free, carbonation aid from its manufacturing base in Leeds.

The addition of CO2 Sustain® as part of the manufacturing process for carbonated soft drinks lines also helps to preserve product shelf life for far longer, offsetting the risks associated with the use of thinner plastic bottles.

Aside from being an excellent foam control agent, CO2Sustain’s carbonation stabiliser works by effectively wrapping itself around CO2 bubbles within carbonated soft drinks before they have the chance to merge with others forming larger bubbles resulting in a loss of pressure; accelerating the rate in which gas is released into the atmosphere. With CO2 Sustain® added to the beverage formulation, microbubbles retain their size meaning that gas release is much better controlled.

A customer based in South Africa noticed a four-week difference in shelf life between its product containing CO2Sustain® versus without – during the testing phase, they found that their drink normally lasted about 12 weeks, but with CO2Sustain’s help, fizziness was maintained for 16 weeks!

MD John Story says: “CO2 Sustain® represents good news for the carbonated drinks market as it has been developed to allow drinks manufacturers and brands to maximise carbon dioxide retention and enhance consumers’ overall product experience.”

For further information: www.co2sustain.com

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SHOWCASE In The Mix

Muntons sustainability programme awarded platinum medal by EcoVadis

Muntons, the Stowmarket-based malt and malted ingredient manufacturer, has been awarded a platinum medal in sustainability performance by EcoVadis. This rating puts the maltster in the top 1% of global companies assessed and further highlights it as a leader in sustainability. EcoVadis is the world's largest independent corporate social responsibility (CSR) rating agency and assesses over 85,000 businesses in 160 countries and 200 industries. It reviews a company’s performance in four key pillars: environment, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Across the board, Muntons scored 75 out of 100 in the audit, well ahead of the global average of 47. Companies partner with EcoVadis to collaborate on sustainability with a common platform, universal scorecard, benchmarks, and performance improvement tools.

expanding list of recent achievements, including the Environmental Leadership Award at the 2021 Food and Drink Federation's awards and the Baking Industry Awards' Sustainability Initiative of the Year Award.

The 100-year-old business impressed judges with its investment and innovation carried out on its new biomass heating system along with the co-generation of electricity. This, in part, represents Muntons' commitment to sustainability and reduces its environmental footprint in line with a net-zero carbon emissions target. The company is on track to achieve its science-based target early and will decarbonise by over 60% based on 2010 emissions. Director of Technical and Sustainability at Muntons, Nigel Davies, said: “It’s an honour to be awarded the EcoVadis Platinum Award. As a business that has set science-based emissions reduction goals as part of our sustainability

strategy, the medal recognises our commitments as an industry leader.

“We’re serious about our sustainability initiatives, and the work we do allows us to support our customers and suppliers build greener supply chains and therefore improve the industry’s methods throughout. The platinum award recognises our performance is consistently high in the wider sustainability issues, such as ethics, human rights and procurement."

For further information: www.muntons.com

Bespoke flavours for spirits, beer and cider from Simpsons Beverages

Muntons added the accolade to its ever-

Are you a distiller, brewer or cider producer keen to upscale your operations by adding a new flavour to your range? Liquid flavour compounds from Simpsons Beverages can offer you the perfect solution. Supplied as a single, pre-mixed liquid, they contain all the ingredients you need to manufacture your drink. Just mix with water and alcohol before packing – it really is that simple! Simpsons Beverages produces flavour compounds for all spirits - gin, rum, vodka or whisky, ready to drink cocktails, beer, and cider too! With just one ingredient to source and manage, liquid compounds help you ensure your manufacturing process is lean. They remove the requirement to stock many ingredients with varying expiry dates, lead times and order quantities.

Adding new flavours to your range can really help to differentiate your brand from the competition. The NPD team at Simpsons can work together with you to create bespoke flavours, or match those currently on the market. The flavour combinations are almost limitless. You may be looking to create a new flavoured gin, rum or spiced whisky, or maybe you would like to add some new fruit flavours to your beer or cider. Whatever your project, they can help every step of the way from concept to finished product. In addition, the Simpsons’ sample service can assist you to approach buyers and prospects with ready-to-taste samples of concept drinks.

Simpsons Beverages is an industry expert when it comes to creating new and exciting flavours for alcohol. A third generation, family business, it has been

developing drinks for over 85 years. BRC AA accredited, its commitment to producing high quality products is second-to-none, having built a strong reputation for innovation and outstanding levels of customer care, that has contributed to a growing number of loyal customers

For further information: simpsonsbeverages.com

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SHOWCASE In The Mix

Totally Natural Solutions toasts increase in turnover

Totally Natural Solutions, the UKbased company which creates natural and sustainable hop oils for the brewing industry, is celebrating a successful year of growth which saw turnover increase 44% from £2.7 million in 2020 to £3.9 million in 2021.

The increase in turnover comes alongside its work to support brewers through a difficult year, helping them cut transport, storage and raw material costs through supply of its efficient hop products and investing in the wider education of the brewing community. The company, which was established in 2013 by Managing Director Colin Wilson, has seen strong growth in its zero-alcohol range, HopZero®, which is designed to help brewers create quality alcohol-free products in a sustainable way.

Across the business sales have grown significantly, as brewers experiment with more efficient brewing methods and

engaged in discussions around how to use hop oils to increase their business and product offering to overcome ongoing challenges faced by the industry.

Part of Totally Natural Solutions’ overall investment strategy to grow and develop its services to further support brewing needs, in July this year the company invested in a new warehouse to support the growth of its patented natural hop extract business and allow an expanded team to operate from its headquarters in Kent. The hop oil firm has demonstrated ongoing commitment to investing in the future of the wider brewing industry through learning and research development. Throughout 2021, investment has been made in the research and development team to upskill through focused training with KU Leuven University in Belgium, alongside a further sponsorship of a PhD and Post Doctorate study at University of Nottingham.

“We have come a long way from our initial 2,000 square foot premises back in 2013,” said Colin Wilson (pictured) and we still plan to exercise our business strategy to expand in line with support for other owner managed businesses.”

For further information: www.totallynaturalsolutions.com

The “best milk stout ever”, thanks to Vanilla Mart

When Twisted Oak Brewery, an eco-friendly and traditional microbrewery, decided to add vanilla into its ‘Ghost Town’ brew, it came to Vanilla Mart, a specialist importer, retailer and wholesaler of vanilla, to meet its needs. Finding the right vanilla can be tricky. As a climate-conscious brewery, it was important for Twisted Oak to find ethically sourced, high quality vanilla. One of the biggest problems this commodity faces is the weather. Due to the countries vanilla grows in, it’s vulnerable to cyclones, hurricanes, drought and cold or heat, which can destroy the crop. Climate change is also making weather conditions less favourable for producers. In some areas such as Tahiti, too much heat is not allowing enough chill time and so is causing smaller crops. The difficulties of growing vanilla make it a scarce commodity, which also means a high price point.

Twisted Oak needed reliable, consistently high quality vanilla essential for its brewing requirements. Fortunately, it came across the Vanilla

Mart website. “When we decided to start using vanilla, I began scouring the internet for possible suppliers but couldn’t seem to find the right fit,” Head Brewer, Keith, commented. “Then, I came across Vanilla Mart through a Google search. I was impressed with its website and the Trustpilot reviews from existing customers.”

After purchasing the Madagascan vanilla pods, Twisted Oak began using these in its milk stout ‘Ghost Town’. With hints of dark chocolate, toast and coffee, the use of vanilla was the perfect sweet addition. The pods are soaked in vodka and then added to the beer during the casking process, giving subtle vanilla notes to a smooth stout. Keith praised Ghost Town, saying, “Our customers rave about this beer, and some have even gone so far as to call it the best milk stout ever. The creaminess added by the vanilla is always a talking point.” “I have found the service provided by Vanilla Mart to be very reliable and the vanilla pods are always of a consistently high quality. The free delivery is always very quick and the website ordering is easy to use.”

Sourced from the Sambava region, Vanilla Mart’s Madagascan vanilla pods are approximately 14-20cm long and are well known for their floral, fruity and full-bodied creamy flavour. To get the best and purest taste, the extract only contains alcohol and vanilla. Synthetic extracts often contain other ingredients such as Propylene and Glycol and can taste inferior, while supermarket extracts are diluted and not of a single source origin. The importance of using a quality extract cannot be understated, as it can have a notable influence on the taste of beer. Vanilla Mart also offers alcohol-free extract, which contains three simple ingredients: sugar, water and vanilla.

For further information: www.vanillamart.co.uk

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SHOWCASE In The Mix

Scottish distilleries enjoy savings from liquid gas

In a bid to run more efficiently and to avoid the imminent withdrawal of tax relief on red diesel, family-run whisky producer J&A Mitchell & Co, is switching its energy supply at its Springbank and Glengyle distilleries from gas oil to liquid gas with Flogas.

As a result, it is set to cut energy costs by up to 18% even before the subsidy changes, whilst also reducing carbon emissions by more than 20%. It will also minimise other pollutant emissions, making it compliant with the government’s Medium Combustion Plant Directive (MCPD), which regulates against air pollution. The two distilleries are based in Campbeltown, Scotland, a region renowned for its whisky making. “Springbank is an old distillery that was never designed with efficiency or sustainability mind, so we’ve had to make improvements whilst making sure we don’t affect our original distillation process or popular final product,” said Findlay Ross, Director of Production at J&A Mitchell & Co. “Glengyle reopened more recently and has more modern

design features, however, we’re always looking to improve our energy efficiency where possible. The old boiler at Springbank originally ran on coal, then heavy oil and most recently gas oil. We replaced this in 2017 with a much more efficient boiler, but we knew we had to move away from oil and find a more futureproof energy solution at some point. It was the best way to make huge cost and emissions reductions in one go, without affecting our production process.

“The planned withdrawal of the red diesel fuel subsidy in April 2022 really accelerated our decision. We did the calculations and staying on oil would have had a major impact on our energy bills. We initially looked at anaerobic digestion, but it wasn’t feasible for us, as we don’t produce enough organic waste for a consistent feed. That’s when we started looking at liquid gas. We knew other companies in the area were making significant cost and emissions savings and we wanted to tap into that!” J&A Mitchell & Co approached liquid gas specialist Flogas and, working in partnership with energy solutions firm Protech and burner manufacturer Weishaupt UK, Protech specified and

Keeping up with spirit demands

A remarkable phenomenon has been reported in spirit land: sales are dropping not because of a lack of demand but rather because of limited supply. While this is not a new occurrence, it has so far been limited to isolated brands only.

What is new is that this is affecting most premium spirits at the same time. With several spirits taking many years to mature, a sudden surge in demand cannot easily be met. Spirits demand was exacerbated during the pandemic as many sought to treat themselves at home. Research by Kantar found that 70% of premium brands have grown in their category during COVID. This trend, combined with increased demand from developing markets, has disrupted supply as confirmed by several large producers of scotch, bourbon, rum and tequila. The latter is a good example. To make añejo

designed a tailored solution to meet the requirements for both sites.

“Liquid gas is a much more reliable fuel source for us,” added Findlay, “and because our tanks are fitted with autoordering technology, we’ll never have to worry about being caught out. Running on more modern burners and switching to liquid gas is going to make us so much more efficient. Also, the cost savings are going to be significant, even before the red diesel subsidy withdrawal, which means we can now invest in other important areas of the business.” Commenting on the project, Ross Docherty, Director at Protech said: “We’ve worked closely with the team at J&A Mitchell & Co to provide a solution that meets their needs. This project has been a great example of real collaboration with the experts at Flogas and Weishaupt to bring it all together. Both distilleries can now look forward to a modernised energy solution in early 2022 that will not only positively impact their bottom line, but it’ll make them more efficient.”

For further information: www.flogas.co.uk

tequila it takes seven years for the agave to grow and that is even before ageing.

Not only do brown spirits have their struggles, but also ethanol, used to make white spirits like gin and vodka and RTDs has its own challenge. About 85% of the global ethanol supply goes to fuel ethanol. Recent changes to E10 policies have increased ethanol demand significantly and impacted directly on the beverage market. Fuel ethanol is easier to produce, so any change in pricing will shift production towards the most profitable option, currently fuel ethanol. As a main UK bulk spirit supplier, at Ethimex we keep a finger on the pulse by following the markets of the feedstocks that produce ethanol: sugar, corn, barley, wheat and of course ethanol itself. This allows us to have a glance at the short-term future of the beverage market. At the same time, we are also involved in ageing programs for scotch and bourbon which allows us to

pick up trends early.

No one can predict what will happen exactly, but one thing is certain: premium tipples will be even more premium than before. If you want to secure your favourite luxury drink, you might want to restack your drinks cabinet right now.

Written by Bert Albrecht (pictured), Head of UK Sales for Ethimex Ltd

For further information: www.ethimex.com

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SHOWCASE Branding

A taste of the Potteries courtesy of Rudd Macnamara

Situated in the heart of the UK, Rudd Macnamara has been manufacturing branded products for over 130 years. After many decades in the brewery sector producing impactful bar branding for most, if not all globally known breweries, it is the flexibility to offer both large and small runs that really sets them apart. Providing all sizes of beverage companies with the same high standards of quality across its range of services is something the company is immensely proud of.

During this time many changes in processes and technology have evolved and the business has always striven to adapt and support its customers with new innovations. Sometimes it’s the synergy between the old techniques and modern-day machinery that produce the authenticity a selection of breweries still look for.

One such company was Titanic Brewery in Burslem, Stoke-On-Trent. Founded in 1985 by brothers, Keith & Dave Bott, the Staffordshire brewery has won many awards and now brews over 4 million pints of beer a year delivered throughout the UK and beyond. When the head of Titanic Brewery’s marketing, David Robinson-Smith, contacted the new MD at Rudd Macnamara, Chris Dickinson, for a new pump clip with a specific feel

to accompany its branding, Chris immediately responded with excitement as he lived in the area.

The brief was simple, to transfer the fabulous traditional design of the brand from the current foamex board pump clips onto a premium product with an original look and feel to it. This aesthetic brings the clip in alignment to the ceramic industry of The Potteries where the Titanic Brewery is located.

Chris, living in Stoke-On-Trent as well, and knowing the ceramic industry, tasked the team at Rudd Macnamara to produce samples of the new product utilising a resin filled technique. Having everything under one roof to control all aspects of the quality, the team was able to machine its own tooling, produce moulds, print, assemble and finish the pump clips with a coating that replicates a fired ceramic feel. “It’s a process that’s not heavily utilised,” Chris says, “to get this look and feel, both visually and by physical weight, these products are usually diecast and enamel painted with which comes expensive tooling, an impact on the environment and of course mostly now coming from overseas. Our method has low tooling investment, a hugely better impact on the environment, offers

superb value for money and is made in Britain using UK-sourced material.”

The final production products have been received very well at the Titanic Brewery and are now in 8 of their owned pubs, 4 of their owned café bars under their ‘Bod’ brand and some of their free trade partners, the locations which can be found at www.titanicbrewery.co.uk

For further information: www.beerbranding.co.uk enquiries@ruddmacnamara.com

The breweries designing incredible beer shirts

The past year has been testing for many hospitality venues and in order to diversify, many brands have released merchandise to supplement their incomes. Many are creating shirts that serve two purposes: personalised workwear for staff that’s also a collectable item for customers. Merch experts at ICON printing have teamed up with their clients Hackney Brewery and Leeds-based North Brewing to share what they think makes a great beer shirt.

Business merchandise expert and ICON printing founder and CEO Alex Econs, said: “The logic is simple enough: if you appreciate quality, finely crafted beer, then you’ll be enamoured by a nicely

designed t-shirt too. Great beer shirts will manage to reflect the breweries personalities and quirks in the design and this is why they work so well as both staff uniforms and as merch. “Whether it is embroidered caps or screen printed t-shirts, for newer, independent breweries, creating distinctive merch is a great way to advertise what makes their beer special, and offers customers a way to feel more attached to what they do.” Cal Holland, marketing manager at Hackney Brewery said: “In our opinion a great brewery t-shirt needs to make the wearer feel comfortable, you’re asking them to wear and promote your brand so it needs to cater to what people want in a t-shirt. It’s all about creating

something that people really want to wear once they’ve bought one from us, and not just chuck in a drawer when they get home!"

Sarah Hardy, marketing manager at North Brewing, said: “Branded merchandise helps foster a connection between the brewery and the customer that is integral to the development of the relationship with trade customers.” Want to create merch for your craft brewery? ICON Printing offers fast turnaround printing on a range of garments, counting clients such as Pillars, Mother Kelly’s and Meantime. Get a quote in 2 minutes online.

For further information: www.iconprinting.com

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SHOWCASE Branding

Brand design and strategy by LemonTop Creative

LemonTop’s brand design team create visual identities and develop brand strategies for all SMEs and drinks companies worldwide.

We give purpose to your brand design Having completed you brand development you will now have your Brand Guidelines, outlining your company philosophy and determining the basis for all company interactions. They establish the rules for creating and bringing together an identifiable and unified company image. Brand Guidelines should create a culture that people want to buy into. They establish the image, tone of voice and personality of your business, and dictate how your customers, employees and investors view your company.

Creative ideas are at the forefront of everything we do. We then produce a series of creative designs providing everything you need to keep your business in the public domain with everything from your branding and identity, through your promotional literature, your website design and ultimately your advertising and promotional work. This leads to creative design work that’s powerful, engaging, and inspirational on every level, and we handle everything from initial design to printing and delivery, leaving you to concentrate on your business.

We can provide everything you need We can provide everything you need to keep your business in the public domain

by creating a full set of promotional literature that ties in with your company branding and identity. • We take care of it all from the initial concepts through to print production. • We provide everything from your branding and maintain its identity with brand guidelines, logo design, brochure design, illustrations through your promotional literature, your website design and ultimately your advertising and promotional work. • Long and short print runs, distributed worldwide.

What is a brand design? Brand development is much more than the name or images used to represent your company. Of course, all brands need a logo, a colour palette, a slogan and an associated URL, but that’s not what your brand is. Your branding is the personality of your product, service, and company. It brings about various feelings when your customers interact with it or think about it, ultimately leaving a lasting impression on them.

Positive feelings and loyal customers A good brand maintains positive feelings and results in loyal customers. Simply put, your brand is your pledge, your assurance, and your commitment to your customer. It tells them what they can expect from your company, and it differentiates the services your company offers from that of your competitors. Get your brand development right and you can establish a significant and differentiated presence in the market

that attracts and retains loyal customers.

Our approach At LemonTop we always look at your brand development as something that lives and grows. As the target audience responds to it, your brand becomes an ever-changing entity, growing and merging with its environment. As a result we have become specialists in creating brand identities and managing brand systems for SMEs and drinks companies worldwide.

Powerful, engaging, and inspirational Our creative team conceive more than just your visual identity. We create and develop a cohesive brand system that spans across all media. We begin by working closely with you, your business and your customers. It’s how we work out exactly what your business is all about.This leads to an entire brand system that’s powerful, engaging, and inspirational on every level. Got a project? Let's talk… Whether you need a refreshing change, or you just want to heat things up a little, our services can help your brand stand out from the competition. We happy to talk to you about your project, offer advice and provide free estimates.

For further information: Tel: 01642 969 222 hello@LemonTopCreative.com

Beer Box Shop brings customers designs to life

Beer Box Shop has recently seen a rise in the number of breweries wishing to establish their brand identity and develop new revenue streams by creating bespoke packaging for their products.

Managing Director, Simon Hulse said “There is a greater understanding of the need for continuity of brand identity across all areas of a business. This includes web design, advertising, pump clips, labelling and all other POS elements including packaging. Customers are increasingly keen to showcase their brand by printing their logo/artwork onto their packaging as well as their bottles and cans.” During the pandemic, Beer Box Shop experienced a shift towards breweries shipping their bottles, cans and mini kegs

direct to end users, and this area of sales continues to boom. The team at Beer Box Shop has worked with many breweries and bottle shops to create solutions for sending retail packaging directly to the customer in the post, and has developed an extensive range of gift and trade packaging, any of which can be personalised using a range of printing techniques to suit the customer’s artwork.

Simon explained, “Our customers can easily and affordably add their artwork to any of our box layouts and make use of our existing cutting tools rather than incurring additional charges for tooling. We also offer bespoke box sizes and designs for those wanting to create something truly unique”. Director, Heather Hulse, added, “It’s great

to see the different designs and colour combinations our customers use. We love watching customer’s designs come to life and hearing how the finished product has boosted sales.”

For further information: Tel: 01538 528181 sales@beerboxshop.co.uk

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SHOWCASE Branding

Will the new voluntary nutritional achieve its aims? Asks Richard Horwell, Brand Relations

A new voluntary e-label scheme developed by CEEV and SpiritsEUROPE is now in place. The intention is to encourage brewers and other producers of alcoholic beverages to display nutritional information, calorie content, allergens advice etc. on their bottles.

It’s a great idea, but it won’t work. It doesn’t protect consumers or ensure they can access the information they need and want to make informed decisions, and it most certainly doesn’t go far enough. Let me explain why.

The platform, called ‘U-Label’, uses QR code technology to allow consumers to see not only the ingredients, nutritional content, sugar content and so on, but also the supply chain, where ingredients are sourced from, whether they are sustainable and use good working practices. In my view this is one step towards something which I have felt for a very long time is essential for the alcoholic drinks industry – transparency.

So, I applaud this well-intentioned scheme, but I’m not convinced it will work, chiefly because it is voluntary when it should be compulsory. Consumers have the right to know what they are putting in their bodies. I can’t think of a single good reason not to require alcoholic beverage companies to declare their ingredients and nutritional information, just as soft drinks producers now do. Hidden nasties

Consumers buying an alcoholic drink from the supermarket will, of course, be aware of the alcohol content (or ABV) and how many units of alcohol that bottle or can contains. But what else is in there? Often the ‘healthy’ ingredients are

far lower than expected and the ‘unhealthy’ ones, much, much higher. To take an example, the fashionable new pink and flavoured gins are packed with sugar, and some ciders and craft beer are high in sugar/calories. Why e-labels?

Brands could argue that there’s not enough room to display all ingredients and nutritional information on a small can or bottle. That’s fair, right?

No! I launched an alcoholic sparkling wine (Ibiza Ice) around seven years ago. All I was required to display on the packaging was the 5.5% ABV. But I decided to put all the ingredients and nutritional information on my product because I believe in transparency. So, there is certainly room for basic information and QR codes and websites can give consumers more detailed information. But at the very least, the ingredients should be on the bottle/can for everyone, including those who can’t afford smartphones, to see.

desire to know extends to alcoholic drinks too, especially among younger people. What should drink brands be doing?

Brands intending to be in the sector for the long haul would do well to future proof themselves now by being completely transparent about what goes into their drinks and overhauling their recipes if necessary.

I believe the tide will turn. It is inevitable that one day we’ll see full labelling on alcoholic drinks, though it doesn’t appear to be a government priority currently.

Of course, even though I don’t believe it will work, I am pleased to see an accessible voluntary labelling scheme for the alcoholic beverages sector – it is a step in the right direction. What should follow is compulsory labelling for complete transparency, and a sugar tax for alcoholic beverages.

The Sugar Tax

When the sugar tax was introduced, I naturally assumed it would apply to alcoholic drinks too - and I still think it should. It is worth looking at this report from Action on Sugar: http://www.actiononsugar.org/me dia/actiononsugar/AlcoholSurvey-Report.pdf There are truly shocking examples in both the cider and ready-to-drink categories.

There is no doubt that the sugar tax has turned the soft drinks market around. It has made drinks brands reconsider their ingredients, reduce their sugar content, and create drinks that are (at least slightly) healthier. The sugar tax highlighted the issues and forced brands to do what consumers already wanted. Remember, today’s shoppers are far more aware of what they are consuming. And this awareness and

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Richard Horwell is the owner of Brand Relations, a specialist food and drink marketing and branding company based in London. Over the last 13 years, Brand Relations has been behind the launch and development of over 100 brands in the UK. Richard has also built up and sold companies of his own in the Food and Beverage sector. He has over 30 years’ experience in marketing FMCG brands around the world, having lived and worked in the UK, USA, Australia and the Middle East.

For further information: www.brandrelations.co.uk

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SHOWCASE Branding

Top quality branded glassware from Inspiration

Inspiration Limited offers top quality glassware for the hospitality industry, printed from one colour to a full colour wrap included with CE certification, bespoke nucleation and available on toughened glass! We have thousands of glasses to choose from with our minimum order of only 96, along with a large range of ceramics, clothing and promotional products. Our expert on-site team has the knowledge to help you get your brand noticed. Give us a call today and see how we can help you. We have been an established manufacturer and supplier of printed glassware and promotional goods for over 35 years, based in South Wales. Our clients are located throughout the UK, some of them are global

corporations and the majority see us as a prime supplier to their businesses and a key contributor to their success. Our traditional business model is based on the timely and efficient fulfilment of orders placed with us, quality is a priority and client satisfaction is an absolute necessity.

Based on the decision of the company to invest in the latest production equipment and techniques, we have now confirmed this enterprise as a leading supplier, utilising cutting-edge systems, innovative solutions and dynamic quality control.

Visit our website or look for us on social media where you can see updates of our latest projects with breweries and companies around the UK.

back to earth.

some of the original ‘secret’ ingredients is in the name ‘coke’ and ‘cola’… The New (reformulated) Coca Cola was launched with a massive marketing campaign. However, consumers across the States vehemently rejected New Coke, because to them the brand was more than simply a sugar cola, it was quintessentially American and had won the hearts and minds of the consumer.

What’s the purpose of branding? asks Myles Pinfold

In recent years the media has become overwhelmed (or is that underwhelmed) with purpose-led campaigns. Brand Purpose is on trend; however, it sometimes seems that for some brands the real strategy has been to repurpose purpose simply for commercial gain - by focusing on being worthy and losing sight of their true values.

In simplistic terms, purpose means ‘the reason for which something exists’ and most businesses and brands are not set up solely as worthy causes, unless you are Oxfam, or similar cause-led operations.

For example, Unilever with its portfolio of FMCG brands decided it was going to make sustainability its overriding purpose and made it a pivotal part of its consumer campaigns. Until an investor recently pointed out that ‘a company that has to define the purpose of Hellmann’s mayonnaise has clearly lost the plot’. He went on to say ‘The Hellmann’s brand has existed since 1913 so we would guess that by now consumers have figured out its purpose (spoiler alert – salads and sandwiches).’ Nothing like a money man to bring us

In the case of beer, it’s been the passion of a significant part of the population for centuries and for the majority of brewers that has been translated into a vision to brew great beer that appeals to drinkers who appreciate their dedication and like their style (of beers). Success tends to be measured in hectolitres and commercial realities, however, that doesn’t preclude them from contributing to our wider society and wanting to help change the world for the better. It simply means being honest and realistic and not losing sight of the consumers who enjoy great beer and are engaged by your brand image. Although it could be argued that brewers such as Big Drop do go more on purpose, with less…

Whilst Coca Cola (the world’s biggest selling beverage) is something of an exception and there is an interesting tale that illustrates this. In the mid-80’s the brand was coming under pressure from Pepsi who was vying to steal its market leader crown. Pepsi was running blind taste tests against Coke across the USA and was coming out on top. So, in 1985 and after extensive research Coke decided to change its recipe – the recipe went back to 1886 when it was created by Dr John Pemberton and the clue to

For further information: inspiration-gifts.co.uk

For the majority of Americans, even if the old Coke did not taste as good as the new formulation, the company was not to mess with their brand.

Sometimes you are more than what you think you are as a brand, even if you didn’t do it on purpose…

Myles Pinfold is founder and strategic director of WPA Pinfold

For further information: Tel: 0113 244 8549 www.wpa-pinfold.co.uk

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Showcasing the British spirit Alan Powell

Distillation in “bond” – what does HMRC really need to know about plant and process?

The legal requirements for applying for a distillery (to produce spirits from a fermented liquor) and re-distillation (rectification) of spirits in warehouse (“bond”) to eg make gin can be confusing to the applicant, as well as HMRC officers who often require more detail than is permitted by law when it comes to approval of the plant and process.

There isn’t actually a legal requirement for an applicant warehousekeeper to be required to submit plant and process for approval of the warehouse (“bond”), unlike a licensed distiller who must submit the application for approval of plant and process prior to commencement of distillation operations. For an excise warehouse application, a plan view of the area of dutysuspension (“bonded area”) must be submitted with the application forms because HMRC approves the extent of dutysuspension ie the boundary of an excise warehouse (“bond”), and this plan will be incorporated in the approval letter issued to the warehousekeeper, which comprises the legal approval document.

I set out the legal analysis below, but first I’d like to refer to comments during a meeting I had as an industry expert at the invitation of HMRC Policy in June 2015. This was to discuss several issues of concern to both HMRC and warehousekeepers, including the (then) “Catch 22” published in HMRC’s Notice 196 paragraph 4.4 about an applicant being told by HMRC not to acquire premises or equipment until approved but no approval would be given by HMRC until satisfied with the premises. During this discussion, HMRC said it wasn’t too much of an issue because it’s only approval of a building (or words to that effect). The impression I got was that HMRC had no concern about the kit inside the building and were content with the site boundary being marked on the plan submitted with the approval application. I agree with that. Law - comparisons In term of the law, a licensed distiller, for example, must apply to HMRC for approval of distillery plant and process before he manufactures spirits and be so approved by the Commissioners (The Spirits Regulations 1991 regulation 4). This differs markedly from an excise warehouse approval, which, per section 92 of the Custom and Management Act 1979 (CEMA) states: “The Commissioners may approve, for such periods and subject to such conditions as

they think fit, places of security for the deposit, keeping and securing of (excise goods)…subject to and in accordance with warehousing regulations, and any place of security so approved is referred to in the Act as an “excise warehouse”.

Thus, the warehouse approval is primarily a place; there is no reference to the plant and process being approved either in primary or secondary law. The Commissioners may allow standard operations to be carried out in an excise warehouse (The Excise Warehousing Regulations 1988, regulation 14 and Schedule 1) but do not approve those operations or how they are to be carried out. Furthermore, under alcohol excise warehousing law (“wet warehousing”), there is no requirement whatsoever for an entry or approval to be made of equipment or anything else. This contrasts with the specific legal provisions for approval plant within an excise warehouse used for the warehousing of hydrocarbon oils (eg petrol, diesel). The Hydrocarbon Oils Regulations 1973 regulation 9 states that the occupier of a warehouse shall not: “use any place or plant unless the same has been approved by the Commissioners….” In terms of rectification or compounding in warehouse, there is expressly no need for to make entry of the premises or plant for those purposes. The Spirits Regulations 1991 state: Rectifiers and compounders: entry of premises and plant 7.—(1) No person shall make use, for rectifying or compounding spirits, of any premises or plant unless they have first made entry of that premises or plant. (2) Paragraph (1) does not apply in respect of operations carried out in a warehouse…

This again clearly points to the Commissioners ensuring no entry is required for a standard type of operation in warehouse. The still and other kit associated with it is not required to be entered by express legal provision – it is just “kit” in the warehouse,

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.

like any other sitting within the warehouse boundary.

The point is that the law does not require plant or process of a “wet” (alcohol) warehouse to be approved and one can read across to where the law does expressly stipulate such approval. Similarly, there is a published requirement by HMRC for an existing warehousekeeper to seek prior approval for additional duty-suspended areas and new buildings (Notice 196 paragraph 4.8). There is no requirement about notifying HMRC concerning changes to plant (equipment) or process. This provides further (if not to say conclusive) support for the case that HMRC does not approve plant and processes from new applicants (or for subsequent amendments to approvals).

While I am on the subject, HMRC does require fire doors to be identified on the site plan. This ought not be necessary because the purpose of the site plan is to establish the legal boundary of the excise warehouse (and equally importantly, by establishing the boundary, what is not the excise warehouse). This is because excise goods are not legally warehoused until they are physically within the warehouse boundary. The legal boundary (plan view) will be incorporated into the warehouse approval letter (at Annex A to the letter). Whether a door or window is within the submitted plan view is irrelevant to establishing the legal boundary line. I am not too bothered that HMRC seems to think doors are to be marked (it is not an onerous obligation) but I do think it indicates unclear thinking as to the purpose of the boundary “line” (ie to establish the legal warehouse area).

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.

For further information: www.britishdistillersalliance.com

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NEWS Equipment & Training

Evolution of bottling at Black Sheep Brewery

Evolution Bottling and Packaging Solutions has recently installed and commissioned a new 6,000 bph bottling line at Black Sheep Brewery, Masham, North Yorkshire.

Black Sheep Brewery has a long heritage in independent beer production, being founded in 1992 by Paul Theakston and now managed by son Rob. Recent expansion of its operations include a new bottling line Installed and commissioned by Evolution Bottling and Packaging Solution’s team of UK-based engineers. At the heart of the beer filling line is an MBF Rinser Filler, Crown Capper, filling 500ml glass bottles. Filling represents a critical stage in the life cycle of beer, and for this reason it must be managed with competence and accuracy, maintaining product integrity throughout. MBF are renowned experts in the careful management of delicate products through the filling process. The 6,000 bottle per hour machine is supplied with adjustable Change Parts and Universal Transfer Scrolls to accommodate a range of cylindrical bottle sizes. The

semi-automatic Clean in Place system facilitates efficient sanitisation between products and importantly occurs without the use of dummy bottles.

An automatic rotary modular labeller from P.E. Labellers provides three self-adhesive labelling stations for the efficient application of front, back and neck labels. The modular design brings a degree of future proofing whereby labelling stations can be added or changed to accommodate different labelling requirements. Conveyoring and line control was also supplied by Evolution BPS, whose engineers installed and commissioned the line.

Talking of the partnership with Evolution BPS, Managing Director Rob Theakston says, “We wanted a machine that was flexible in terms of pack types given the market, service and maintenance is really important, so having a UK-based support team in Evolution was critical to us, and we are delighted with the

relationship we have forged with Evolution.”

Evolution BPS works in partnership with a selected group of Italian-based equipment manufacturers. In addition to partners MBF and P.E. Labellers, the Evolution portfolio includes TMG for depalletisers, palletisers, case-packing machines and all end of line machinery; Robino & Galandrino for all capsuling and wirehooding machines; and Logics & Controls highly advanced inspection systems for fill level, label, empty bottle and closure inspection. The team of UKbased engineers works in tandem with the Customer Service team to offer first class after sales and technical support.

For further information: www.evolutionbps.co.uk

Rawlings and Vigo merge to offer complete end-to-end processing and packaging solution

A merger is bringing together Rawlings’ portfolio of primary packaging solutions and Vigo’s comprehensive processing equipment and consumables offering for clients in the premium drinks market, with expansion to deliver an end-toend solution for premium food, health, and beauty brands.

The primary objective was to combine Rawlings’ expertise delivering off-theshelf and bespoke glass packaging, graphic design, branding and decoration with Vigo’s tailored drink production systems, which include equipment, configuration, technical adaptions, installation, and full support from their team of engineers, providing clients with a complete packaging and production solution in one place. The move allows both Rawlings and Vigo to increase the capacity, efficiency,

and scale of their existing offerings. Both Vigo and Rawlings will continue to trade at their existing premises and the same dedicated team and support remains in place.

Tom Wood, Managing Director of Rawlings, said: “We are excited to be joining forces with the Vigo team. There is a tremendous fit around people, values and purpose making this is a very natural and organic expansion. Both businesses will extend their capabilities to offer incredible value for our clients.”

Simon Pitts, Managing Director of Vigo Ltd added: “We are really excited about the opportunities being a part of Rawlings brings. Joining forces allows us to take much bigger strides forward in capacity and offering than we would have been able to do so on our own. This will help drive increased value and

range for our customers as well as strengthen our backup and support offering. Equally important, the culture and ethics of both businesses are closely aligned, and I have no doubt that the sharing of knowledge will further boost our offering.”

For further information: www.rawlingsbristol.co.uk www.vigoltd.com

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Cask and Keg Repair & Refurbishment Specialists

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Web: www.dhmbreweryservices.co.uk • Twitter: @DHMBreweryServ

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NEWS Equipment & Training

AVE UK brings Italian quality and heritage to British drinks industry with four new partnerships

AVE UK, a leading supplier of bottling and packaging machinery, has cemented its place at the heart of the UK’s winemaking and distilling industries with the announcement of FOUR new Italian equipment partners: Frilli, Bertolaso, Permeare and APE Impianti.

Joining AVE UK as part of the wider Della Toffola Group, the four companies represent the best in Italian wine and spirit-making, synonymous with craftsmanship, excellence and heritage. For the first time, UK wine and beverage producers can benefit from their highquality, European equipment safe in the knowledge that local, on-the-ground support and servicing is available 24/7 from AVE’s UK-based team of engineers.

The UK represents a key marketplace for AVE’s parent company Della Toffola as, despite the interruptions that Covid19 has brought to hospitality, the country’s winemaking and distilling industries have proved remarkably resilient. As part of the Della Toffola Group, AVE UK is uniquely placed to leverage the processing, labelling, packaging and bottling expertise of its European equipment partners, which cover all facets of the food and beverage sector. With the introduction of Frilli, Bertolaso, Permeare and APE Impianti, it can now offer complete, full-

line processing and packaging systems to the country’s growing number of wine, spirit and beverage producers, as well as individual equipment solutions, ensuring that the UK’s drinks industry remains synonymous with quality and craftsmanship for years to come.

Established in 1912 in Italy’s famous Chianti region, Frilli specialises in the design, construction and refitting of bespoke distillation plants. Its high-quality copper and stainless-steel distilling solutions (see picture) are ideal for the production of whisky, gin, brandy, vodka and other spirits. The company prides itself on ensuring that each client gets the best solution for their individual needs, whether an independent craft distiller or a large corporate entity.

Experts in the science of oenology, Permeare specialises in filtration and separation technologies for the wine industry. Its tangential filtration systems not only enhance the value of the primary product but also help to commercialise the by-products, boosting profitability. Equally exciting is the introduction of Bertolaso. Already an Italian leader in state-of-the-art turnkey plants for wine filling and bottling, the company is now perfectly placed to capitalise on its growing UK customer base thanks to its partnership with AVE.

RMGroup and Atlanta showcase end-of-line packaging solutions

Leading robotics and automation company, RMGroup, partnered with packaging technology and machinery specialists, Atlanta Packaging, to showcase automated packaging solutions for the brewing and beverage industry at the Brewers Congress event held at the end of 2021. The two companies used the Show to offer an insight into industry-leading end-of-line packaging solutions,

The final addition to the Della Toffola portfolio is APE Impianti; designers and manufacturers of individual machines and complete packaging lines for the wine, beer, spirits and beverage industries. With over 50 years’ experience, the company offers a complete range of depalletizing, case erecting, case packing, partition inserting, case sealing and palletising solutions, completing AVE’s 360º range for UK drinks producers. “We are delighted to have such a wideranging and high-quality offering of individual processing and packaging equipment, as well as full turnkey lines, to showcase to our UK wine and drinks customers,” says Steve Bradley, AVE UK’s Sales Director. “By combining the best of Italian craftsmanship and heritage with local servicing and support, UK drinks producers can be assured of an unbeatable offering from AVE UK.”

For further information: www.aveuk.net

including case packing, stretch wrapping, robot palletising and AGVs.

Edward Pugh, RMGroup’s sales director, said: “Between ourselves and Atlanta, we have amassed many years experience of providing the beverage industry with some of the best automated packaging solutions available.”

Atlanta Packaging’s Roger Cope added: “In partnering with RMGroup it was great to be able to exhibit together and be on

hand to support their stretch wrapping offering. In addition, were very much looking forward to promoting our case packaging solutions which have already proved very successful in a number of brewing and beverage applications.

For further information: www.rmgroupuk.com

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NEWS Equipment & Training

Can seamer upgrade for Camerons

Camerons Brewery has upgraded its canning facility with a faster can filler, so doubling its initial output speed. The new filler supplied by Enterprise Tondelli from its manufacturing partners in Italy, Matrix Srl - has features that make it world class. Incidentally the bottle filler was also manufactured by Matrix Srl.

Typically can fillers have an annular ring filler bowl which is difficult to clean. However the new Matrix can filler has a central filler bowl with a CIP spray ball for enhanced cleaning. The cans are static so there are no can lifters with can turbulence and attendant maintenance requirements. Filling valves only move 5 mm to seal the can for flushing then filling. This means very little mechanical wear and tear and a much smoother can progress. The filling system is using a well proven electro pneumatic control system that has been used by Matrix for a number of years now across both the bottle and can filler range. It significantly reduces maintenance, makes the filling operation more reliable and also much more controllable. For instance the flushing cycle of the machine is recipe driven from the control panel along with the snifting cycles. This can be pre-set by the customer for all the different beers and the filling characteristics they may have. Snifting can be in multiple steps

and varying times – all set from the operator panel. Foam control is set from the panel and can be altered and saved for different beers such as nitrogenated, stouts etc. As the filling valves are recipe controlled, and it also means that should the filler bowl stop with cans on the carousel, they will complete their total filling cycle even though the filler is static which stops overfills. The concept is to make the machine as operator friendly as possible so that it can be as flexible as possible without incurring costs for specialist programming engineers.

To reduce wastage and give a much more accurate fill volume, flow meters are fitted on every filling valve. Typically a fill accuracy of +/- 2ml is achieved. It also means that fill volumes can be adjusted from the control panel for the different cans sizes being handled. There is a feedback loop to the operator panel so you can see the filling trend of each and every filling valve whilst running. The flow meters are available “off the shelf” as a proprietary component reducing the total cost of ownership. Using flow meters also gives very very low TIPO.

The constructional style of the machine is focused on hygiene with the filler bowl area exposed or “naked” so that external cleaning is very easy. Historically manufacturers have fitted a cover but this often ends up hiding an unhygienic area so this bold step

obviates that problem. It also means that maintenance is much easier as access is very open. A separate valve skid makes connection to the machine for the services a very quick and easy operation. The skid includes the CIP return pump to ensure that cleaning is fully carried out at the correct flow rate. For an effective CIP the machine automatically cleans the filler product pathways, snifts etc with a 10-step sequence!

The filler has been in for some months now and has exceeded the customer’s expectations. Mr. Chris Deakin, Brewing Operations Director at Camerons Brewery, said, “The new can filler has been an excellent upgrade to our canning line. Both the TIPO and also filling speed has exceeded contractual obligations. The machine has required very little input from ourselves and maintenance has been vastly improved.”

For further information: Tel: 01525 718288 info@enterprisetondelli.co.uk

‘Brewing - The Fundamentals’ is back

Now re-named ‘Brewing – The Fundamentals’, Brewing Services Ltd has run the first of its new, updated, brewing courses faceto-face for the first time in two years. Although restricted to Zoom-only teaching for the last two years, it has allowed the company the time required to re-write much of the course material and update the lecture material.

“But Zoom is no substitute for the real thing,“ commented Rob Smith of Brewing Services Ltd., “and so it was pleasing to once again stand up in front of a full course of brewers all wanting to learn more about the underpinning theory behind their day-to-day brewing activities.”

The course once again included visits to Fawcett’s Maltings to see the many different types of malt being made and Hambleton Brewery to see its bottling and new canning operations.

“Once again, we had some great feedback from those attending the course,” continued Rob. Comments include: “This course has been an amazing experience” - “I would definitely recommend this course to other young brewers or people thinking of becoming a brewer” - “Being a newcomer to brewing, I am now a lot more confident about starting to brew” - “A wonderful course. I particularly enjoyed the visits to Fawcett’s maltings and Hambleton Brewery and especially the brew day at Treboom Brewery as I always find visual/hands on learning to be best.”

Dates for the next course have been announced and once again will be held in York from 3rd to 6th April. Pictured: The Class of November 2021

For further information: www.brewingservices.co.uk enquiries@brewingservices.co.uk

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NEWS Business Services

HSBC UK funds Peterborough business for new innovative sustainable packaging

Packaging solution specialist, Bevcraft Group, has secured a seven-figure funding package from HSBC UK that will help it eliminate up to 44 million units of plastic from the microbrewery sector each year.

Bevcraft specialises in sustainable packaging solutions for craft and artisan beverage producers. The HSBC UK funding will allow the company to access new digital printing machinery at its facility in Peterborough that will give independent breweries across Europe and the UK sustainable solutions for can distribution. The new digital printing facility positions Bevcraft Group as the first can decoration service in Europe to commercialise digital printing and will replace the need for breweries to require a plastic sleeve or label on their

cans, eliminating a large volume of plastic from the supply chain.

The deal will also allow the company to invest in machinery to support new product lines and services, enabling it to expand into new markets. In addition, the funding will also be used to boost employment in the Peterborough area as Bevcraft looks to create 20 new jobs. Ciarán Gorman, Group Chief Financial Officer at Bevcraft Group, said: “We’ve seen an increase in demand from our customers for more sustainable solutions to packaging and we are passionate about making a difference across the brewery sector.

We are particularly proud to be the first company to offer this innovative development in can production. HSBC UK and, in particular, our Relationship Manager Andy Geagen, have been instrumental in helping us.”

Paul Armstrong, HSBC UK Area Director for East Midlands added: “HSBC UK is committed to helping businesses in their sustainability efforts. Reducing the use of plastic in packaging is an important priority for brewers, drinks manufacturers, retailers and consumers. This deal sees Bevcraft tackling the issue head on with an innovative solution which will have a significant impact on the market. We are so pleased to support Bevcraft Group as the business strives to eliminate plastics within the industry.”

For further information: bevcraft.ie

Local business brews up a storm in South Tyneside

A micro brewery, which is the first of its kind in South Shields, is celebrating a successful first year of trading despite the Covid-19 pandemic and has ambitious plans for 2022. One More Than Two Brewery in Portberry Street, South Shields, opened in September 2020 with the idea of creating the first ‘community brewery’ in South Tyneside and since then the business has gone from strength to strength. The brewery’s investor Catalage Ltd, which is based at One Trinity Green in South Shields, also holds microinvestments in a number of SMEs – some of which came out of association with the brewery, such as Digi Hippy media Ltd.

The brewery prides itself on its partnerships with other independent businesses in the North East. Founder Chris Donovan has a firm belief in showcasing other South Tyneside businesses and ultimately keeping money within the local economy, whilst providing an all-inclusive space for the local community.

They have also taken on a new starter through the Government Kickstart Scheme, which was put in place to create new jobs for 16- to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term employment.

Chris says: “The pandemic highlighted the importance of community and togetherness for many people and One More Than Two Brewery wants to be that space for people in the North East. People often come into the brewery as strangers and leave as friends, and I believe the magic of the brewery is the culture we have created within it.” The brewery also works with the wider community to gain feedback on the beers produced as well as assist with research and development.

Chris continues: “It’s important that we include the community to ensure we continue with our original philosophy of brewing beer South Tyneside can be proud of. Local partnerships and collaborations are also paramount to business success, and we are proud to champion our area and the wonderful businesses within it. We have a number of exciting

partnerships in the pipeline and are incredibly excited and enthusiastic for the future.”

Cllr Mark Walsh, Lead Member for Regeneration and Economy at South Tyneside Council said: “It’s wonderful to see a local business thrive and champion the people and businesses in South Tyneside. Hospitality has suffered as much as any industry during the pandemic so it’s particularly pleasing to see our local brewery doing so well. Congratulations on a successful year and we look forward to seeing what One More Than Two Brewery will do next.”

For further information: www.catalage.com

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NEWS Packaging & Labelling

Clearmark earns its Zebra service stripes

Making good on its zero downtime customer promise, coding and labelling specialist Clearmark Solutions – widely known for supplying ICE print equipment - is now recognised as an official Zebra Technologies Partner. Food and beverage manufacturers that depend on Zebra’s table-top offline printers to generate high definition seasonal, limited edition runs, and back up labels now have inclusive access to Clearmark’s specialist and extensive service, support, consumables and coding design capabilities. Even reaching and supporting established Zebra printer owners that don’t currently conduct business with Clearmark!

Awarded ‘Registered Reseller and Printer Repair Specialist’ status by the pioneering global print company, the addition of Zebra’s off-line printers, all fully compatible with the CLARiSUITE™ suite of software products that incorporates CLARiSOFT label design software and CLARiNET networking software used across all ICE printers, gives food and drink processors of all sizes more coding options and a way of monitoring Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). A familiar site in UK food and drink production facilities, the thermal transfer Zebra desktop printer is synonymous with efficiency, functionality and enhanced productivity. Delivering bestin-class offline print speeds, production

facilities that have migrated to more advanced real-time online coding systems, for example Clearmark’s transformative ICE Vulcan print & apply labeller, continue to depend on this reliable printer mainstay as a shrewd coding and labelling buffer.

As time is the ultimate commodity in fast paced manufacturing environments, having a printer backup alleviates the most common tech-related frustrations, safeguarding against downtime and providing extra on-demand print capacity to flex to seasonal promotions, limited edition runs and bespoke product campaigns, notes Clearmark’s Gemma Butlin. The aftercare manager expands: “Given that downtime can have such a detrimental impact on businesses of all sizes, having an offline Zebra printer that’s completely aligned to a company’s online real-time coding system will always be beneficial to a manufacturers’ disaster recovery strategy. As well as adding additional print capacity to cope with seasonal peaks, they also guarantee a continuous workflow when online printers are undergoing maintenance, consumable changeovers or repairs.” For the UK’s 6,700 micro, small and medium sized food and drink enterprises and the estimated 40,000 artisan businesses operating in the sector, a Zebra desktop printer provides a robust and flexible start-up coding machine. As a sector specialist, Clearmark can

help to introduce efficient labelling systems at the earliest phase of an SMEs development, yet offer the opportunity to upgrade to a compatible online print system when growth and retailer Codes of Practice (COP) warrant it. Sharing familiar software across the entire Zebra and ICE range is a unique benefit of this new partnership, emphasises Clearmark’s marketing manager, Charlotte McCormick, who says, “Labelling isn’t confined to the large processors. For the expansive SME market it is just as critical. The ‘artisan’ label conveys a personal message to consumers that products have been prepared with care. Being able to showcase this detail using a Zebra printer to create batch and case labels, means that when SMEs scale up to an online printer the brand messaging, quality and format is consistent.”

For further information: www.clearmark.uk enquiries@uk.interactivecoding.com

Beatson Clark retro look bottle for kombucha brand

Beatson Clark’s new 330ml Amber Alpha drinks bottle is proving to be a perfect fit for Hip Pop organic kombucha.

The retro apothecary-style bottle lends a premium look and feel to the fermented tea brand, which can be found in Booth’s supermarkets, Harrods and independent health shops, farm shops, coffee shops, and delis nationwide.

Glass packaging manufacturer Beatson Clark worked closely with Hip Pop to develop its new drinks bottle, which is based on an Alpha Sirop pharmaceutical bottle normally used for medicines. Unlike the original pharmaceutical design, the new bottle is tested to 3.0

bar which makes it suitable for carbonated or fermented drinks.

The new retro drinks bottle forms part of Beatson Clark’s extensive standard range and can also be used for beers as it is available with both an MCA and a standard crown neck finish. “We talked to Beatson Clark directly about the bottle and they’ve been great – super responsive!”, said Emma Thackray, co-founder of Hip Pop. “When they were developing the bottle they took the time to find out what we wanted and involved us at all stages of the process. They sent us prototype drawings and we were able to play around with the sample bottle. They went out of their way to get our

feedback and use it in the design of the bottle.” Beatson Clark’s amber drinks bottles contain over 60% recycled glass.

For further information: www.beatsonclark.co.uk

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NEWS Events

BevExpo launches new initiative for drinks manufacturers in 2022

BevExpo’s new Taste Town showcases drinks manufacturers and their products, adding a new area to the existing exhibition and seminar spaces. Brands such as Decorrum and Skinny Brands are already signed up to participate. The two-day trade-only event will be held at the Manchester Central Convention Centre in Manchester City Centre on the 7th and 8th June 2022. BevExpo is a free-to-attend, not-forprofit event which brings all sectors of the beverage industry together. It enables manufacturers, suppliers, and brand owners to meet, network, learn, and celebrate excellence throughout the supply chain. The Taste Town will be the social hub within the exhibition where both visitors and exhibitors can connect and network whilst sampling different drinks from both local and national brands. Open from 2.30pm each day the Taste Town will play host to brands from a variety of sectors such as beer, cider, soft drinks and more. Some of the biggest names in the beverage industry have acquired stand

space within the exhibition at this year’s BevExpo, the 2022 exhibition line-up already includes Kegstar, Core Equipment and Microcan Ltd.

Commenting on the supersized event, Ruth Evans, Chief Executive at BFBi, said: “It is more important than ever before to deliver an event that adds value for all participants whether they are exhibitors or visitors. After a tough two years, the expo is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever, with a full seminar and workshop programme alongside the new Taste Town, bringing drinks manufacturers into the fold and adding a new link to the chain.” She added: “Crucially, because BevExpo is about the sharing of knowledge as much as the promotion of products and services, our two-day workshop and seminar programme will cover ‘hot topics’ and be delivered by industry experts from different sectors. This helps the entire industry to learn from each other and uncover exciting opportunities during a period of innovation and transformation.

important dates in the calendar for everyone involved in the beverage sector, our message to anyone who hasn’t yet signed up is to do so fast. You don’t want to miss the chance to get your brand in front of hundreds of senior delegates!”

As well as exhibitors, visitors planning to attend BevExpo 2022 are also being encouraged to pre-register and secure their free pass. A new event app will be launched in early 2022. This handy tool allows registered visitors to interact with each other and exhibitors prior to the event and will have everything they need at their fingertips. The launch of the event app is part of the new BevExpo’s sustainability programme.

For further information: www.bevexpo.com info@bevexpo.com

Brewers and cider-makers from around the world crowned at industry ‘Oscars’

A total of 138 medal and trophy winners were announced at the world’s most historic international beer and cider competition, the International Brewing & Cider Awards, which took place at the National Brewery Centre in Burton-uponTrent, last November. Brewers and cider-makers from 24 countries received accolades at the International Brewing & Cider Awards 2021.

126 medals and 12 trophies were awarded to beers and ciders from all over the world, including entrants from Australia, China, Japan, Luxembourg, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, USA and the UK.

“With BevExpo one of the most

Nine beer Trophy winners were announced and included winners from Japan and Malta. Tokyo-based Spring Valley Brewery’s Juicy Hop won Speciality Beer, while Ise Kadoya Beer, also from Japan, won the Strong Beer award for its Nou ga Trokeru Ultra Heaven 3xIPA.

Malta-based Simonds Farsons Cisk won the Non & Low Alcohol category for its Cisk 0.0, whilst other Trophy winners included Yorkshire’s Elvington Brewery (Keg Lager) and Jersey’s Liberation Brewing Company (Cask Conditioned Ale). In the cider awards, Sheppy's Vintage Cloudy Cider from Taunton-based Sheppy's Cider, won The International Classic Cider Trophy, while overseas entries triumphed in the other two

Trophy categories.

Sidewood Estate from South Australia picked up The International Flavoured Cider Trophy for its Strawberry Apple Cider while Ramborn Cider from Luxembourg won The International Innovative Cider Award for its Ramborn Ice Perry.

The competition, which dates back to 1886, has a long history of championing the world’s best brewers and cidermakers, and the competition’s unique approach to the judging process sets it apart from other awards, earning it the reputation as the ‘Oscars of the brewing and cider world’.

For further information: www.brewingawards.org

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The View Through My Glass Bottom

Julian Grocock

The war of ticking time

In an age when it is increasingly common for so many aspects of humanity – identity, orientation, attachment, affliction – to be reduced to initials, I have to tell you that I suffer from PDO. That's 'Pedantic Dismay and Outrage'. And now I’m having a fresh attack, because I’ve just looked up PDO to see what else it might really stand for, and an online dictionary lists it as a widely used acronym, and I'm screaming: 'It's not a [bleep] acronym, you [bleep] morons, it's a [bleep] initialism!'

I grew up learning that an acronym is an abbreviated term pronounced as a word (CAMRA, SIBA, COVID) whereas an initialism is read as capital letters (BBPA, BBC, ADHD). But nowadays, apparently, an initialism is defined as a type of acronym. Perhaps I should just accept this, but it's bloody painful – especially for someone with PDO.

There are so many other triggers of this condition. My 2011 edition of the OED (initialism!) states quite categorically that barbeque is an incorrect spelling, but a decade later it's gained entry as an acceptable variant of barbecue. Which tempts me to conclude that this so-called 'evolution' is based on the constant repetition of mistakes until the official guardians of our heritage lose the will to resist, shrug their shoulders, and capitulate. With a feverish shiver, I wonder how long it will be before should of earns the tick of grammatical approval. ~

But what has this got to do with beer? Well, it's all about historical context. The English language I embrace is the familiar version of my formative years, which I've always taken to be indisputably correct. And it's the same with my attachment to what I identify as traditional beer styles – and my consequent disdain for the more outlandish routes taken by the

modern craft recipe book. Perhaps I should appreciate that the forces of change have always been with us; they are eternal and unavoidable, and there's neither right nor reason for the anguish within my own time capsule to merit special consideration.

Gruit, a combination of herbs and other plants used for flavouring ale, predated the widespread advance of hops in European brewing. The hop – a 'wicked and pernicious weed' – was fiercely condemned by the champions of gruit ale. Indeed, I've read that gruit ale brewing was a privilege granted by the Church, thus allowing for the creation of a powerful ecclesiastical monopoly, to which the rise of the hop was seen as a serious threat – even promoted in part by the pioneer Protestant reformers of the age. Beer-related examples continue through history right up to the present day. Die-hard porter drinkers were probably left bereft when brewing big business turned its attention to hoppy pale ales and pushed mild as the everyday dark alternative. Whose side would I have been on then, do you think?

Furthermore, the Old vs New conflict is far less straightforward than it sounds. You could argue that CAMRA was founded to defend the old against the new, and yet its success helped sow the seeds of the new new world of beer – a world that is often far too ready to sneer at the campaigners who undoubtedly contributed to its own origins. ~

Although this all surely gives perspective to my torment, my resistance persists – however much

it might be derided as just the latest old-git reaction to the challenging input of a new generation. I really do feel that this time round the changes are far more radical and farreaching than they've been before, due mainly to the now infinite scope of media-driven communication and conspiracy. More revolution than evolution, you might say.

A couple of articles ago I referenced briefly the arrival of a generation more scathing than any of its predecessors in its contemptuous condemnation of so much of the world it is inheriting – including elements ranging from ingrained identity politics and inappropriate humour, to a lingering fondness for both a proper printed What's Brewing and a pub pint of 'boring brown beer'. Although I won't be around to witness it myself, I'm excited at the prospect of all these perfect little darlings growing old themselves and having to deal with the inevitable angst and antagonism of their own successors.

Or – to quote Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball – am I just being mischievious?

(And that, I can assure you, is a mispronounciation destined before long to be as acceptable as a black IPA.)

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’.

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