Brewing & Beverage Industries Business, Summer 2023, issue 28

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

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 U S

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.

8th year!

ISSN 2398-2489

Members of

Cover illustration - Gerard Christie of Advanced Packaging Materials

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 © freerbutler limited 2023

Word from the BFBi

Getting Brexit sorted ... when?

Why is it that January of every year takes so long to get through and then the year speeds up like a bullet train. 2023 is no exception to this and I think we are all now running at full steam to keep up.

BFBi is certainly finding that peoples’ diaries are filling up fast, if not already full and, with the staffing issues we are all encountering, it is difficult to take time out of the working schedule to fit in some time to gain knowledge, make new contacts, just – basically – catch our breath But, please do remember that time taken to learn and connect really pays dividends

I have just come back from CBC and been speaking with colleagues from around the world The UK is not alone with the current challenges of staffing, energy costs, post covid catch up BUT, the one issue the UK is enduring, which no other country is subject to, is B****Y BREXIT No matter your views on the issue, the one thing that should be in place by now is Government support in terms of legislation, customs procedures and export

routes for UK companies

By now there should be a level playing field where UK companies may trade with their European counterparts, without restriction and significant extra cost HOWEVER, we are far, far, far away from this scenario A good example being thus - having been lobbying HMRC and DBT recently about the issue of exporting beer samples and then receiving the answer below from Lord Johnson of Lainston CBE, Minister for Investment Department for Business and Trade:

“As you will be aware, at the moment there is no specific agreement regulating export of samples between the UK and EU, therefore beer samples are subject to the same regulations as commercial products entering the EU market ”

There appears to be no hurry in

sorting this issue out I have been offered a meeting to discuss further but am not holding my breath In the vain hope that such a meeting will take place and Lord Johnson will have his listening head on, please send me your issues/questions on exporting your products into Europe to ruth evans@bfbi org uk so that I can raise with him

Ruth Evans MBE, BFBi C.E.O.

Why not take a fresh look at the BFBi website?

It has been recently updated and the Members’ area is about to be totally changed, with a lot more features for members to be able to use free-of-charge.

www.bfbi.org.uk

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 ON HOW TO JOIN BFBi

Ruth Evans MBE

Photo by Gerardo Jaconelli

The View Through My Glass Bottom

Julian Grocock ...and still counting the cost

‘By the way, we have lost more than 200 breweries from our mailing list in the last 12 months.’

The closing words of Chris the Editor ’s email – sent primarily to advise me of my latest article deadline – make a solemn and compelling case for me to continue to focus on the depressing industry themes of the moment

And I’m sorry if that exacerbates the gloom, but we really cannot turn a blind eye to what’s happening, in the rose-tinted hope that the survivors will emerge revitalised and ready to restore a familiar semblance of normality.

As I write, the crisis feels significantly worse with the news that a business as well-established and successful as Black Sheep Brewery is appointing administrators – possibly the final step in an increasingly desperate strategy to attract investment, via takeover or merger, after being ‘hit very hard’ by the pandemic and punishing operational costs

Furthermore, the effect across the industry is reflected by the statistic that 153 pubs called time for good in the first three months of this year, compared with a 2022 total loss of 386 – an increase of almost 60% ~

So where does this leave us? It might not help that I’m highlighting the problems without proposing practical solutions, but I’m hoping there are sharper-brained tacticians out there, still active in our threatened sector, who can formulate a pragmatic way forward What I believe must be taken on board is that this is not just the latest phase in a timeless cycle of economic ups and downs, which we just have to ride like a roller-coaster The changes are far-reaching and potentially irreversible, and ultimately about more than their money-based roots Their cultural – and community – implications cannot be overlooked Nor can we ignore the effect on health We know that alcohol-related deaths rose during Covid lockdowns, due I am sure to a rise in drinking away from social (and controlled) environments – by which I do of course mean pubs Subsequent figures, however, have shown this higher trend has persisted beyond the

worst of the pandemic The pubs are open again, but death rates remain above previous averages – reported by news media with an element of surprise, as though it was newsworthy because it was unexpected

Surely I’m not the only person who isn’t surprised ~

I did once experience a socially ingrained drinking culture that wasn’t pub-based Forty years ago, I went on holiday to Denmark with my girlfriend (now my wife) to stay with one of her closest college friends, who was living in a rural community with the chap she’d fallen for when he was working on her parents’ Yorkshire farm There was a bar in the village, but I was told it was a place for loners and misfits (Needless to say, I insisted on going there; it was dimly lit and bleak, with no more than half-a-dozen punters, and must have struggled to maintain commercial viability ) What my new friends did, with their longstanding local circle, was take turns to host social evenings – not full-on parties, you understand, but just high-spirited and good-natured get-togethers, fuelled mostly by a case or two of big-brand bottled beer Do we want something like that here? It was enjoyable, the company was excellent, and I did learn how to flick the crown cork off the top of one bottle with the unopened top of another. But the far more valuable thing it taught me was just why British pubs deserve such an iconic worldwide reputation My Danish friend has always been fanatically enthusiastic about them, and on his visits he’s consequently

enjoyed the company of strangers well beyond any concept of an exclusive ‘local circle’ And I have of course already told you about the friends I only have because I’m a pub person ~

I know I began this article with reference to brewers, and apologise again for drifting off into the on trade But I will repeat myself: businesses across our sector are united in their difficulties, and must remain so in their quest for solutions I hope the passion that brought me into this industry still thrives, from mash tun to cellar, and in every other intrinsically connected and essentially integral specialist support corner

A long time ago now, as SIBA’s chief executive, I hosted an Annual Conference with Canned Heat’s classic LET’S WORK TOGETHER! as our theme Well, the heat is pretty much out of the can now, so the song’s exhortation has never been more important

So, astute industry strategists, where are you and are there any answers?

Julian Grocock

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

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

Showcasing the British spirit

Alan Powell Grogginess without fear –hose out those casks!

Excise law is often arcane and opaque and sometimes apparently, well, odd. The Alcoholic Liquor Duties Act 1979 (ALDA) is the primary law concerning alcohol duty that will be overhauled by a new Alcohol Act, currently at Finance Bill stage.

A curiosity of ALDA is at section 34 which states:

Prohibition of grogging

(1) No person shall

(a) subject any cask to any process for the purpose of extracting any spirits absorbed in the wood thereof; or

(b) have on his premises any cask which is being subjected to any such process or any spirits extracted from the wood of any cask

(2) A contravention of this section shall attract a penalty under section 9 of the Finance Act 1994 (civil penalties)

(3) All spirits extracted contrary to this section and every cask which is being subjected to any such process or which, being upon premises upon which spirits so extracted are found, has been subjected to any such process shall be liable to forfeiture.

Given that the section of law is headed “prohibition of grogging”, it is curious there is no interpretation of the term “grogging” in law, which is almost a colloquialism to express the purposeful extraction of spirits absorbed in the wood of a cask. Anyway, you can’t do it legally! No ifs or buts (or butts, even!)

Yet there will inevitably be grogging which is not done “on purpose” and where the extraction of spirits is fortuitous (ie happenchance, not

“fortunate”) such as cask rinsing or where beer or cider may be matured in an empty spirits cask. There was a famous case of a Fullers’ strong beer made very strong indeed by fortuitous grogging during maturation in an ex whisky cask and HMRC (in my view) getting the law wrong to say it was spirits production which it was not (in my view it was fortification of a fermented liquor, being a fortified made-wine since the law does not permit fortification of beer and still be classified as beer, but that’s another story) Curiously, "cask rinsing" may be applied for in the application forms from HMRC for excise warehouse approval but - with cross referencethis is modified by the standard approved processes in warehouse of paragraph 7 1 of HMRC's Notice 196 which states, inter alia: "cask rinsing, subject to the warehousing of the contaminated cleaning agent." This is unclear but implies that the cleaning agent (let’s call it “water”) will be “contaminated” ie it will contain extracted spirits and must be warehoused ie held in duty suspension in the excise warehouse OK, what then? And is that not in breach of absolute prohibition of grogging expressly in ALDA s34?

In America, Bourbon casks are being subject to cask rinsing to extract the absorbed spirits which is “re-used” by blending with full strength whiskey (such as Jim Beam’s Devil’s Cut) but would be totally unlawful in Blighty

Grogging will be legalised

Maybe to regularise the practical

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.

situation, after repeal of ALDA, grogging will be treated as production of spirits as currently set out Schedule 6 paragraph 2 in the Finance Bill 2023

Production of spirits will not be subject to the current distillers' licence and warehousing approvals, but will be incorporated in the simplified alcohol production ("drinks factory") regulations to be made under what is currently clause 88 of the Finance Bill 2023 This will or ought to mean though that excise warehousekeepers occupying maturation warehouses that grog will need to be approved as producers of alcohol Presumably, after being approved this would simply be a record of the spirits extracted and then “re-warehoused” in the accounts? There may be some consideration about the W1 monthly stock return since the spirits will have been generated “from nowhere”, so to speak In April, I requested clarification from HMRC’s team working on the new law but have not had a response to date Anyway, what is lost as the angels’ share during maturation might be hosed out to take some back from the freeloaders!

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

Alan Powell

We asked companies supplying the following products and services to let us know something about themselves.... l New, or pre-owned and re-furbished casks and kegs – for purchase or lease – plus cask repair and branding services, and container closures l Container systems for drinks dispense l Bottles & cans plus labelling and decoration, and on-shelf packaging l Bulk packaging & associated labelling for transportation of beer and other beverages l IT systems for container tracking

Croxsons relocates to historic post office building

After 40 years of being based in nearby Morden, leading glass packaging supplier, Croxsons, has moved back to its former home of Sutton, taking residence in the town’s stunning old post office building Its future-ready, purpose-built workspace has been designed by the UK's leading interior design consultancy, Blue Jelly.

Given its heritage, Croxsons wanted to ensure the space was well-used and reflected the site’s past history - an old postman’s bike hangs on the wall above the sales suite, and it even has its very own post box

The office, which provides a fresh take on a typical glass packaging supplier ’s premises, is a creative space that will allow customers to imagine how their

brand will look With an in-built bespoke bar, the environment has been created to allow customers to see their vision in context Simply put, it is the perfect place to have creative discussions, be inspirational and be inspired The Croxsons team members now have an office that matches their culture, providing them with the impetus to be aspirational, not only for themselves, but also for the business Croxsons is confident that future collaborations in its new setting will undoubtedly benefit both the high performing team and customers alike.

“Our new home is a conclusion of a fiveyear plan,” says CEO, Tim Croxson “The space is unique - how we will use it will demonstrate the way that we choose to operate as a business We have

Labelnet works with UK brewery to create eye-catching beer labels

Labelnet has been printing selfadhesive labels for breweries for more than 23 years and recently worked with Brewing Brothers to print its range of beer labels, offering advice on the best materials and finishes to create stand out labels for their design

Brewing Brothers is a brewery based in Hastings, East Sussex, established by Ned and Charlie in 2016 The business was created after the duo took a visit to the U S A and soon realised that the UK seemed to be falling behind in the world of craft beer After some blood, sweat and tears the doors to the first brewhouses opened where a wide range of ales and stouts is on offer

The company was looking for a new label supplier who could offer fast turnaround times “Ultimately, we wanted to find a UK-based label supplier with several years trading behind them who had worked with substantial brands as clients,” said Ned “Our reason for

this was if larger brands can place their trust into a business, then our growing brand can do the same ”

There were a few challenges along the way, with instances where the design on the label affected the label application which Brewing Brothers was not aware of This caused some issues with the production So offering finished samples of the designs before placing an order helped Brewing Brothers to trial its labels beforehand

Continued Ned, “Labelnet was on hand to offer advice on materials and textured varnishes to enhance the finish of our range of creative label designs for our ales and stouts Free sample packs were offered to show examples of previous work printed on the same or similar materials which was really helpful Rep Neil was and has always been a phone call away for support too “The range and quality of labels which are offered from Labelnet are more impressive than previous suppliers

developed an environment that encourages collaboration across our teams to achieve the best possible results for our customers We can’t wait to welcome you through our doors ”

For further information:

www.croxsons.com

Tel: 020 8337 2945

Their prices are competitive which is a great bonus and they offer quick turnaround times for our orders

“We are very likely to recommend Labelnet to other breweries Try them out and you will not be disappointed!”

Labelnet can offer free label samples and quotations offering a range of unique varnishes, luxurious embellishments and sustainable material options

For further information:

Pioneering keg rental firm

Konvoy has vowed to solve the brewing industry’s key problems with technology since expanding to the UK & Europe at the beginning of this year

The UK’s newest addition to the keg solutions market has already become the leading supplier in Australia and New Zealand despite launching only as recently as 2019

Konvoy has been quick to set out its stall in the UK, Europe and beyond by showcasing its ‘game-changing’ solution to common industry problems like inefficient re-use of kegs, inconsistent beer quality, keg thefts and low sustainability

The company, founded by Adam TrippeSmith and headed in the UK & Europe by Christian Barden, has been making waves already this year by taking large stands at some of the major trade brewing events, such as SIBA’s BeerX in Liverpool and the Craft Brewers Conference in Nashville, USA

Konvoy and its proprietary IoT (Internet of Things) keg tracking and datacollection device, will also be highly visible at UK industry events this summer, including Brew//LDN,

Konvoy hits the road with its IoT keg tracking technology Bingo on a Bottle for Hobson’s

Hobsons Brewery wanted to produce something special for its 30th Birthday, which would not only taste great, but also catch people’s attention and get everyone involved in the celebrations.

The company was inspired to create a Bingo themed label, having selected the name of ‘Dirty Gertie’, the traditional bingo callers name for number 30, and so worked with the print and data specialists at Mercian Labels to create a unique ‘interactive’ label, incorporating numerous design elements which celebrate the 30th, whilst staying true to the brand

Starting with a sustainable Forest Film label in line with the company’s environmental aims, the design included Silver Foil to showcase the Dirty Gertie

Manchester and London Craft Beer Festivals

Christian Barden, Konvoy’s CEO for UK & Europe, said: “The brewing industry has keg problems – and we are unashamedly here to help solve them And we want to achieve that quickly, to give brewing and hospitality a chance to not only survive today’s challenges but to actually thrive

“We’re offering a way for brewers to become more efficient, more effective, more circular, more sustainable and more economical with their keg fleets and requirements But first, we all need to ‘hug the monster ’ and accept that whatever we’ve been doing for centuries with traditional keg tracking hasn’t worked

“Konvoy is confident its technology is game-changing – and can assure the industry that we’re here for your beer!”

Konvoy offers one of the world’s most sustainable keg fleets, spearheaded by a small tracking and data capture device fitted to each keg It is capable of sharing a multitude of real-time data with a central cloud network using a combination of Bluetooth, satellite, cellular and wireless technology

The device measures the temperature,

location and motion of each keg as well as its precise orientation – all without the need for manual scanning or logging

The end result is real-time information to speed up the re-use of kegs through the supply chain, improved condition management, reduced labour and resource requirement and a significant removal of keg thefts and losses, which costs the global industry an estimated $300m-$500m per year

Konvoy has also launched a partnership with climate action platform Net Zero Now, in order to help brewery clients get a head start towards meeting the UK Government’s 2050 Net Zero target The company is already underway with its own global sustainability audit through Australian carbon and energy management specialists Pangolin Associates, in an effort to set the benchmark in sustainability for a logistics business

name and number 30, a cream overprint, creating a pearlescent effect on the Hobsons logo, and pastel colours to highlight the bingo balls, traditional Hobsons’ hats and hop leaf icons, adding further interest and brand relevance.

To add sensory interest and extra grip on the bottle, Hobsons chose a rough sandpaper varnish and the ‘icing on the cake’ was the inclusion of variable data printing on the bingo balls, making the bottle an interactive game and allowing customers to win one of 30 prizes if the numbers on their bottle matched the winning combination The bingo numbers were printed in 8 positions and ranged from 1 to 90, as standard in bingo The data was generated with a random number being printed for each ball (position) using Mercian’s software and paginated for printing at 100 metres

per minute at 600 dpi To ensure the majority of bottles were not winners, the number 30 was suppressed, leaving 89 to the power of 8 possible combinations The winning numbers were then added randomly to the output file to evenly distribute the winners

Hobsons Brewery Commercial Director, Kate Pearce, said, “Mercian Labels delivered a unique, eye-catching result as always, but the interactive bingo game on a bottle really took this to another level ”

Containers

How clean are your kegs? asks Lambrechts

Just how clean are my kegs? this is a vitally important question for the craft brewer, as the quality of the ingredients and the care taken during production in producing a great pint can be wasted if your kegs and spear are not surgically sterile internally

To wash a keg requires the dirty keg to be de-ullaged, before moving onto the wash cycle: The first wash at 60°C usually re-uses the last wash water saving on average 9 litres per keg Followed by a caustic wash usually conducted at 75-85°c with a 2 to 2 5% concentration A final wash always using clean water ideally above 80°C. All purge gasses and steam used for this purpose must be filtered to 0.2 micron.

All these processes are constantly monitored by a Lambrechts machine Lambrechts firmly recommend the use of Saturated Steam for the sterilisation process, stating that if heated to 135°C

for a period of 60 seconds you can guarantee destroying all beer spoilage organisms An investment in a boiler or electric steam generator gives peace of mind of a sterile keg and useful capacity for CIP systems within the brewery

However, what can brewers with no access to saturated steam for sterilising do to minimise the risk of infection A high degree of disinfection using a sanitiser eliminates nearly all recognised pathogenic microorganisms but not all microbial forms - eg bacterial spores In short it does not ensure ‘’overkill’’ so lacks that margin of safety achieved by sterilisation

According to Lambrechts spokesman Mike Hickman, “We are selling an increasing number of ‘entry level’ washers with the Lambrechts NANO, offering excellent value to the craft brewer with a budget of under £20,000 “We have received a particularly enthusiastic reaction to a YouTube video

Binary Beer expanding to Europe

A global leader in Smart Keg technology, Binary Beer is expanding to Europe, making existing keg fleets ‘smart’

In today's competitive market, it’s more important than ever to have a fleet of kegs that are efficient, cost-effective, and keep beer tasting great Binary Beer has announced a solution that can “save thousands of dollars” and completely change how breweries manage kegs

Binary Beer's KegLink is a globally proven smart keg solution that is empowering brewers to manage their keg fleets simply and more efficiently Binary Beer already manages thousands of kegs across four continents and is trusted by leading macro brewers With KegLink technology, existing keg fleets become ‘smart’, tracking location 24/7, increasing keg rotations, improving sustainability, protecting beer quality, and unlocking sales insights

Understanding where kegs are located is the foundation of efficient keg fleet management With KegLink, location is monitored in real-time, seeing through distributors all the way to on-premises stock levels. This unprecedented level of visibility facilitates a ‘digital distribution

chain’ enabling data-driven decisions to optimise brewery operations Of course, location data is only one output of the KegLink system The real value comes from the Binary Beer smart analytics platform, which combines multiple data points, with deep analytics and AI to deliver valuable business insights Customisable reports and alerts allow brewers to compare real data with unique business KPIs increasing keg rotations and boosting revenue for breweries

But Smart kegs aren’t just about increasing revenue Data also helps breweries become more sustainable Studies show over 40% of energy consumption occurs from brewery to glass, and KegLink provides the data needed to reduce fuel consumption and eliminate spoilage waste, benefiting a brewery's bottom line and the environment.

Quality assurance is another area where the data and analytics delivered by Smart Kegs are improving business outcomes Understanding the live environmental conditions of a keg enables brewers to monitor the ‘freshness’ of their beer in trade, better managing inventory and ensuring beer is transported and stored correctly

of a NANO install at En Stoemelings craft brewery ”

Utilising a PLC-controlled washing regime, the NANO can incorporate, following on from a sequenced detergent wash, a dosing system for a peracetic acid sanitisation to substitute for steam A manual filling head is included in the specification if needed

The more automated stand-alone MICRO washer offers a rate of 25 kegs per hour

Traceability from brewery to glass empowers brewers to maintain beer quality and protect brand reputation For the first time, brewers are able to stay connected with their keg assets all the way through the distribution chain, collecting data and insights every step of the way Live stocktake of kegs on-premise, including full/empty status, as well as consumption rates and customer behaviour data, unlock valuable sales insights, and giving sales teams a competitive edge so increasing the conversion rate of sales and marketing efforts

Smart kegs represent a major technology advancement in the draught beer industry Binary Beer ’s recent pilot with the macro-European brewer demonstrates that, globally, the industry is serious about adopting smart keg technology, and the data-driven business future this technology unlocks.

Bag-in-box - the pros and cons

By Arlington

Packaging with the help of the ChatGPT AI chatbot!

We interviewed the ChatGPT AI chatbot on the pros and cons of returnable, collapsible bag-in-box ale transport containers (this is for real! Please excuse any American spellings):

Ar lington:

So why is bag-in-box a good option for transporting beer?

ChatGPT

Bag-in-box packaging is a good option for transporting ale (and other beverages) for several reasons:

1. Protection: The bag inside the box protects the ale from oxygen and light, which can cause the beer to spoil or become "skunky" This helps to ensure that the ale stays fresh and tastes its best

2 Convenience: Bag-in-box packaging is easy to handle and transport, as the boxes are lightweight and stackable This makes it an ideal option for transporting ale in large quantities

3 Sustainability: Bag-in-box packaging is generally considered to be more environmentally friendly than other types of packaging, as it uses less material and generates less waste

4 Longer shelf life: Compared to traditional glass bottles or cans, bag-in-box packaging can extend the shelf life of ale by several weeks or even months, which can be beneficial for breweries and retailers

Overall, bag-in-box packaging is a good option for transporting ale because it helps to protect the quality of the beer, is convenient to use, environmentally friendly, and can extend the shelf life of the product

Ar lington: Is returnable flatpack packaging more environmentally friendly?

ChatGPT

Returnable flatpack packaging can be more environmentally friendly than traditional packaging in many cases Here are a few reasons why:

1 Reusability: Returnable flatpack packaging is designed to be used multiple times, which can significantly reduce waste and promote sustainability By returning the packaging to the manufacturer or supplier for reuse, the environmental impact of the packaging can be minimised

2 Reduced Carbon Footprint: Returnable flatpack packaging can be transported in bulk, which can help to reduce transportation costs and carbon emissions compared to traditional packaging

3 Durability: Returnable flatpack packaging is often made from durable materials, such as plastic or metal, which can help to extend the lifespan of the packaging and reduce waste

4. Cost savings: While returnable flatpack packaging may have a higher initial cost than traditional packaging, the long-term cost

savings can be significant, as the packaging can be reused multiple times

However, it's important to note that returnable flatpack packaging may not always be the most environmentally friendly option, particularly if the packaging is not reused enough times to offset the initial production and transportation costs It's also important to consider the end-of-life disposal options for the packaging, and whether the materials used can be recycled or repurposed

Overall, returnable flatpack packaging can be a more environmentally friendly option than traditional packaging in many cases, but it's important to carefully evaluate the environmental impact of different packaging options and consider the entire lifecycle of the product before making a decision

Ar lington:

How does a bag-in-box system help to reduce dissolved oxygen in ale

ChatGPT

A bag-in-box system can help to reduce the amount of dissolved oxygen in ale by minimising the exposure of the beer to air during storage and dispensing Here's how it works:

1 The beer is filled into a flexible plastic bag, which is then sealed inside a cardboard box

2 As the beer is dispensed, the bag inside the box collapses, which helps to prevent air from entering the bag and coming into contact with the beer

3 The bag-in-box system can also be equipped with a dispensing tap that has a special valve that minimises the amount of air that comes into contact with the beer during dispensing

By reducing the amount of air that comes into contact with the beer, the bag-in-box system helps to prevent the beer from oxidising, which can lead to the formation of off-flavours and spoilage This is particularly important for ales, which are often more sensitive to oxidation than other types of beer

In addition to reducing dissolved oxygen, the bag-in-box system also offers other benefits for storing and dispensing ale, such as ease of use, minimal maintenance requirements, and the ability to store large volumes of beer in a relatively small amount of space

Ar lington:

What are your thoughts on Arlington Packaging as a company?

ChatGPT

As an AI language model, I don't have personal opinions or experiences, but I can provide some information on Arlington Packaging as a company

Arlington Packaging is a UK-based company that specialises in the design and manufacture of bespoke packaging solutions for a range of industries, including food and beverage The company offers a range of packaging options, including flexible packaging, rigid packaging, and speciality

packaging, and works closely with its customers to develop custom solutions that meet their unique needs

Arlington Packaging has a strong focus on sustainability and has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including the use of recyclable materials, waste reduction programs, and energy efficiency measures The company has received several awards for its innovative packaging solutions, including the UK Packaging Awards and the World Beverage Innovation Awards It also has a reputation for providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service Overall, Arlington Packaging appears to be a reputable and innovative company with a strong focus on sustainability and customer service

For further information:

Cask repair

Morrow Brothers Ltd is a leader in the repair and refurbishment of casks and kegs with an “unparalleled” reputation in the UK but also exports to all major continents around the world From internal and external cleaning to the removal of beer stone we are able to offer a comprehensive range of cleaning services Our cleaning processes are so advanced we are able to get rid of mineral deposits and wild yeast infections We offer a sliding scale of repair services, ranging from a simple chime straighten to a complete overhaul All of our services can be tailored to create a bespoke service to meet your requirements As well as containers we can also refurbish all types of extractor tubes including resizing them to fit your container population Also on offer is a rebranding service where the containers are fully cleaned, refurbished and rebranded to your specification This can also include containers which were not originally purchased from us

Flexible container solutions from Close Brothers

Brewers from small to large are reducing costs and gaining additional flexibility in their container fleet by using EkegPlus from Close Brothers Brewery Rentals

EkegPlus is a rental solution that enables you to only pay for containers when they are being used This means the shorter the hire cycle, the less you are charged

How does flexible container leasing work?

The pay-as-you-fill model gives users more control and access to a container pool of over 400,000 ekegs and ecasks

As one of the largest keg pooling networks, it gives the freedom to adjust the size of your rental fleet as often as needed With fixed RFID tags, you can also track and manage hundreds of containers in seconds, giving access to data that enables better understanding of products, logistics and supply chains, as well as increased asset visibility, via an online system

The hire cycle works in four steps: GET containers you need –collect them from a local depot or arrange for a stockpile to be kept on site

FILL AND SCAN containers to start the hire cycle

DELIVER the product direct to a venue or to an approved wholesaler

COLLECT AND RESCAN the empty containers – you can reduce charges by collecting them or wait for EkegPlus to collect, automatically ending the hire cycle

Flexible leasing in practice

Brew York was established in 2016 by two friends with a passion for craft beer Since then, the brewery has grown quickly and now boasts a range of beers, as well four tap rooms in and around York The brand is well-known for its rich flavours and quality Brew York has worked with Close Brothers Brewery Rentals since it opened As a partnership they have invested in the business and provided access to a container fleet

Having previously used a mixture of longterm and short-term rental solutions, during the coronavirus pandemic, the brewery required a more flexible container solution that would mean they could reduce and increase their fleet usage when needed

With consultation from container rental experts at Close Brothers Brewery Rentals, Brew York started to use a more adaptable rental solution, EkegPlus Benefits of flexible leasing for Brew York, EkegPlus means that the company can

access ekegs and ecasks as needed and has more control over distribution costs Using the platform it has oversight of costto-serve and daily hire charges This system removed any issues around keg availability due to market fluctuations that can’t be predicted, allowing for dynamic responses to increases in demand, without logistical headaches

Having previously used some plastic casks, Brew York was also pleased with the quality of the fleet All EkegPlus containers are made of stainless steel, the preferred solution across the brewing industry, making them more environmentally friendly due to their high quality, hard-wearing, and reusable nature

Wayne Smith, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Brew York, said: “Ekegplus works really well for our brewery We use both kegs and casks, and it’s a better solution for us Everyone is happy with the product While prices have increased elsewhere in our operations, moving to the new rental option has helped us to save on packaging and distribution costs The payper-use model gives us more flexibility, so we can top up our container fleet when we need to ”

For further information:

www.closebreweryrentals.co.uk/ekegplus

Glass is best for beer, says Beatson Clark

Trends come and go but glass is still the number one choice when it comes to premium packaging for breweries

Leading UK-based glass packaging manufacturer Beatson Clark currently has capacity in amber glass, which is visually appealing and has the added benefit of protecting the contents of the bottle from harmful ultraviolet light Glass is 100% infinitely recyclable, so glass bottles really are the environmentally responsible packaging option, as Dawn Pugh, Sales and Marketing Director explains

“Not only are our amber bottles made with over 60% recycled content, but glass is the only primary packaging material that doesn’t require a plastic layer between the product and the packaging,” said Dawn “Many people are surprised to discover that all other mainstream beverage containers – including aluminium cans –are lined with plastic which is in constant contact with your drink

“Glass meanwhile can be used without a liner as it’s completely inert This means

it’s safe to be in contact with the beer inside the bottle as the glass will not contaminate the product inside ”

Not only is glass environmentally friendly and rated as the safest packaging material around, it’s also a perfect medium for breweries looking to get creative with their bottle designs Glass bottles can be manufactured in any number of shapes, sizes and designs, and Beatson Clark can achieve stunning decorative effects too, from embossing and debossing to textured surfaces, spray coatings, sleeving and screen printing

The option of embossing words, logos and patterns onto glass containers can elevate a brand and achieve better shelf presence

Recent advances in technology have revolutionised what Beatson Clark’s inhouse design team can now achieve with embossing, and using the latest sculpting software means that the results are better defined and easier to manufacture

“Nine out of every ten bespoke designs we produce for our customers includes unique embossing – names, straplines, logos or patterns embossed on the glass to

enhance its appeal and make the container truly unique,” said Dawn “For those

producers who can’t afford a completely bespoke design, we offer the flexibility of a standard bottle with custom embossing added, which saves on the cost of having totally new finish moulds made ”

Beatson Clark recently launched a 330ml amber drinks bottle (pictured) for general sale Its design is based on an Alpha Sirop medicine bottle, so it chimes with the current trend for pharmaceutical designs being used for beverages to convey a retro, vintage feel The versatile amber bottle can be manufactured with a standard crown neck finish, and unlike the original pharmaceutical design it’s tested to 3 0 bar which makes it suitable for carbonated drinks

For further information:

www.beatsonclark.co.uk

Oasthouse Engineering - a step change to a greener, digital world

Having 20+ years in the industry, Oasthouse Engineering, a familyrun and independently-owned business, is taking a leap into a greener, digital world.

For years small producers (food, drink and so much more) have had to work around large MOQ’s for printed cans, instead utilising sleeves and labels to decorate their product Oasthouse Engineering has been a voice in can supply and decoration for 5 years, building a link between can producers and customers, supplying almost 60 million cans a year to industry. In 2022 the company made a £3,000,000 investment, purchasing a digital printing machine for direct-to-object can printing

The printer is a breakthrough for sustainability, removing the need for

plastics from labels and sleeves; improving the recyclability of the can, while making digitally-printed cans available to all producers The machine allows for MOQ=1can, which is significantly less than can producers

customers will have an opportunity to attend proof and print sessions to engage with the key part of the branding experience – taking a can home

using digital traditional print methods and opening printed cans to producers of any size

The machine has 360 degree print up to 1200dpi and full can print including the neck / shoulder, including the ability to print most can sizes – 500ml, 440ml, 330ml standard, 330ml Sleek, 250ml and 150ml standard

The technology will not only reduce MOQ’s but improve marketing appeal, branding opportunity and yield while decreasing lead-times, line speed, waste and, in some cases, reducing costs for small producers who are the backbone of the industry Oasthouse will also be able to provide some ‘Just in Time’, on the fly print runs for special occasions and events

Every design will have a ‘can in the hand proof ’ Oasthouse’s central location is beneficial for transport and

Says Sam Morris of Oasthouse, “Post COVID, Brexit and entering a period of economic uncertainty, we made the decision to make an investment / finance The search for investment was, in itself, a tumultuous journey, with an inevitable amount of barriers and limited support With help from Praetura we secured the investment needed and our printer #27 is up and running and already printing cans ”

Oasthouse recently held a launch event providing current and potential customers with the opportunity to view the equipment and meet the Oasthouse ‘family’

Continues Sam Morris, “In addition to sharing this with our customers and suppliers we made this a media event, spreading a truly good news story to the nation We would love to discuss our story further, the ups, the downs, the risks, the rewards, the challenges and the victories ”

For further information:

digican@oasthouseengineering.co.uk www.oasthouseengineering.co.uk

Leibinger launches new coding and marking system

Leibinger, the global innovation leader in coding and marking systems, presented an all-new at the interpack exhibition in Düsseldorf from 4-10 May 2023. With what it describes as a “groundbreaking innovation”, the company is raising the benchmark and promising a new era in the marking of, for example, best-before dates and other codes on a wide range of materials

“Especially in the case of cost-sensitive applications, such as in the F&B sector

or in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) segment, it is decisive that the marking runs smoothly and without any interruptions We have developed an entirely new Coding & Marking System that delivers exactly what it promises: absolutely worry-free printing,” reveals Christina Leibinger, CEO of Paul Leibinger GmbH & Co KG, who goes on to say, “Also worthy of mention is the fact that the new system boasts the lowest operating costs in the industry Just one of the reasons we are talking about a new era ”

We asked companies supplying the UK Distilling market to let us know something about their products and services

BSPS Ltd Opens Scottish Office

Bill

Egerton, Managing Director of Bulk Storage & Process Systems

Ltd, has announced that Adam Proud has joined the company, and will be based in Scotland. He brings over 25 years of experience to the business

Adam (pictured) started as a draftsman learning his trade in the agricultural and distilling industries, having moved to Aberdeenshire to work for Clark & Sutherland He soon moved on to designing and costing jobs and finally running projects

After 15 years, a move into sales with JW Installations and then back into

agriculture with GrainTek saw him working on projects and helping them design and establish the GrainTek Drier

More recently Adam has been working for Perry of Oakley as a Senior Internal Sales Engineer before joining BSPS this April as a Projects Manager

Adam will be assisting Bill Egerton with projects both locally in Scotland and throughout the UK His recruitment further establishes BSPS as one of the specialists in materials handling in the malting, brewing, agricultural, food and chemical industries

Together they will continue to offer unbiased advice on plant and equipment

selection, alongside a full project management service from conception and design through to commissioning

For further information:

Tel: 01483 202211

www bulksystems co uk

Move over gin - white rum is on the rise

Caleb Simpson, Managing Director of Simpson’s Beverages, on the rise of white rum

White rum is tipped to replace gin as the spirit of choice for many.

Sales of all varieties of rum are growing around the world, and are forecast to reach $21.5bn by 2028, as reported by The Food People. In the UK, sales of rum topped £1bn in 2022, according to Nielsen IQ, making it the fastest growing spirits category

The age-old spirit holds appeal for all drinkers thanks to its broad flavour profiles, ranging from spicy and botanical to floral and fruity

Of the dark, light, spiced and golden varieties, though, white rums are arguably the most versatile Which is one of the range of reasons why we’re now seeing white rum leading the charge

White rum is already well-loved when mixed with lime, coconut or cola mixers It can work just as well with tonic water too Its neutral palette gives it some edge over its juniper-based predecessor, able to be easily elevated with extra flavours So we think ‘R&T’ could soon be the new G&T

Increasing interest in global spirits has also been helping rum Flavoured varieties of dark and spiced rums have

paved the way for RTD rums Bacardi is already selling RTDs and flavoured rums and ‘spiked’ coconut waters are also on offer We think this sets out the stall for more fruity, floral or herby additions to white rums

Bold tropical flavours are the obvious additions for flavoured rums – like passionfruit or pineapple Big flavours can be created with botanicals like basil, chamomile, or hibiscus too And subtler fruit tastes work just as well - pear or watermelon can create softer, more sophisticated white rum cocktails.

Drinkers have become familiar with flavoured rums, perhaps most notably from Dead Man’s Fingers’ eye-catching varieties This familiarity is another factor working in white rum’s favour

And classic white rum-based cocktails like Mojitos, Daiquiris and Pina Coladas mean everyone from experienced

professionals to adventurous amateur mixologists are used to reaching for the spirit White rum can be the base for both sweet, creamy cocktails or classy, clarified rum-based cocktails We’re now expecting to see more white rum cocktails creep onto menus this year

Simpson’s Beverages develop and manufacture liquid flavour compounds for spirits, liqueurs and ready to drink cocktails

Visit: www simpsonsbeverages com/ flavour-compounds-for-alcoholic-drinks/

For further information:

www simpsonsbeverages com

Labelnet works with UK distillers to create luxurious labels

Labelnet has recently introduced a range of embellishments to its range to create luxurious labels ideal for UK distilleries.

Hot and cold foiling are a great way to add eye-catching detail to a label design like Kingdom Gin who launched a range of flavoured gins and worked with Labelnet to create its ideal labels

Founder of Kingdom Recommends, Karen Thenga, and the team were looking for a label manufacturer to assist them with their new gin labels They came across Labelnet whilst researching on the internet, speaking to lots of different companies to find ones who could help with what they needed and then evaluating them against each other

What they liked about Labelnet was a desire to help the company achieve its goals Right from the beginning Labelnet was brought in to help the team deliver its labels and seals in double quick time Labelnet rep, Richard, helped Kingdom Recommends with its project, with a very positive attitude whilst listening to the ideas and vision

Both cost and turnaround times were very important when choosing a supplier but Kingdom also considered how the business worked, how quickly questions were answered and how much help and

advice was available A big question was whether it felt it could trust the company to fulfil its promises and commitments without causing any concerns or worry Ultimately, Kingdom Recommends was looking for long-term partners it could work together with and create a good business relationship with

Whilst Karen and the team found their way through various decisions of volumes, sizes, colour and finishes, Labelnet’s patience was available in bucketloads – you name it, they changed it and always the Labelnet team came back quickly with lots of suggestions and good ideas Richard even video-called Karen and the Kingdom Recommends team to explain how the labels were wound onto labelling machines to ensure they understood the concept

Because of the depth of knowledge Richard had, together with the team at Labelnet, they were able to turn a creative idea into a workable design This really helped Kingdom Recommends achieve what it was looking for at an affordable price with a great finish

The ability to have open constructive conversations about changes really helped the team understand any required changes and create a great label

Get your kit from Vitikit

Vitikit Limited is your comprehensive supplier for all your distilling, brewing and cider-making needs. We are a leading supplier of high-quality goods and services, providing the latest distilling, wine, cider and brewing equipment

Our products are carefully selected from top manufacturers worldwide to ensure that our clients receive only the best quality We provide a variety of distilling and brewing equipment suitable for producing any type of spirits or beer, including craft beer, wheat beer, ale, stout, and lager We also have a range of cider-making equipment that can be used for the production of unique blends

of delicious apples Our wine-making equipment is ideal for creating sparkling wine, white, rose, or red

At Vitikit, we are committed to providing excellent customer service Our team of experts is always available to help you find the right specialist equipment for a unique drinks product We are constantly adding new products to our range, and we hold many items in stock, such as filtration equipment and stainless steel tanks.

Our aim is to provide our clients with the best possible products and services at competitive prices

For further information:

“The Labelnet team worked really hard to deliver the gin labels in a very tight window and despite there being issues whilst on press they still got the order out on time, never causing us to worry,” said Karen Thenga “They saved Kingdom Recommends both time and money and gave ideas for improvement

We are delighted with our labels, they look fantastic We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Labelnet and our advice to any customer would be talk through your ideas and work together to find the best solution ”

For further information:

The Institute of Brewing & Distilling (IBD) is launching a new entry-level course for the spirits industry.

The Essentials in Distilling course has been specially designed for professionals working in a distillery in supporting roles or in the hospitality sector to educate them on the whole distilling process It is also perfect as a starting point for anyone with an interest in spirits and no experience in the industry The course provides a multimedia and interactive introduction to the different spirits produced worldwide and the processes used to make them. The course also offers downloadable PDF summaries of the learning material for future reference

At the end of the course, learners will receive a Certificate of Completion from the IBD, the world's most recognised learning provider in the drinks industry

For further information: www.vitikit.com

Ibd.org.uk

CIMEC rotary canning lines added to Vigo portfolio

Vigo, part of the Rawlings Group, has announced the addition of CIMEC counter pressure rotary canning lines to its canning line range to offer high-speed canning under counter pressure fill conditions

Commercial Director, Andy Pegman, comments: 'Having supplied and supported CIMEC bottling lines for 19 years, the inclusion of CIMEC's counter pressure filling rotary canning lines is a natural transition Our Engineering Team (9 engineers in all) has extensive experience of working with CIMEC machines We're really pleased now to be able to offer customers wanting to increase their canning output the benefits of CIMEC's high build quality coupled with UK support from our renowned engineers CIMEC machines are robust and reliable - the oldest CIMEC filler we service is 22 years,

which really speaks for itself '

CIMEC counter pressure rotary canning lines have throughputs up to 6,000 cans per hour and can be supplied with an optional can rinse unit and ink jet printing As with all filling lines supplied by Vigo, ABE lines and CIMEC lines,

they are installed commissioned and backed up by Vigo Engineers Service contracts are also available

PakTech and Braukon partnership brings first automated handle applicator of its kind to Europe

Leading brewery systems supplier and manufacturer, BrauKon, has started operating PakTech’s automated handle applicator equipment for the first time in Europe

The collaboration between BrauKon and PakTech, a leading producer of 100% recycled secondary packaging handles and automated handle applicator equipment, will allow BrauKon to propose a more holistic offer when it comes to contract brewing – from planning, manufacturing, filling and applying secondary packaging Thanks to the installation, BrauKon will be able to apply PakTech handles in significant quantities for its customers

BrauKon will also use the handle applicator to apply PakTech handles on its new line of Camba cans for its own brewery, the Camba Bavaria The new Camba cans will be available in black, high-quality and opaque cans with eyecatching and individually designed labels that will be available in select beverage markets and beverage wholesalers

“With the introduction of our new can

line and the refreshed appearance of our portfolio, we were looking for a applicator equipment partner whose products and services matched the excellence we strive for in our beers, as well as strong priceperformance ratio PakTech ticked both boxes,” states

Folkert Kupferer “Now with the operation of the CCA 120/180 can carrier applicator we will offer even more possibilities for our clients and become a truly holistic contract brewing service ”

The Head of Technology Brewery further adds, “The recent switch from bottles to cans aligns with our constantly evolving sustainability expectations when it comes to resource efficiency and circularity This makes PakTech handles the perfectly complementary secondary packaging for our new Camba can products as they are manufactured from 100% recycled plastic that are also

recyclable in turn

“We are excited to see our automated handle applicator machine come to action in Europe for the first time,” says Jim Borg, the Founder and President of PakTech “Our partnership with BrauKon is a first step to bringing our sustainable and smart solutions to the European market We also look forward to learning more about the specific needs and expectations of this very important client base ” https://paktech-opi.com For further information:

NEWS Equipment

New look for Atlanta UK

Leading packing and wrapping specialists, Atlanta UK, has recently undergone a brand refresh, in addition to launching a new website, providing an impressive showcase of its highquality automation machinery and end-of-line packaging technology

Atlanta UK, formerly Atlanta Packaging, provides UK technical sales and aftersales service for the Italian-based Atlanta Group, which manufactures a range of automatic and semi-automatic pallet stretch-wrapping equipment, highspeed wrap-around case and shrinkwrapping solutions The group supplies the OEM and integrator sector, as well as direct-to-end user across all industries including food, beverages, pet food, detergent, lubricants and personal hygiene industries

Incorporating a fresh and contemporary new logo design, created to be eyecatching and visually impactful, Atlanta

UK’s new fully responsive website provides users with an inviting and structured layout giving easy access to its product portfolio

Offering a clear format, incorporating high-quality imagery throughout and supported by product videos, the site is modern in its approach and functionality

In addition to details on each of its highquality packing and wrapping solutions, visitors to the site will find useful information and guidance on Atlanta UK’s service and spares support An insights page highlights the company’s recent news, while alongside, a ‘success stories’ section demonstrates Atlanta UK’s achievements in providing customers with market-leading automation and end-of-line solutions

Hach nitrogen LCKs now ISO standardised

Hach lays claim to still being the only supplier able to implement the original formulation of the international COD standard ISO 15705 in cuvette tests

The company has announced the ISO standardisation of several nitrogen LCK cuvette tests Its nitrogen cuvette tests also meet the strict criteria of international norming and are standardised according to ISO 23695 (ammonium), ISO 23696 (nitrate), and ISO 23697 (total nitrogen)

Accurate results are not just dependent on ISO standardisation, or the quality of the reagents and instruments used It is also the competence and training status of the Hach user which leads to such excellent accuracy in water testing

More on Hach ISO Standard Methods

Tips for getting most accurate measurement results with Hach can be found on the Hach website at https://info hach com

On the website you will find analytical

tips from our chemists and laboratory technicians as well as information on training and services which are helpful in your daily measurements

Topics include:

• Select the correct measuring range

• Pay attention to the temperature of the sample and reagents

• Check the shelf life of the reagents

• Use the Hach Truecal function

• Determine a standard solution with a known concentration

• Check the result by diluting or spiking the sample

• Check the pH of your sample

• Check the pipettes

• Maintain your instruments and continue your training

Atlanta UK’s Robert Johnston said:

“With its modern design and easy-tonavigate appeal, the website will provide visitors with a comprehensive account of our offering and, importantly, how they can utilise our automation solutions to their advantage Investments in state-of-the-art stretch wrapping, shrink wrapping and case packing machinery, are all designed to increase efficiencies and enable greater productivity, all backed by a flexible, knowledgeable and dependable service ”

SSV Limited has announced a move to a new location. This move is a significant milestone for the company as it enables it to build and grow a dedicated servicing and aftersales team along with allowing it to hold stock of tanks from 5hl to 100hl along with increasing parts storage capacity by more than 600%

Customers are asked to update their records with the new contact information and direct all future correspondence to the new address which is: Unit 8, Swinnow View, Leeds, LS13 4TZ The telephone number remains unchanged

Complete portable party kits available from Booth Dispensers

In those scorching summer months, it's more important than ever to cater for outdoor festivities, to enjoy the sun while remaining refreshed and cool. Booth Dispensers has long understand the difficulty and importance of keeping your drinks at optimal temperatures during this period and has developed bespoke solutions to ensure drinks stay ice cold from the first drop to the last Whether you're planning a wedding, a festival, or a beer garden party, Booth’s mobile event carts can fit your every need Steady, durable and reliable, the event cart allows you to move the dispense point of your venue to different locations or cater for

an event that does not have access to a cellar

There are three distinct contemporary styles to choose from: stainless-steel, vintage wood, or black powder coated. Booth Dispensers can also build a complete cart that is fully equipped with coolers, taps, regulators, and keg couplers to your specifications All you need to do is provide the gas and the product, and you're good to go!

Booth event carts can also be personalised with artwork that advertises your brand, company, or product and gives your set-up a unique flair Its magnetic material makes it easy to remove and replace quickly

Booth is also Introducing its new KegBox Cooling Systems When space is limited, the Cold-room KegBox systems provide a cold storage environment

KegBoxes are available for both remote and undercounter applications There are several sizes available, ranging from 2 to 10 kegs,

complete with fridge unit In addition to being eco-friendly and energy efficient, the units are also easy to install and maintain Booth can also supply keg coolers for the event industry, catering for up to 20 kegs

If you are interested in learning more or need help with your own custom setup, please telephone 01253 501800 or send an email to customerservice@ booth-dispensers co uk

For further information:

New AP-CODE lot and date coding module

The AP-CODE Lot and Date Coder is a new accessory for the label application process, adding the feature of printing dates, lot codes and text directly onto glass, metals, plastics and even laminated labels

As announced by DTM Print, international OEM and solution provider for speciality printing systems, this date coder, manufactured by Primera Technology, Inc , is ... “compact, affordable and easy to use.” It is designed to work seamlessly with the AP-Series Label Applicators, including new and existing installed units.

With no tools required, AP-CODE installs quickly to the AP360e and AP362e Label Applicators. It doesn’t need a separate power supply and includes a full-colour touchscreen to enter data and configure date and lot codes The print fields are free-format

and can include letters, numbers and many symbols Formats can be stored for later use to speed up production

As AP-CODE is attached to an APSeries label applicator, you get one integrated machine that prints lot codes, dates and more directly onto round containers while at the same time labels are applied. Of course, AP-CODE can add this information without the need to simultaneously apply a label and can also print on pre-applied labels

It uses a single black solvent-based ink cartridge that is long lasting, immediately dry, waterproof, scratchand UV light resistant Decap time,

during which the cartridge can remain uncovered, is more than 24 hours, eliminating clogs and needing to cap print heads overnight

“AP-CODE, in combination with the AP360e and AP362e Label Applicators, eliminates the need of applying extra labels or using hand-stamping devices to add lot codes, dates or texts to your container,” says Lea König, Product Manager for Labelling Solutions at DTM Print. “That’s a huge benefit for our customers as it significantly increases their production efficiency.”

The AP-CODE sells for € 1,149 (MSRP) and is available from DTM Print or through authorised DTM Print partners in Europe, Middle East and Africa

For further information:

Anton Paar launches inline oxygen sensor

Anton Paar has announced the launch of the Oxy 4100 Transmitter inline oxygen sensor, for the measurement of dissolved oxygen in real-time, directly at the production line

The Oxy 4100 Transmitter is a standalone entry-level unit that is easy to use and install It comes equipped with analogue outputs, a sensor cap, and a user-friendly touchscreen interface, making it a powerful solution for any production environment.

The sensor provides accurate, driftfree measurements throughout the entire production process and is

available in both trace and wide range versions, offering even more flexibility for manufacturers With a simple exchange of the sensor cap, users can conveniently switch between ranges and tailor the sensor to their specific needs

The Oxy 4100 Transmitter also

features Toolmaster® technology, which automatically detects the sensor cap and transfers all set-up parameters to the sensor This ensures that the Oxy 4100 Transmitter is ready to use right out of the box, and that inline measurement can start immediately once the cap is mounted.

Designed according to hygienic criteria, the Oxy 4100 Transmitter is capable of withstanding CIP and SIP cleaning procedures up to 130°C for 30 minutes Once the CIP/SIP routines are completed, the sensor reactivates in just minutes to minimise downtime

For further information:

info.uk@anton-paar.com

Baumer ’s ultra-compact sensor for optimum conductivity measurement

Measuring conductivity in smaller sized production facilities, especially in the food and beverage industries, demands the most compact, yet robust sensors and the new BAUMER PAC50 process sensors meet these critical requirements.

According to the company, these ultracompact sensors “set new standards” and are based on the proven performance and durability of their ‘bigger brother ’ the Baumer AF14/5 conductivity sensor

Due to continued requests from customers for increasingly smaller components to fit into tight production lines these sensors feature a housing measuring just 60mm, with the potential for reducing the display size even further down to 32mm x 25mm IO-Link is also a standard feature

Despite their compact design the sensors deliver high temperature stability up to 140ºC allowing them to be specified for permanent use, even in CIP (Cleaning-in-Place) and SIP (Sterilisation-in-Place) systems Their robustness and durability is largely

due to an innovative one-piece sensor tip design which means optimum resistance to strong and or frequent temperature fluctuations, compared to other sensors which typically feature a two-piece tip

Experience shows that many sensors have lower temperature limits (typically 100ºC) and lower resistance to chemicals This is why PAC50 sensors have a sensor tip made entirely of high-performance plastic polymer or ketone (PEEK) which offers much better resistance to chemicals and higher temperatures

Another important feature is the all stainless steel sensor housing with all parts laser welded ensuring optimum resistance to all ambient conditions outside the pipe.

PAC50 in its H version complies with EHEDG (European Hygienic Equipment Design Group) hygiene standards as required for many food, and beverage applications They are

also 3-A certified and all media contacting parts are FDA certified Like other Baumer sensors, IO-Link is a standard feature allowing the collection of secondary data, such as temperature for process monitoring and communication to control devices

This means users can quickly and easily parameterise the sensor prior to and during operation – even when the sensor is integrated via an analogue interface

Furthermore, to optimise flexibility the dual channel feature allows users to operate the PAC50 via analogue or digital channel, or even both in parallel

For further information:

www.baumer.com/gb/en

B&B Attachments announced as the official distributor for SW Paratus in the UK and

Ireland

B&B Attachments, leading manufacturer and supplier of forklift truck attachments and material handling solutions, has announced its official role as authorised distributor for SWParatus, in the UK and Ireland.

Founded in 2016 by now Managing Directors Lars Wellerdiek and Ralf Schauties, SW-Paratus has developed and manufactured the innovative pallet sliding device, PSVULTRA, from its manufacturing facility in Halle, Germany

The PSV-ULTRA is an innovative system which aims to optimise pallet handling and accelerate the flow of goods during the logistics process The system works by allowing the forklift operator to place a loaded pallet into the device, the truck then pushes the new pallet under the load and into the PSV-ULTRA system, which quickly and efficiently exchanges the pallet

The heavy-duty, roller-mounted slider easily compensates for any height differences between the old and new pallet. Pallets are exchanged and re-palletised in a matter of seconds, regardless of the pallet type The pallet changer does not require any

additional drive energy or complex hydraulics, and operating personnel can be trained in just a few simple steps to carry out the pallet change

This patented pallet sliding device is used in various industries around the world, for effortlessly swapping pallets whilst under a load The system enables a smooth transition from wood to plastic pallets (including H1 hygienic pallets) or aluminium pallets

The PSV-ULTRA can be made in stainless steel for hygienic areas or cleanroom production

Mike Barton, Managing Director at

B&B Attachments, comments: “We are excited to add the innovation of the SW Paratus system to our already extensive portfolio of material handling solutions The simple and ingenious creativity of the PSV-Ultra system makes it the perfect addition to our product range We are looking forward to working together with SW Paratus and distributing this new technology, that will be game changing for many industries ”

For further information:

www.bandbattachments.com

Hypro's Liquid CO2 Evaporator the ‘ultimate solution for decarbonisation’

In today's world, where sustainability is a top priority, every industry must take conscious efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. The brewing industry, responsible for producing one of the world's most beloved alcoholic beverages, must lead by example.

Unfortunately, traditional methods of CO2 evaporation including air heated, steam heated processes are very energy intensive

Hypro's Liquid CO2 Evaporator with a proven technology for the brewing industry's carbon footprint has been in

use for more than 2 decades With Hypro's innovative decarbonisation technique, breweries can now significantly reduce their carbon footprint while also tapping into the high refrigeration energy of CO2. Unlike thousands of installations worldwide that contribute to positive CO2 emissions, Hypro's liquid CO2 evaporator delivers a negative release of CO2 emissions, making it a most sustainable and efficient choice for breweries looking to make a positive impact on the environment

Said a spokesperson for the company, “Having undertaken more than 65 installations so far, the system

ensures that the decarbonisation process takes place while leading to negative CO2 emissions, making it one of the most sustainable systems available in the market.”

For further information:

www.hypro.co.in

Nectaron® - To NZ and beyond

Prior to its official launch in 2020, Nectaron®, developed by NZ Hops in partnership with the team of horticulture specialists at Plant & Food Research and generational NZ hop growers, was affectionately known as “wow” and that should say it all really

Nectaron®, now in its second year of commercial harvest, is a shining example of where science meets art and it is certainly a hop that punches above its weight So much so that this ‘new kid on the block’ hop was voted as the fifth most desired hop variety that brewers would like to see more of in the future, in a survey conducted last year by America’s Brewers Association.

Said a spokesperson for the company, “Of course we were pretty pleased with this result and didn’t want to disappoint, so we delivered, upping

our production to ensure brewers around the world would have plenty of this amazing hop to brew with

“Nectaron® was selected specifically for its ability to thrive in our New Zealand growing environment and deliver unique flavour characteristics, which is a key part of our ethos at NZ Hops Our hops are in high demand, with a unique chemical composition that can’t be replicated anywhere else and Nectaron® itself offers incredible fruit-forward flavours of intense passionfruit, nectarine and pineapple

“It is a hop, which promises to bring a whole new characteristic to brewing and is particularly suited to the trending New England IPA style of beer along with traditional IPA’s, Ales and Lagers

“We have paid tribute to Dr Ron

Beatson, the plant geneticist who passionately cultivated Nectaron® from the initial crossing of its parents back in 2004 and its selection as a seedling in 2006, and then right through to its commercialisation.”

“It’s a wonderful tribute,” says Dr Ron, “I’m really chuffed ”

Nectaron®, all the way from its home in Nelson, NZ, looks set to take on the world and NZ Hops says it has no doubt that it will “become a shining hop star and continue to wow anyone who brews with it!”

For further information:

BarthHaas X launches a new ecommerce shop offering direct access for even the smallest brewery

A new online shop for Barth Haas X allows breweries to purchase hops, malt and yeast directly from the producer, rather than through a third party.

It comes after the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) warned that the industry is facing a crisis and is on a dredging cliff edge due to rising energy costs

Breweries will receive technical support direct from the horse’s mouth Next day delivery is available in volumes breweries need to use, rather than having to over order – therefore protecting the brewery cash flow

The new platform has been designed to help breweries easily find and purchase the supplies they need to create high-quality brews By offering direct access to top suppliers

BarthHaas X, in collaboration with Muntons Malt and WHC Labs, is providing an innovative solution to breweries large and small during the

cost-of-living crisis and helping them compete in an increasingly crowded market

John Willetts, Director of BarthHaas X said: “We are thrilled to be launching this new platform and to be offering the smaller breweries a solution that will help them succeed We believe that by providing direct access to top suppliers, we can help small breweries grow and thrive, and we are excited to be a part of that journey.

“So many breweries have to buy through third parties rather than direct from the producers like ourselves, and this causes additional costs that small businesses, in particular, can barely support, so we wanted to produce a way for everyone to be able to have direct access to the best producers in the marketplace

“Therefore we have got together with Muntons Malt and WHC Labs to offer direct access to all of our products, with the beneficial cashflow protection and quality benefits that brings ”

The ecommerce shop features an extensive range of supplies, including brewing ingredients, equipment, and accessories The shop is also designed to be user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it simple for small brewery owners to find the products they need to create unique and delicious brews The platform also offers fast shipping

John adds: “BarthHaas X always works at the heart of our industry, and does what is needed to best support the brewers at all times ”

For further information:

www.barthhaasx.com

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

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

LalBrew LoNa™ is a hybrid Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strain that has been selected for the easy and consistent production of low and non-alcoholic beers

Advanced classical and non-GMO breeding methods were used to select a strain that does not consume maltose or maltotriose, resulting in very low attenuation.

LalBrew LoNa™ is the first maltosenegative Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain specifically selected for beer fermentations. As a S. cerevisiae strain, LalBrew LoNa™ performs like an ale producing a clean and neutral aroma profile, no phenolic flavours, and significantly reducing aldehydes that cause worty flavours

Additionally, the patented technology from the University of California Davis (USA) ensures that the strain will not produce sulfurous off-flavours, allowing the malt and hop flavours to shine through

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

Simpsons Malt Limited has been granted planning permission in principle from Moray Council to build a state-of-the-art maltings with malting barley storage facilities on the outskirts of Rothes.

The decision was made at a special meeting of Moray Council’s Planning & Regulatory Services Committee in February, with the application receiving majority approval from representatives in attendance.

Up to 40 jobs are set to be created at the fifth-generation, family business when the site is operational By having a maltings in Rothes, it will expand the company’s number of malting sites in the United Kingdom to three, with its other malting sites in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland – where the company’s headquarters is located – and Tivetshall St Margaret, Norfolk

The maltings will have an annual production capacity of 85,000 tonnes and, with most of this tonnage earmarked for major distilling customers located in Speyside, it will also assist the company – which achieved Certified B Corporation

status in 2021 –in operating more efficiently and sustainably, with its goal to be net zero by 2030.

Furthermore, the barley that will be used for malt production will be locally grown by farming customers of the company’s agricultural merchanting division McCreath Simpson & Prentice, with the barley transported into the site from its grain stores in Keith and Stracathro

Speaking about the latest developments, Simpsons Malt Limited Managing Director, Tim McCreath, said: “Two-and-a-half years since entering into the agreement to purchase the land at Greens of Rothes, we’re delighted that Moray Council has granted planning permission in principle for our proposed maltings in Rothes

“Operating a maltings in the heart of Scotch whisky country will enable us

Revolutionise low alcohol beer with LalBrew LoNa™ Simpsons Malt gets planning permission in principle for Rothes maltings

For

to operate more efficiently and sustainably, while also assisting our end user customers in the area with their own sustainability objectives

information: www.simpsonsmalt.co.uk For further information:

BCAS launches essential industry guide to compressed air installation

The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) has launched a new compressed air installation best practice guide (BPG 101-6).

As one of the only truly impartial guides in the UK, the guide covers ‘installation’ in terms of the collection of equipment and processes within the compressed air system

Compressed air accounts for a considerable amount of electricity consumed by industry and compressed air systems are used extensively in virtually all industrial applications The guide therefore provides essential information that can help readers reduce their energy consumption and ensure maximum uptime, while meeting legislative requirements to ensure health and safety is prioritised

Providing step-by-step information for the correct specification, installation and maintenance of compressed air equipment as well as its end-of-life

removal, the 272-page guide is essential reading for compressed air industry employees, plant engineers, maintenance technicians and end users

The reliability of compressed air systems is a major consideration for operators, as any issues with supply can result in potential downtime In addition, selecting the right equipment can be a complex task It can affect everything from maintenance schedules and costs to ongoing air purity (quality), as well as the annual electrical energy cost of air production, which can be several times the cost of the original equipment

The best practice guide is divided into a series of easy-to-read chapters to make specification as straightforward as possible These cover compressed air system assessment, equipment selection and system design,

EPR for packaging set to dominate Environmental Packaging Summit

Leading environmental compliance data specialist Ecoveritas will be represented at next month's Environmental Packaging Summit by Chief Strategy Officer, Andrew McCaffery.

The two-day event, due to be held at the Eastside Rooms, Birmingham's newest conference venue, on 13-14 June, aims to bring together packaging professionals from across the supply chain to talk about Extended Producer Responsibility, Deposit Return Schemes, and the very latest in sustainable innovation McCaffery (pictured) will sit alongside Claire Shrewsbury, Director of Insights & Innovation at WRAP, Steve Morgan, Head of Policy and Infrastructure at Recoup Recycling, Robbie Staniforth, Innovation and Policy Director at Ecosurety, and Mike Baxter, External

Affairs Director at BERRY bpi group, for a panel session on Extended Producer Responsibility chaired by Packaging News editor Phil Chadwick

"The Environmental Packaging Summit has very quickly become a bellwether for both packaging professionals and brands alike," said McCaffery "This year's event takes place at a seminal moment for the sector It will, no doubt, help mobilise stakeholders with the ideas and agency to facilitate the ongoing transition

"The unpalatable fact is that the UK still produces too much waste, and we don't recycle enough The summit will allow leaders and key thinkers to focus on challenges requiring absolute collaboration

"For sustainability to be a truly commercial priority for corporations,

including pipework Detailed information is also provided around installation, commissioning, maintenance, system management, and finally, legislation and standards

Companies can purchase the guide either as a PDF download or a hardwearing, bound copy for £14 95 (plus VAT and postage) directly from the BCAS website

https://www bcas org uk/knowledgebase/best-practice aspx

For further information:

enquiries@bcas.org.uk

legislation must incentivise sustainable choices and de-incentivise unsustainable ones Governments worldwide have begun stepping up, enacting recycling claim standards, packaging bans and EPR laws. Progress is slow, but it's gaining momentum."

With the packaging industry at the centre of the sustainability debate, the Packaging News event represents a platform to discuss the latest innovations and services, explore pressing sustainability issues, and learn from industry leaders

The 50-minute session involving McCaffery is scheduled to take place on June 14 at 14:10, with tickets on sale now

For further information:

info@ecoveritas.com

Nitrogen generation for craft brewer Wells & Co

Replacing CO₂ with nitrogen reduces reliance on CO₂ and can save 73% in costs per cubic metre, and Wells & Co has chosen Parker ’s NITROSource, a standalone system, to generate nitrogen on demand and replace CO₂ in production processes.

“As a business, we’ve seen the impact of the huge increases in energy costs on the price of CO₂ as well as regular supply shortages,” says James Hunter, Head Brewer at Wells & Co “While we can’t replace CO₂ completely, we can swap nitrogen in to a number of our processes By installing NITROSource, we’ve reduced our costs and our carbon emissions ”

Breweries face ongoing challenges with CO₂ cost and supply CO₂ shortages have hit breweries hard in recent years. It’s used throughout production so interrupted supplies can often cause output issues and may push prices up The energy crisis has made the situation worse The rising cost of gas recently prompted CF Industries to halt ammonia production at its Billingham plant, meaning that the production of CO₂ at the plant will also cease Where CO₂ is available, brewers are seeing huge price increases

Wells & Co, a leading craft brewer,

produces 25,000 hectolitres of beer at its Bedfordshire plant, using 500 kg of CO₂ each day While their CO₂ costs were contracted, the contractual price is linked to supply and if CO₂ becomes hard to get hold of, the cost rises Wells & Co didn’t experience production downtime because of CO₂ shortages, but this was only because it was able to buy gas in bulk

James Hunte adds: “We have a bulk tank on site that is sized for regular 4-6 weekly refills of CO₂, but that’s something smaller breweries simply can’t do Supply shortages are a real problem for many brewers ” Lowering costs and reducing reliance on CO₂ were key business objectives

Nitrogen can replace CO₂ in some processes and with Parker ’s NITROSource, it can be generated on demand at a fraction of the cost of buying in gas While the level of dissolved oxygen (DO) produced must be considered, any potential degradation of product quality is assessed in the initial scoping exercise

“NITROSource generates food-grade nitrogen and it’s the only system on the market that offers full BRC

compliance as installed,” explains Hunter “It was straightforward ” The scoping and sizing exercise calculated existing gas usage, taking into account the link between peak demands, purity and buffer capacity

“If you get your calculations right, the installation should be straightforward,” says James “It’s literally plug and play for the unit, then you just have the electrical supply and peripherals like the pipework to manage ”

The brewery’s use of CO₂ has reduced by 50 tonnes per year

NITROSource generates 22 m3 of nitrogen per hour, and the equivalent of around 500 kg of CO₂ in 12 hours. Converting to NITROSource has reduced costs by over 70% and Wells & Co now uses nitrogen to transfer the conditioned beer after fermentation and control the top pressure in the buffer tanks and the finished tanks The first two purging processes are driven by nitrogen, while CO₂ is still used in the third round

www.parker.com

Protium partnership to switch Lancashire’s biggest brewery to run on green hydrogen

Protium, a leading green hydrogen company, has announces a new partnership with Budweiser Brewing Group to decarbonise its Samlesbury brewery by developing a green hydrogen energy production facility at the site

The Samlesbury Net Zero project coupled with other initiatives aims to help Budweiser Brewing Group’s iconic Samlesbury brewery, which has been in operation for over 50 years, meet its thermal demand, heating and transport needs through green hydrogen energy.

As well as reducing the brewery’s carbon emissions, it will lead to cleaner air and reduced vehicle noise with heavy goods vehicles also being powered by hydrogen

Made possible by a partnership with leading UK green hydrogen energy services company, Protium, the Samlesbury Net Zero project, when operational, will save up to 11,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year This is equivalent to taking 5,800 cars off the road, offsetting the emissions of 11,156 London to New York return flights, or planting 440,000 trees

The new facility would be built next to the brewery, which lies just off the A59

between Preston and Blackburn

The facility (the electrolyser, associated plant and refuelling station) would cover an area similar in size to one and a half full-size football pitches

Under the plans, Protium would fund, build, and operate the site for the brewery and is targeting the end of 2025 for it to be operational A planning application for the project will be submitted in the coming spring following consultation with neighbours, the community, and other local stakeholders

For further information:

For further information: protium

Sovereign Beverage Company wins exclusive global export agreement with Greene King

Sovereign Beverage Company and Greene King have confirmed a new agreement, giving the Blackburn-based premium beverage exporter exclusivity on the global distribution of Greene King products

Greene King is part of Sovereign Beverage Company’s premium portfolio of British beverage brands which includes Thatchers Cider, Robinsons Brewery (Trooper by Iron Maiden), and Carlsberg Marston’s Sovereign has been working with Greene King for a number of years on a non-exclusive basis, and this latest agreement means the company will now be managing the full portfolio worldwide, taking the final three markets in house throughout the course of 2023 The agreement represents significant growth for Sovereign Beverage Company, with a

projected annual uplift of 20% turnover

Richard Honey, Sales Director Off-Trade, e-Comm & Export at Greene King, said: “We are delighted to have Sovereign as our exclusive distribution partner across all territories Over the years Sovereign has provided an invaluable service to us helping us navigate the challenges of both Brexit and Covid. Their clear focus on customer service, improving efficiency and reducing complexity, makes them the ideal company for us to work with ”

Greene King’s industry-leading portfolio includes Greene King IPA, Old Speckled Hen, Abbot Ale, Ice Breaker, Belhaven Best and its newest premium beer additions, Level Head and Flint Eye, brewed for the modern-day drinker David Davies, Founder, and MD of

Sovereign Beverage Company, said: “We’re delighted to be adding the rest of the Greene King market to our portfolio of premium brands We’ve already conducted two market visits in the USA, and China and France will follow later this year” ”

For further information:

www sovbev com

Leeds-based brewer and bar chain secures £375,000 funding as business grows internationally

Leading UK independent invoice financier, Bibby Financial Services (BFS), has struck a deal with North Brewing Company Ltd for a £375,0000 Confidential Invoicing Discounting (CID) package, to support the business’s cashflow and enable the founders to focus on future growth.

The Leeds-based business started its life as North Bar on New Briggate high street, which was founded in 1997 by John Gyngell and Christian Townsley

After opening several more bars, the pair ’s passion for great beer led them to found North Brewing Co in 2015, brewing their own range of local craft beers which continues to expand

North now operates 10 bars across Yorkshire, Birmingham and Manchester and produces around 20 thousand hectolitres of beer every year which is sold into supermarkets, restaurants, and bars all over the world

As the business continues to grow and supply an ever-increasing number of domestic and international customers, the new funding line from BFS will allow North’s co-founders to manage cashflow, so they can focus on planning ahead and growing the business.

To facilitate the transaction, the business was introduced to BFS’s commercial team by Conor Smyth at TFS Finance Ltd, an independent commercial finance brokerage focused on the SME market BFS’s Yorkshire-based deal-team – led by Ian Hayes – structured a Confidential Invoice Discounting funding facility worth £375,000 BFS was chosen due to its speed, agility and understanding of the business’s needs

John Gyngell, Director and Co-founder of North Brewing Co, commented: “We’re so proud of where our business is today, in large part thanks to our great staff and a lot of love from our customers and community But, as a business owner,

cashflow is a daily concern, especially over the past 12 months In order to grow the business, we need to be able to focus on the future, rather than just respond to the day to day We really appreciated BFS’s commitment to understanding our business, and quickly coming back to us with a solution BFS’s funding and support gives us the breathing space to concentrate on what we’re best at, plan ahead for business growth over the next few years and have more time to enjoy the day job ”

Superior product protection for The Sourceror ’s beer advent calendar

The Sourceror is an awardwinning craft beer company. The inspiration for the brand stems from the costumes designed by Shepperton Design Studio’s Andrew Ainsworth for the inaugural Star Wars film in 1976.

The Sourceror wanted to take advantage of the profitable Christmas sales market by having a product specifically designed to sell at this time of the year, in this case, a 12-Day beer advent calendar The brand was looking for a packaging solution that was physically strong enough to hold 11 x 330ml beer cans and an accompanying glass It was also vital that the advent calendar remained in keeping with the eye-catching Stormtrooper branding using exciting imagery and striking colours

Smurfit Kappa’s team was able to create a bespoke beer advent calendar for the Sourceror ’s Stormtrooper ‘Space Craft Beer ’ brand which was strong enough to hold the weight of the cans and glass

and was able to withstand the rigours of transit, ensuring the precious cargo arrived at customers’ doors undamaged

The marketing team behind The Sourceror is delighted with the new beer advent calendar, which it believe “shows off their dramatic Stormtrooper branding to full effect”.

It allows the company to celebrate Christmas with existing customers and sign up new customers by impressing them with its beers The advent calendar also boosts customer loyalty by ‘gifting’ regular beer buyers the opportunity to sample versions they may not have tried previously At the same time, it allows the company to market a beer the customer might not have chosen for themselves before - and subsequently become a fan of, spreading brand awareness and welcoming new, brand-loyal customers

With an initial order for 2,000 beer advent calendars, The Sorcerer enjoyed many orders as the

Christmas calendar was released to eagerly awaiting Star Wars fans

Commented a Smurfit Kappa spokesperson, “This is another example of how we can turn a client’s idea into reality by working together and calling on our experience to bring fun and ambitious brands to life We are already gearing up to help with The Sorcerer's ideas for luxury gift packaging.”

For further information:

smurfitkappa com

Lindum Packaging helps international brewer reduce ‘movement in transport’ issues

Lindum Packaging has helped a world-renowned brewer to reduce its ‘movement in transport’ issues (MITs) by 80%.

After some changes to its primary packaging which involved removing the heat-shrink film around packs of cans, and replacing it with a cardboard sleeve, the company noticed an increase in damaged goods caused during the transportation process.

Rick Sellars, Sales Manager at Lindum Packaging says: “Movement in transport is a major issue in the brewing industry The damaged packs can’t be resold and have to be thrown away This is a huge financial loss and also creates unacceptable food waste

“Our Mobile Pallet Stability Test Lab and our Innovation Centre in Grimsby have both been developed to test and analyse the stability of pallets with the

aim of reducing over-packaging, improving performance, saving money and reducing food waste ”

Pallet stability tests at Lindum Packaging’s Innovation Centre revealed that the 568ml pack format suffered the most movement in transport issues The Lindum Packaging experts trialled different stretch films, wrapping patterns, anti-slip layer sheets and cardboard corners – testing each format to identify the problems and provide solutions A suitable wrapping film and wrapping pattern was identified, which not only increased pallet stability, but was also easy to implement in the breweries without the need to make significant capital investment

This new wrapping pattern did not use any additional weight of stretch film when compared with the original wrapping pattern, which helped to maintain the company’s sustainability

goals. The solution was implemented on existing wrappers and was proved to run well without interruption to factory production

Lindum’s Mobile Pallet Stability Test Lab was also taken to site to verify that the pallet stability results at the brewery were equal to the trials that had been completed at Lindum’s Innovation Centre Now, some months on from this implementation, there are no instances of movement in transport from this 568ml can format and it is no longer considered a major issue

For further information:

lindumpackaging.com

Falconer ’s stand-out carton marks Trooper ’s 10th

Leading carton manufacturer, Falconer, has produced limited edition carton packaging to mark the 10th anniversary of Trooper, the highly successful and awardwinning beer produced in collaboration between British music icons, Iron Maiden and Stockportbased Robinsons Brewery. The beer, which also celebrates the achievement of over 35 million Trooper pints sold worldwide, is a brand new 10% ABV Trooper X Imperial Stout created by Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson and the Robinsons team The carton artwork was conceived by Iron Maiden’s long

standing designer, Stuart Crouch of Stuart Crouch Creative

To accommodate the 600ml highly decorated bottle, the carton needed to be robust and strong. For the material, CrownBoard Prestige® with a metalized face was used, combining strength and printability in a unique way Opaque white subdued all the non-foil areas and two tones of grey were added - a dark grey for the background onto which iconic Trooper skulls were inset in a lighter grey The copper foil effect was matched to the labels and all non-metallic areas had a matt varnish applied, with the silver and copper foil areas being accentuated with a gloss varnish To finish the design, a multi-level emboss was used to lift the swords and the Trooper logo To maintain the premium feel of the carton, the finished design has no visible raw edges throughout

“Falconer came highly recommended by some of our supply partners and

the quality of their products that were already in the market were of the high standard that we were looking for on this project,” said Dean Etchells, Robinsons’ Trooper Brand Manager “The cartons fully exceed our expectations, with the quality, premium feel and attention to detail really making the carton stand out Plus, the service levels from the Falconer team were exceptional throughout ”

Falconer ’s Colin Pow added: “We really felt we could add value to the carton as the client was open to ideas It was also very exciting to produce work for an amazing band and brewery. The initial meetings were very creative with all parties striving for perfection. Overall it was an exciting project as we were allowed to influence the finished packaging to give the carton maximum shelf appeal ”

For further information:

falconerprint.co.uk

DRINKS INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS

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no

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

VOL 5

ISSUE 2

Summer 2023

Chris Bayliss BFBi National Chair

This is my final editorial as Chair of this fantastic organisation and as I look back over the two years that I have had the honour of holding this position I am struck with just how much our industry has endured in that time.

From the uncertainty, and often fear, of the COVID pandemic that pretty much decimated our sector with lockdowns, establishing a “pavement café” culture and the slow crawl back to recovery through the lack of consumer confidence as the world began to turn seminormally once again, to the most recent cost of living crisis which has seen our customers reducing their spending On the way we had the lack of availability of staff, various supply chain crises (including the infamous 3-point-turn in the Suez Canal) and the sky rocketing energy and raw material costs

However, our industry has survived, although we may look a little different to pre-pandemic with the proliferation of QR codes, adapting our operating model to serve the needs of our customers to order via apps and have our products delivered to their door to consume at home and hastily adapted menus to reflect product availability on the day Once again, this has demonstrated to me the resilience our sector has and the adaptability of all our members to embrace new trends, change our business model and continue to serve the consumer in new and inventive ways As I reflect on the past two years, I must thank Robinson’s Brewery for their continued support at all events whilst also hosting the Chairman’s dinner in 2022 Moving forward I will certainly continue to support the BFBi from the wings, and I encourage all members to consider joining the committees that plan and host events to promote networking within our society.

I’m looking forward to seeing many of you at Drapers Hall in London on June 27th for the National Lunch where I will officially hand over to my good friend Andrew Jeans, Managing Director of Industrial Trading Solutions, as my successor as Chair and I’m sure you will join me in wishing him well as he takes up this role and works with the committees to take the BFBi to new heights.

So, thank you for your support during my time at the helm, it’s been an honour and a privilege – Cheers!

Chris Bayliss

First UK shipment of low-carbon nitrogen fertiliser to Simpsons Malt

OCI Global has delivered the first UK shipment of its low-carbon fertiliser to Simpsons Malt Limited as part of an exciting new project to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of malting barley and distilling wheat.

The shipment of the company ’ s NUTRAMON Low Carbon fertiliser – a low-carbon nitrogen granular product –was delivered to the Port of Berwick in Northumberland on March 14

OCI Global’s VP Commercial Nitrogen, Aviv Bar Tal, says the partnership will involve NUTRAMON Low Carbon being applied on malting barley and distilling wheat at Simpsons Malt’s farm in Northumberland and on other trial sites this year with a focus on decarbonising the supply chain, ultimately lowering the carbon footprint of Scotch Whisky

“We know that we need to address the greenhouse gas emissions of fertilisers because, to feed our growing population, continuing to use fertilisers is non-negotiable,” adds Mr Bar Tal.

“That’s why, through projects like this one, we aim to create partnerships with companies in the food and drink supply chain to deliver affordable, but also sustainable, products for the long-term ”

Explaining how NUTRAMON Low Carbon has been produced, Mr Bar Tal says the fertiliser has a low-carbon status because it has been made using biomethane feedstock, rather than a natural gas. This reduces its carbon footprint by 50%, when compared to a conventionally produced nitrogen fertiliser

NUTRAMON Low Carbon is also ISCC PLUS certified, a recognised independent certification standard for bio, bio-circular and renewable feedstocks across the world.

Simpsons Malt Limited fertiliser director, David Barrett, says NUTRAMON Low Carbon will be sold commercially to growers by the company ’ s agricultural merchanting division, McCreath Simpson & Prentice, from Autumn 2023 following the initial trials this season. The aim is for the low-carbon fertiliser to be applied to malting barley and distilling wheat, which is destined for Simpsons Malt’s brewing and distilling customers.

Mr Barrett adds: “We endeavour to ensure the fertilisers we purchase are sustainably produced and so we ’ re delighted to be partnering with OCI Global on the supply of low-carbon NUTRAMON ”

Anton Paar launches Liqueur Analyzing System

Anton Paar has launched a modular, versatile Liqueur Analyzing System that measures all relevant QC parameters in a single measuring cycle – covering a wide array of samples, from distillates to liqueur with high sugar content.

Measurements are rated up to 10x quicker than with classic distillation No product-specific calibration is necessary, and neither is initial setup of a calibration database and reference analysis The Analyzing System determines alcohol and total extract, and can be extended with additional modules to measure colour, turbidity, or pH. The density meter’s FillingCheck™ automatically detects filling errors, such as bubbles in the sample, in real time, alerts the user, and documents the incident

The sweeter, the better: Adding an MCP 100 polarimeter to the system allows analysis of liqueurs with sugar content higher than 20 g/L An algorithm eliminates the impact of saccharose and invert sugar on the NIR alcohol analysis and allows the estimation of the concentration of these types of sugars in the sample info.uk@anton-paar.com

Pictured: The first UK shipment of OCI’s NUTRAMON Low Carbon being discharged at the Port of Berwick for Simpsons Malt www.simpsonsmalt.co.uk

Users can separate media hygienically and securely with AWH Leakage Butterfly Valves - ideal for safety critical, positive separation of hazardous materials, such as CIP Fluids and Product, says Neumo.

The AWH Leakage Butterfly Valve has a large internal chamber to securely separate media, which comes as standard with a leakage / drain valve and a rinse valve, also referred to as auxiliary valves These auxiliary valves can be actuated pneumatically separately, or at the same time

Both valves are designed to be easy to clean and fully isolated when closed. Since the valve piston is virtually flush with the flow tube, this area cannot become soiled The Butterfly Valves use Neumo’s tried and tested hygienic design The valve itself comes with the tried and tested AWH standard Butterfly

Valve Disks, Seals and Actuators for maximum compatibility with standard spare parts

The actuator and auxiliary valves can be equipped with sensors to monitor the individual valve positions Integrated mounting for Position Sensors can be specified or dedicated Control Tops from Neumo’s VMon II range are also available.

The "Double-Valve principle" offers the greatest safety when working with different media in the same system The intermediate flange design makes installation easy during assembly and maintenance

Scan the QR code (right) to see the (1702) AWH Maintenance Leakage Butterfly Valve pneumatic in action. www.neumo.co.uk

canning systems now available from Wild Goose Filling in Europe

Dual-lane Evolution Series canning models are available for the first time to European beverage makers

U.S. beverage equipment manufacturer, Wild Goose Filling, has introduced the CE-certified dual-lane model of its Evolution Series™ beverage canning systems, which is now available in Europe and worldwide As the fastest machine in the range of Wild Goose canning systems, the fully automated dual-lane Evolution Series models can achieve speeds up to 6000 cans per hour.

The dual-lane Evolution Series features side-by-side patented inline filling stations to minimise beverage exposure time to atmosphere. Sealing occurs automatically through paired lid placement and patented Wild Goose seaming stations. In addition, CO2 purging stations and Wild Goose DO Buster™ CO2 tunnels prevent dissolved oxygen intake to preserve beverage quality. Dual-lane Evolution Series models are capable of running both lanes simultaneously or one lane only for smaller product runs

“We designed this canning line with European beverage makers in mind,” said Wild Goose general manager, Dan Welch. “Our customers in Europe have requested a high-speed canning line at a reasonable price Offering CE models of our dual-lane Evolution Series canning systems gives producers around the

world a reliable, high-quality filling solution for beer, wine, cider, or just about anything else at a lower investment than large-scale rotary filling machines ”

The newly CE-certified dual-lane Evolution Series system expands from 8 to 10 fill heads for increased throughput, providing a cost-effective means of boosting production efficiency. The upgradeable design and high-speed capabilities make the duallane Evolution Series an ideal canning system for growing producers of beverages and craft drinks who wish to package beer, cider, RTDs, kombucha, wine, cannabis drinks and more in cans.

Like the Wild Goose single-lane CE Evolution Series models currently available in Europe, dual-lane CE Evolution Series systems meet regulatory and safety standards. The CE Evolution Series design includes practical safety guarding with visibility into every area of machine operation.

Wild Goose supports European customers through a technical staff of direct employees based in Europe plus local inventory of spare parts. Additionally, dedicated Wild Goose logistics personnel make the purchasing and commissioning process easy and affordable With the debut of CEcompliant dual-lane canning lines in Europe, the full range of Wild Goose

Evolution Series canning systems is now available to beverage producers worldwide.

Pictured above - WG10 Dual Lane Evo system Watch a video of the Wild Goose Evolution Series dual-lane system below: https:// WildGooseFilling.com

High-speed

Do you need to separate media hygienically and securely?

Attention, automation and innovation – how brewers can mitigate their rising energy bills

Dominic Smith, Director at Collective Motion Brewing, offers advice on the steps that brewers can take to reduce their running costs amid the ongoing energy crisis.

The prospect of energy bills substantially increasing from April was a major concern for countless breweries and cider producers, with the government confirming the next stage of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme for businesses was being allocated £5.5bn over a year, compared with the original scheme’s £18bn for six months.

The cut still offered some support, but thousands of pubs and breweries will still face an uphill struggle in the years ahead If that sounds like a gloomy outlook, we can bring some welcome good news for brewers: with a combination of rigour, ingenuity and planning, they can make significant savings on running costs to mitigate the impact of their energy bills.

Quick wins with simple steps

Various quick wins can be gained from routine measures For example, a simple check of the temperature sensor for calibration could save a few hundred pounds per year Making sure the heating element is descaled is also very effective as limescale build-up can dissipate the heat and prevent correct heat transfers between water and heating elements

One of the most common and avoidable causes of cost inefficiency is the presence of leaks within equipment Leaky compressed air pipes make compressors work harder and use more electricity to perform. Water valves should also be kept leak-free An investment in water-saving technologies can deliver savings in the long-term Automated washing machines such as cask washers, keg washers, and CIP systems can reuse grey water to pre-rinse containers/tanks and save water that would otherwise go to drain.

Chemical dosing is another area of production that offers potential savings. Making sure the correct dosing is applied each time will increase efficiency and reduce expense, so it’s worth introducing a standard operating procedure to ensure that the process is consistent Alternatively, the built-in consistency of automatic dosing equipment is another investment that will deliver long-term returns, saving hundreds of pounds in overdosed chemicals as well as being more environmentally responsible

Within the industry there is a growing appreciation of the value of automation In the coming years, automated processes

and control will be the most effective way for beverage manufacturers to grow sustainably and reduce their energy and resource usage.

A unified approach

We advise many brewers to review their processes across both production and packaging It’s rarely given much thought in the busy day-to-day running of a brewing business, but a thorough review can form the basis of a standard operating procedure (SOP) which is a superb way of unifying the approach across all teams and functions Generating a skill matrix helps to ensure the best coverage of skills across all departments and shifts, thereby increasing efficiencies and reducing waste It's worth getting in touch with machinery and raw material suppliers to see if there is a skill gap in the operation of a certain piece of machinery which may need addressing with a ‘toolbox talk’ or a refresher course

Bespoke equipment changes

In some cases, bespoke changes to equipment configurations can make facilities more energy-efficient. Many brewers will be familiar with problems posed by the energy-intensive process of heating water for a keg machine detergent set Gas-fired steam generators are often an unaffordable investment for smaller businesses and a sufficiently large electric steam generator is often impossible when multiple cold stores and other production equipment are already hogging the mains supply

However, a little creative thinking and technical nous can open up new possibilities. As an alternative to feeding mains cold water to the detergent set and steam-heating it, we have worked with customers to develop solutions which feed pre-heated water from a separate hot water tank. The tank offers added value as an efficient way to heat bulk amounts of water for cleaning and other internal processes, delivering greater efficiency through dual use and a less energyintensive system in service of the detergent set Sometimes all it takes is a step back to examine the wider functionality of production facilities and how they can work in unison.

Try out less energy intensive methods

Brewers value consistency in their processes to ensure consistent results However, there is a case to deviate from familiar methods when there is a less energy intensive alternative For example,

brewers traditionally hot-rinse kegging equipment, but it’s possible to switch to cold rinsing without increasing risk of microorganisms and product contamination. We recently worked with a microbiological laboratory on a series of tests which showed there was no significant difference between a hot rinse and cold rinse when followed by the steam sterilisation cycle. A reduction in temperature can be compensated by other factors such as the turbulence and velocity of fluids and the chemical strength and composition of fluids. The brewery that participated in the test has now fully adopted the cold rinse system We would never recommend trialling new methods without professional guidance, but sometimes a leap into the unknown can pay valuable dividends

Preventative maintenance

Any manufacturer, regardless of the product or sector, will benefit from a periodic health check on its facilities and regular servicing of their machines It’s especially important for breweries - costly downtime or product recalls are problems they can ill afford in these challenging times We would recommend yearly maintenance as a bare minimum, but the optimum solution is a structured programme of Planned Preventative Maintenance

It’s the most reliable way to avoid a fault or breakdown in equipment, providing peace of mind in the knowledge that production will remain in smooth operation. It’s also useful for checking and addressing inefficiencies caused by limescale, leaks and other problems which can build up over time

It could never be claimed that the measures we ’ ve outlined represent a magic bullet which will eliminate all the cost pressures facing breweries, but they certainly make a significant difference Increasing efficiency through automation, giving regular attention to the condition of equipment and bringing more clarity and consistency to operating procedures can be a very effective combination in improving profit margins

https://cmbrewery.co.uk

Graphic Packaging International honoured as one of the ‘ World’s Most Innovative Companies’ in 2023

Graphic Packaging International’s passion for innovation has seen the fibre-based consumer packaging leader named on Fast Company’s list of the ‘World’s Most Innovative Companies’ for 2023.

The World’s Most Innovative Companies is Fast Company’s signature franchise and one of its most highly anticipated editorial efforts of the year It provides a firsthand look at the inspiring and innovative efforts of companies across all sectors of the economy

With this honour, Graphic Packaging joins OpenAI, Disney, Tiffany & Co and others at the forefront of their industries The Company, listed as one of the top ten most innovative companies in the Food category, is recognised for KeelClip™, a fibre-based clip packaging solution for beverage can multipacks that eliminates the need for plastic rings and shrink wrap. KeelClip has found success around the globe, having been adopted by some of the world’s leading beverage brands

Ricardo De Genova, senior vice president, global innovation and new business development at Graphic

New

automatic

Packaging, was delighted by this recognition, saying, “We strive to capture our innovative spirit in every project It’s a tremendous honour to see our dedication to innovation recognised by Fast Company. We join a distinguished group, and we ’ re humbled by this accolade, which we share with all our customers

“The world's most recognised brands entrust Graphic Packaging to be the critical interface between their brand and its consumers This success would not be possible without their appetite for innovation, collaborative spirit and shared vision to create future-focused solutions that make a world of difference

“At Graphic Packaging, the trends that drive consumer behaviour are at the core of how we innovate We are

engaged in developing solutions that enhance circularity through the use of recycled and recyclable materials, employ innovative structures and technologies to better protect and preserve the packaged product, and offer consumers greater functionality, convenience and safety

“This year ’ s list highlights the businesses at the forefront of their respective industries, paving the way for the innovations of tomorrow. These companies are setting the standard with some of the greatest accomplishments of the modern world ”

www.graphicpkg.com

Counterpressure Filler

/ Capper / Seamer for bottles or cans

IC Filling Systems has produced an improved Automatic Counterpressure rinser-filler-capper with low oxygen pick up, updated with new improvements for 2023.

This high quality, high tech, automatic beer bottling machine features new EPV Electro Pneumatic Filling Valves, with special pre-evacuation of air which allows low TPO levels It is perfect for bottling wine, soft drinks, cider, kombucha or other still & sparkling drinks, and delivers up to 1,500bph 330ml depending on product type

The brand new Microblock 661 EPV 2023 model hosts a number of major improvements on its specifications as it places itself as the innovative new generation system compared to similar all-in-one machines on the market.

• It fills glass bottles, aluminium cans and aluminium bottles. Pretty much a first in the industry, says the company

• It delivers Low TPO levels thanks to a new high performance vacuum pump

• A single high output filling tank ensures constant product filling levels at top speed

• It utilises a user-friendly 7” colour HMI touchscreen control panel & PLC

• IoT Smart Device: Full internet connection is available as an option for remote technical diagnosis and assistance

• Integral brushless electronic camme operations for more accurate positioning of bottles and faster servicing

The machine is suitable for filling beer, cider, sparkling wine, kombucha and carbonated soft drinks and it features the company ’ s new EPV (Electro Pneumatic Valve) technology The EPV valve allows total flexibility in adjusting the filling cycle by adapting the vacuum filling and degassing timings to the necessity of each different carbonated drink via a colour touchscreen HMI control panel Three independent sections are driven by servo motors

The Microblock 661 EPV 2023 consists of a Linear Rinsing Section supplied with 6 rinsing nozzles, 6 Electro-pneumatic Isobaric Counterpressure filling valves and a single head Crowning Turret suitable for crown cork application on

glass bottles. Other cap applications such as ROPP screw cap, Mushroom cork, natural straight cork and plastic screw cap and can lids seamer are also possible, and available on request

The machine is also equipped with a device to detect the bottle on the conveyor (no bottles on conveyor, no rinse) featuring a photocell which stops the machine and closes the rinser electro valve in case of missing bottles and a turret height adjustment system to accommodate different height bottles from 180 to 340mm

The capper can close both 26mm and 29mm crown caps The 661 EPV 2023 Microblock bottle filling machine is hygienic and easy to clean, and is made from stainless steel wherever possible.

www.icfillingsystems.com

Keeping an AI on the future of food

Marcel Koks, Infor ’s food industry strategy leader, looks at how ML and AI will influence the food and beverage industry over the coming years

As ChatGPT and similar technologies dominate headlines and make their mark on our everyday lives, Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a concept continues to attract attention When it comes to the food and beverage sector, businesses are already reaping the benefits of AI technologies And, with the value of the market for AI in the food and beverage sector expected to reach a staggering $29 94 billion by 2028, the number of food and beverage businesses investing in AI is clearly on the rise But uncertainty prevails leaving more questions than answers for much of the industry

A Definition

AI is the ability of a computer or machine to mimic or imitate human intelligent behaviour and perform human-like tasks It performs tasks that require human intelligence such as thinking, reasoning, learning from experience, and most importantly, making its own decisions

Machine learning is a subset of AI It is computer systems that can learn and adapt without being explicitly programmed or helped to Machine

learning uses algorithms and statistical models to intelligently analyse data, drawing inferences from data patterns to inform further action

Where does AI fit into the food and beverage sector?

Put simply, AI (machine learning in particular) has the potential to optimise all areas of food manufacturing, facilitating smart, industry-specific applications to improve every aspect of the supply chain.

With its ability to factor in an inordinate number of data values, parameters, what-if scenarios and other contributing factors, machine learning can produce accurate and timely recommendations Ultimately, this provides a competitive advantage that it would be impossible to replicate otherwise

Where is machine learning being used already?

In the aquaculture sector, leading animal nutrition company Nutreco has achieved additional production cycles of healthier shrimps, while at the same time using 30% less feed. Specifically, the business uses audio sensors in aquaculture to listen to the shrimps, understanding when they are hungry. Machine learning then determines when and how much the shrimps must be fed, which serves to lower the feed conversion ratio and

shortens the shrimp production cycle, doubling production without huge intensification

A leading global provider of goat and organic cow cheese, Amalthea, is using machine learning to make the cheese quality more predictable and to maximise yield, building customer loyalty and boosting sustainability Previously, Amalthea could only manually analyse milk yield on a weekly basis, which made it difficult to adjust the process parameters to optimise the yield By leaning on machine learning, Amalthea can now view the yields immediately in addition to receiving direct insight into what is causing a yield change. This has helped Amalthea to reduce its overall waste from manufacturing, as the company can quickly identify pain points and improve processes simultaneously. These changes have had a direct impact on the company ’ s profitability and bottom line: for every 1 percent increase in yields, Amalthea expects to save approximately 500,000 euros. The considered application of AI technologies is helping businesses right across the food and beverage industry and supply chain, and this is only set to increase over the next few years. AI is already proving to be a driver of real efficiencies as well as helping businesses to plan for all eventualities. infor com

IGC - Who are we? We are a major independent supplier of carbon dioxide vessels with over 25 years’ worth of industry expertise in this field.

Although based in the North-west, we work with many major blue chip companies from brewing, food processing to science research and nuclear, to name a few IGC has an outstanding track record with a plethora of satisfied customers IGC is one of the largest installers and suppliers of pressure vessels for carbon dioxide and industrial gases throughout the whole of the UK.

How can we help you?

We give our customers old and new the opportunity to provide gas tank and equipment rentals to customers that were previously tied to one company for both services The long term benefit here is you are not tied into expensive contacts.

In recent years we have been facing a shortage of carbon dioxide - by choosing to work with us you have the option to shop around and choose from the most competitive supplier of choice that meets your needs and not the suppliers. Contact us on 07931 765454 or use the “contact us ” section on our home page https://igc-pressure-vessels.co.uk/ to allow us to conduct a complimentary review and let’s see how we can save you money and unlock your business’s full potential

Carbon dioxide CO2 supply and storage providers

Charles Faram team celebrates successes at SIBA BeerX 2023

The Charles Faram team was honoured to be announced as a finalist in the SIBA Business Awards as Supplier Associate of the Year 2023, having previously won the award three years in a row.

The SIBA Business Awards seek to congratulate excellence in the brewing industry across a variety of categories and is a highly prestigious and desirable award to be eligible for

The SIBA Business Awards 2023 were presented on Wednesday 15th March at BeerX in Liverpool by acclaimed beer author, journalist, broadcaster, and consultant Pete Brown Festival Glass was announced as the winner of Supplier Associate of the Year 2023 That company has supplied glassware for Charles Faram events for many years, and - says Charlie Gorham, Charles Faram PR & Marketing Manager,“We may not have won the trophy for Supplier Associate of the Year, but it is still amazing to have been a finalist and to have had brewers take the time to submit written votes and nominations We are so pleased for Festival Glass as they provide quality products and are helpful and lovely people.”

As avid annual attendees at SIBA BeerX in Liverpool, the UK's biggest beer and brewing trade event, Charles Faram was

excited to hold an interactive session with a panel of esteemed brewers to discuss how you can utilise Charles Faram brand varieties in highly flavoured, bold and modern beer styles The sessions showcased how British hops are a cost-effective and environmentally favourable move for UK breweries and how this doesn't come at the expense of high impact flavour and aromas. The brewers also demonstrated how British hops can stand shoulder-toshoulder with notorious big hitters from other countries to complement each other As big supporters of the event Charles Faram also sponsored the Hop Yard stage which hosted two days of industry talks, initiative launches, tasting sessions and an own oversubscribed panel session. www.charlesfaram.com

Allan joins Chemisphere UK

Chemisphere UK has announced that Allan Stevenson has joined its team.

Allan (pictured) joins Chemisphere as Draught Quality Training Manager and will be instrumental in building different training packages which will drive quality standards from keg coupler to glass across the UK and further afield. He will add value and make a huge impact using various methods both practical and interactive.

“I can’t wait to get started,” he said “Chemisphere are experts at what they do So to join such a great team and be a part of raising their profile is very exciting. I have grand plans! We’re going to establish a training academy and raise the bar for quality standards in our industry My background in quality training and being one of only seven International Draught Masters in the world makes me a perfect fit I’m so excited to get going!”

Hance McGhie, Chemisphere’s Global Sales Director, said, “With over 20 years experience in the brewing industry Allan brings with him a wealth of knowledge and will be an invaluable resource and team member at Chemisphere. Welcome aboard Allan!”

www.chemisphereuk.com

The Charles Faram team at BeerX 2023 – Standing from left Will Rogers, Beth Eaton, Jon Stringer, Ben A dams, Rich Davies and Paul Corbett, Kneeling at front from left. Jamie MacLellan and Charlie Gorham

‘Food and drink packaging trends you need to know In 2023’, says Smurfit Kappa

At Smurfit Kappa, we are passionate about pioneering innovative, on-trend, tailored packaging solutions that help brands appeal to the right customer and stand out on crowded shelves and screens.

We understand the need to use our insight into trends in the highly competitive food and drink sector to give our clients packaging that not only sets them apart and creates a great customer experience, but also boosts their brand and ensures ultimate customer loyalty

Whether you ’ re a big brand or a blossoming small business, nowadays, not only does food and drink packaging need to preserve quality and offer visual appeal, but it must also deliver a compelling sustainability story, personalisation options, highlight health benefits where appropriate, and offer easy-to-digest information We’ve researched the latest trends when it comes to food and drink packaging and created this round-up of what you need to know for 2023 and beyond

Simple is best

Packaging packs a major punch in the food and drink industry According to Ipsos' research, 72% of shoppers are influenced by a product's packaging Simple yet powerful product communication streamlined to the essential selling points will be vital to connect with overwhelmed and desensitised consumers

Consumers want to easily find products that fit their needs and save them money as the costs of living rise With the high energy costs, consumers will increasingly seek out “ energy saving” products in a bid to save money. According to this report by Mintel, on-pack messaging will increasingly highlight the most energy-efficient cooking method Brands that share advice on their packaging on how to use less energy when storing or preparing food will become sought after This not only saves the consumer money but also assures them of the brand’s commitment to helping the environment and caring for their customers

Consumers will gravitate towards brands that highlight how products align with their priorities (for instance, eco-friendliness) and what compelling and unique advantages they can offer Product packaging with clean designs and minimalist messaging will stand out to shoppers who feel too much information makes it more challenging to choose We help our customers to assess their packaging with our innovative ShelfSmart retail merchandising service designed to deliver scalable, risk-proof Shelf Ready Packaging Our Experience Centres

can also help our customers to gain valuable insights into why their products might not be flying off the shelves, helping to mitigate risk, increase sales and reduce costs

Brands will shift stories about their product origin, history, and uses from packaging to social media, websites, and other marketing As economies recover in the coming years, the consumer demand for low prices from 2022-2023 will decrease (Mintel 2023 Global Food and Drink Trends) Packaging can substitute cost-saving messaging for other benefits consumers care about, including product versatility and environmental or ethical claims

Explain the benefits

Small and large businesses must ensure their food and beverage packaging focuses on natural ingredients and key health benefits in 2023. Despite high inflation, consumers are also prioritising brands that offer health benefits and natural ingredients over a lower price to indicate whether the product is good value One of the lasting influences of the pandemic is a global desire for products that support healthy living.

Consumers also need reassurance from trustworthy information that brands can support their claims Food and drink packaging that conveys this information gains trust and establishes brand loyalty

Showcase sustainability

Sustainable packaging is on the rise worldwide With 85% of people choosing brands in line with their concerns about climate change and the environment (according to a study by Ipsos), sustainability will become a packaging “must”.

Mindful of this significant trend, at Smurfit Kappa we are proud to be one of the world’s leading providers of sustainable packaging We believe that paper-based packaging can be one of the answers to the challenges facing our planet Our innovative, sustainably produced products are 100% renewable, recyclable and biodegradable

Working closely with our suppliers and customers, we design sustainability into every fibre with remarkable results You can read about some of our extraordinary milestones in our 2021 Sustainability Report It's also predicted that brands will need to drive the sustainability agenda and consumer change rather than waiting for shoppers to catch up Consumers are becoming increasingly vigilant on what materials a business uses, their sourcing methods, and whether their packaging is recyclable and planet friendly.

Companies that resort to “greenwashing” tactics to boost their brand by making unsubstantiated claims to deceive consumers into believing that a company's products are

environmentally friendly only result in causing consumers to lose trust in these brands That’s why it is critical that businesses can back up their sustainability claims with credible, concrete sustainability results

Make it personal

The demand for personalised packaging is growing exponentially. Future Market Insights estimates the industry will double in value over the next decade The food and drink industry will play a pivotal role in the future of personalised packaging, especially in terms of gifting

Manufacturers are using personalised packaging more frequently to improve the consumer impression of the brand and increase customer interaction, especially for newer companies embarking on the customer journey Personalisation goes hand in hand with social sharing Customers are more likely to share their personalised packaged products or feature them on their social media channels, which can help to boost brand recognition

How to optimise your packaging in 2023

As packaging experts, we ’ re embracing the recent wave of exciting packaging changes Simple messaging, on-pack benefits, sustainability, and personalisation are going to be crucial elements of stand-out food and drink packaging in 2023. Whether you ’ re a small start-up or a well-established big brand – we apply our wealth of experience and fit-for-purpose bespoke packaging solutions with sustainability at the core to help you stand out and deliver on your customer experience

Every day we help brands develop retail ready packaging, which is proven to boost sales quickly and cost-effectively, giving you maximum brand benefit where it matters most – at the point of purchase

As one of the leading providers of sustainable food and drink packaging, we ’ re committed to creating packaging that not only uses products and processes that make a real difference for our customers and across our entire value chain – they also support a healthier planet too

smurfitkappa.com

Beer Piper putting quality first to deliver cost savings for customers

Beer Piper, home of the automated beer line cleaning system, is offering a package deal to make beer line cleaning simpler, more consistent and ultimately cheaper by focusing on quality.

For just £175 a month* customers will receive a Beer Piper automated cleaning unit and all chemicals delivered bi-monthly. The deal also includes installation, training, technical support, a free hygiene starter pack, discounts on other products, as well as use of the dedicated app and portal.

It’s no secret that times are tough and businesses are worried and the hospitality industry is no exception Identifying new money-saving measures is at the forefront of everyone ’ s minds and this is where Beer Piper can help

The Beer Piper system is easy to use and can result in major cost savings for customers by reducing the amount of time staff spend on the task – a Beer Piper clean takes just 8.5 minutes! Not only does the system improve staff efficiencies, but it is designed to ensure

that consistent high quality cleans are achieved every time The sealed system mixes the neat beer line cleaner with fresh water directly into the lines, ensuring the correct dilution rate regardless of flow

The superior quality chemicals used and supplied by Beer Piper ensure lines are immaculate and allow customers to serve the best pints possible. Another advantage of this is that with time customers can go longer between cleans The automated nature of the system also means that there is no need to manually mix these chemicals thus reducing the associated risks to staff

No CO2 is required with the Beer Piper system so the surging costs of CO2 in the UK need not be a concern. The system also uses much less water than a manual clean so this also adds to the cost savings being made As does Beersave – a function unique to an automated line clean as it allows the beer that would usually be wasted and poured down the drain before a clean to be sold, ensuring even more money is saved.

Beer Piper moved into a new facility last year along with its sister company Chemisphere UK, allowing the companies to expand their Research & Development departments and invest in new equipment and develop a wider range of products. Beer Piper is currently working on its next generation machine, the new BP5, which will utilise sister company Chemisphere’s game changing powder-based line cleaning product The companies are also developing a training academy as their mission to raise the bar in quality standards in the industry gathers pace www.beerpiper.co.uk

Net Zero Now and Konvoy enter partnership

Pioneering keg rental firm Konvoy has joined forces with Net Zero Now, the climate action platform, to help reduce the carbon footprint of the UK’s brewing industry.

The collaboration will help breweries take steps to understand and address their greenhouse gas emissions. It will enable the £7bn UK brewing industry and £130bn hospitality industry (the UK’s third-largest employer) to get a head start in meeting the UK Government’s commitment of becoming Net Zero by 2050

Konvoy already offers one of the world’s most sustainable rental keg fleets, as kegs are fitted with advanced IoTenabled tracking devices The cellular and 0G connected devices, which can also be fitted to existing fleets, create visibility of location, temperature and motion events that the industry has never had before, helping draft beverages become more efficient, effective, circular and sustainable

Now, Konvoy’s customers will also receive free access to Net Zero Now’s Brewery Initiative, an industry-first digital tool that guides breweries through the process of calculating, tracking and reducing their greenhouse gas emissions using tailored reduction plans. Brewers who successfully set targets and reduce their emissions accordingly will receive a certification to share with their employees and customers

Both Konvoy and Net Zero Now are on a mission to use the latest digital technology to create transparency of data and insights that can help address

the environmental impact of the brewing industry and help breweries unlock the multiple business benefits associated with becoming Net Zero.

It’s estimated that global keg losses cost the industry up to $500m annually and the new partnership will help brewers measure and reduce the vast impact of lost and inactive kegs and improve the speed of reuse of kegs through their combined digital technologies This will help breweries address their ‘ scope 3’ carbon emissions, those which occur up and down the value chain

Christian Barden, CEO UK & Europe, Konvoy, said: “Studies show that 73% of consumers would definitely, or probably, change their consumption habits to reduce their impact on the environment, and this will happen at the bar.

“We have to appreciate that drinkers will start to expect, maybe even demand, their favourite brands are Net Zero in hospitality too. That doesn’t just mean that those brands come from reusable formats such as glasses, taps, lines, kegs and logistics, but actually from the most reused formats with the evidence to back it up

“We’re very excited to launch our collaboration with Net Zero Now, with our shared values about people, planet and prosperity and real sense of purpose in what we do ”

He added: “Technology helping visibility is an enabler for quality, circularity, sustainability and a world of net zero If 76% of millennials consider a company ’ s ESG commitments before they decide

where to work, then I’d like to be high on their list of choices as we build Konvoy and our partnership with the Net Zero Now team.”

Andrew Furness, Sector Lead Breweries, Net Zero Now, said: “We launched The Net Zero Brewery Initiative in 2022 and have been working with breweries across the country who are keen to be at the forefront of a more sustainable sector We expect to have our first certified on-the-road brewery by the end of this month, with more in the coming months

“Having a dynamic, forward-looking industry partner like Konvoy will help us bring more breweries into the movement, and help those breweries benefit from the commercial opportunities the Net Zero journey offers – from cost and energy efficiencies through to customer attraction and staff retention ”

He added: “We’re looking forward to talking to lots of forward-thinking brewers about the opportunity ahead.”

www.netzeronow.org

www.konvoykegs.com

The latest solution in layer picking and depalletising

A layer picking attachment on a forklift truck makes it possible to pick single or multiple layers of products, allowing the driver to build up mixed pallets quickly, safely, and efficiently with minimal manual labour

The attachment works by clamping all four sides of the product, meaning that only the minimum amount of pressure is required to hold the load Products can then be split down for easier handling and storage or built-up to make diverse mixed pallet loads.

The latest solution in layer picking and depalletising is the Open Centre LayerMaster manufactured by B&B Attachments. It has been specifically designed for the produce industry and offers the same exceptional layer picking and depalletising performance as the standard LayerMaster, with the added feature of picking full pallet loads, to a maximum of 1500kg, in one single lift The open centre version assists with full pallet replacements, rebuilding pallets, stacking, and building mixed pallet loads It eliminates manual handling and helps prevent damage to the load. It is the ideal attachment for supermarkets, their supply chains, and third-party logistics providers, as it provides handling solutions for a diverse range of products

The LayerMaster range includes carriage and fork mounted versions, a static version, which comprises of a complete system with lifting mast, power pack and control panel, and the open centre model info@bandbattachments.com

PAR Group acquires Aquarius Plastics Ltd

It has been announced that PAR Group has acquired the business of Aquarius Plastics Ltd.

Aquarius Plastics has been very successful operating in the Guildford area for over 30 years Following the acquisition, the current working premises in Guildford has now closed and all pre-existing business and stock has been transferred to the PAR Group branch in Manchester Aquarius’ ongoing business falls perfectly into Par Group’s core product range and capabilities and, as such, the company expects the transition to be seamless This is a significant acquisition by the PAR Group, further strengthening its position as one of the leading plastic, insulation and rubber product suppliers in the UK In a promise to existing Aquarius customers, Par Group stated: “If you are a pre-existing customer of Aquarius, please rest assured that all orders previously supplied by the company can be undertaken by PAR Group. We will do our utmost to ensure continuity of supply in order to keep transition disruption to a minimum. Should you wish to discuss your Aquarius Plastics Ltd account, please contact us via email.”

manchestersales@par-group.co.uk

More in-depth reading

HRS Heat ExchangersEnvironmental benefits of aseptic filling

Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions - How an independent cheesemaker improved its operation

BFBi represents the supply chain into the beverage industr y with Full Members ranging from barley and hop merchants through to process engineers, packaging, point of sale, etc.

Manufacturers, including brewers/distillers, may join as Associate Members.

As a “traditional” industr y (in its best sense), where relationships between supplier and customer are recognised as adding value and ensuring sustainability, BFBi is well known as a facilitator of social and professional networking events.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP

COST: £235 + VAT per annum

For more information about member benefits, please contact info@bfbi.org.uk

Forthcoming events

JUNE 2023

Thursday 8th Pneumatic, Webinar

Tuesday 20th Western Section Cricket Social Worcestershire County Cricket Club

Thursday 22nd Eastern Section Tour of Sygenta Seed

Trail & BBQ

Sygenta

Friday 23rd Fabdec Open Day

Ellesmere

Tuesday 27th BFBi National Luncheon

London

SEPTEMBER 2023

Thursday 14th Midland Section Annual Golf Day

Branston Golf & Country Club, Burton

Tuesday 19th Eastern Section Badminton Tournament

Debenham Sports Club, Suffolk

OCTOBER 2023

Tuesday 3rd Batham’s Brewery Tour

Brierly Hill, Dudley, West Midlands

Tuesday 10th Midland Section House of Lords

Lunch & Tour

London

Tuesday 17th Eastern Section Indoor Cricket

Debenham Sports Club, Suffolk

Thursday 19th - Friday 20th October Brew Asia

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Friday 27th Western Section Annual Luncheon & Seminar

Cheltenham

NOVEMBER 2023

Friday 3rd Midland Section Annual Lunch

Albert Hall, Nottingham

Tuesday 7th Eastern Section Quiz Night

Greene King, Bury St Edmunds

28th-30th BRAU Beviale

Nuremburg Messe, Germany