17 minute read
Supplier news Updates from SIBA’s Supplier Associate Members
Hop Market website launches to enable brewers to trade hops
With the last 12 months being some of the most challenging in the history of brewing and hospitality, a new online hop exchange platform has been created to enable brewers to trade hops directly between themselves, safely and authentically.
Hop Market supports the industry by allowing brewers to list their surplus hops to buy and sell on the platform easily and seamlessly between one another. Allowing the fair and transparent online exchange of hops between breweries via a simple, straightforward, online platform. Hop Market was set up by business owner Tom Veal, who has a passion for supporting businesses and helping them future proof and grow their online revenues. Tom’s ambition is to support the brewery community with a platform driven by the needs of the community itself and welcomes all ideas to improve it for the benefit of the community. Once brewers sign up and list their available hops for sale, hops will be available from brewers all over the UK in various size packages and at various price points, meaning those in need can choose what suits them at any particular moment and not have to sign contracts or give commitments in these uncertain times. The flexibility offered by Hop Market will enable more innovation, allowing brewers to try out more recipes by ordering smaller amounts of the hops they may not have initially intended to try, or may not have tried before. Hops will be shipped quickly and directly, enabling brewers to make decisions more rapidly about their plans and brewing schedules. All purchases on Hop Market are protected by an escrow payment protection. Once an order is placed, the funds are held in escrow until the hops are received and checked for their quality and accuracy of listing, before releasing the funds to the seller. This ensures both the buyers and sellers are fully protected and able to use the platform with confidence.
Find out more at www.hopmarket.co.uk
Brewing Services Ltd works with Drop Bear Beer Co to build its new dedicated alcohol-free brewery
The team at Brewing Services Ltd has been working with Drop Bear since mid2020 to help develop its range of nonalcoholic beers and has now been given the task of planning the new brewery.
Drop Bear Beer Co succeeded in securing a £1.8million equity investment to build the dedicated alcohol-free brewery. The development of its brewery will allow Drop Bear to increase production and market share and fuel the company’s drive to establish Drop Bear as a key national and international player in the burgeoning alcohol-free market. The new brewery will incorporate several novel modifications to the brewery design and brewing process to facilitate the production of non-alcoholic beers. David Smith, Managing Director of Brewing Services, said: “We are currently working with architects to design and build the new purpose-built facility which will house a new brewhouse along with a canning line and keg beer facility. At the same time, we are discussing with various equipment suppliers the design of the brewing equipment required and process modifications we want to make to help produce this style of beer without the need of heavy dilution or de-alcoholising.” Founded in 2019 by Joelle Drummond and Sarah McNena, Drop Bear started producing their beers in 2020 using a contract brewer and packager. In early 2021 they launched an extremely successful equity investment campaign to raise funds to build their own dedicated alcohol-free brewery. Joelle Drummond, who is Drop Bear’s sales and marketing director, said: “In less than two years and with a very humble personal investment, Sarah and I have transformed Drop Bear from just an idea into a multimillion-pound business with an international reputation. This new investment will help the company achieve its aim of opening only the second UK – and first Welsh - alcoholfree brewery.” The Drop Bear brewery will be located in South Wales, with a site currently under consideration and plans underway to get the brewery fully functional by the end of October 2021.
Find out more at www.dropbearbeers.com or visit www.brewingservices.co.uk.
Deal between UK-based Totally Natural Solutions and NZ Hops creates new additions to HopInspiration® range
A unique range of New Zealand premium hop oil extracts, offering an array of flavours and aromas, is now available to brewers of all sizes across the world thanks to an exclusive partnership between Totally Natural Solutions (TNS) and NZ Hops.
TNS, a UK-headquartered provider of innovative, natural hop oil extracts, joined forces with NZ Hops, New Zealand’s leading supplier of premium NZ-grown hops, to bring brand new hop varieties to the UK and global markets. In recent months, TNS has worked to deliver a sustainable and secure supply of dry hop extracts from premium NZ Hop varieties. NZ Hops is a cooperative of master growers based in Nelson, Tasman, which is renowned as New Zealand’s sunniest region. The area’s terroir helps create highly sought-after aromas and flavours in craft and traditional beers. The joint venture has allowed TNS to marry its patented clean label extraction technologies with NZ Hops to deliver unique soluble hop aroma and flavour. The new HopInspiration® Premium NZ hops range has been created to offer brewers hop varieties that have never existed as extracts before. New Zealand-grown hops are in high demand, providing a unique chemical composition that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world, and they are therefore in scarce supply. Teaming up with TNS has allowed soluble NZ Hop Oils to be offered to brewers of all sizes. Using a completely natural, patented and proprietary oil extraction processes, TNS has retained the quality, aroma and flavour profiles of NZ Hops. The purest oils are extracted by TNS and can then replace pellets or whole hops as part of the brewing process.
Find out more at www.totallynaturalsolutions.com
Mae Day Marketing helps Brook House Hops increase customer base by 50%
Whilst some businesses have slowed right down, stopped trading - or worse - gone out of business during the pandemic, independent Brook House Hops has continued to grow.
Brook House Hops started working with Mae Day Marketing, launched by experienced communications expert Judi-mae Alderton, in 2019 because they foresaw that her experience would be beneficial to them as a business. After an initial review and a marketing strategy was created, a monthly agreement was put in place which covered a diverse set of marketing activities intended to boost the profile of Brook House Hops: bring in new fans and followers, increase online sales, improve website rankings, increase online engagement and capture the attention of the industry press. Within 6 weeks, eyes on social media content was up more than 3 fold and engagement across all social media networks was nearly 5 times what it had been before they started working together. Brook House Hops’ commercial success went from strength to strength, with new routes for customers to discover their portfolio of UK and international hops. As the pandemic effects kicked in, budgets were put under pressure but the benefits of marketing were really clear so activity continued, maintaining the company ethos of supporting the industry by introducing some unique initiatives and lowering prices. By the beginning of 2021, Brook House Hops had increased their customer base by an incredible 50%, despite the impact of the pandemic, due to a dedication to sales and marketing activity and innovation. Mae Day Marketing owner Judi-mae says: “Brook House Hops were my first client and will always have a special place in my heart. Working with them was always exciting and we tried out so many new things with their brand, constantly achieving great results.”
Find out more at www.maeday.co.uk
Breweries go digital: GEA InsightPartner Brewery delivers realtime process control
For years, GEA has been accompanying breweries on their journey to digital transformation. This is why the company has recently developed the GEA InsightPartner Brewery software. This tool captures real-time process management data, monitors production performance and alerts users to deviations. If necessary, brewers can quickly take remedial action in order to optimise brewhouse efficiency over the long term. In the future, these capabilities will also extend to other process steps.
“Thanks to digitalisation, brewers have access to ever-increasing quantities of data. In order for this to benefit our customers in their day-to-day work, the information must be condensed into a clear and meaningful form,” explains Karlheinz Höhn, who heads service management for Beverage & Filling Technologies at GEA. In developing the tool and refining the software, GEA took into account not only its own process experience acquired through brewery projects around the globe but also the needs of and feedback received from Stralsund-based Störtebeker Braumanufaktur as well as other major breweries. As a result, GEA InsightPartner Brewery analyzes process data – for instance, on wort filtration, turbidity, filtration time and efficiency – providing single values in addition to trends over time as well as variations across brands and batches. “Our long-term goal is to create an autopilot for breweries,” Karlheinz Höhn explains. “That would allow breweries to optimize processes at the touch of a button, just as dairy farmers are already able to do today with GEA OptiPartner. Until breweries are able to self-correct completely autonomously, process control through intelligible, realtime data analyses will remain crucial for quality, speed and plant availability. GEA InsightPartner Brewery represents a decisive step forward for our customers.”
Find out more at www.gea.com
Johnston Logistics UK’s new website helps frame ambitions for next era
Leading logistics provider Johnston Logistics UK has unveiled a brand-new website as it heads onto the next page of its story.
The growing company has unveiled a new online presence built to better represent its growing reputation as a provider of warehousing and logistics for leading brands and retailers. “When I look back at recent years, we’ve developed a lot; both as a business and as a team. We want to continue this journey and it’s important to have a website that better reflects both where we are and where we’re going,” says Rob McIndoe, Director of Johnston Logistics UK. With an increased focus on the company’s 40 years of experience and use of new technology, the website reflects the growth in Johnston Logistics UK’s reputation and was built by Full Mix Marketing who deliver all the logistics expert’s marketing. Through search engine optimisation (SEO) and content marketing, the B2B marketing agency report that the existing Johnston Logistics UK website has received a four-fold increase in impressions on leading search engines over the past 12 months. As well as investing in their digital marketing, the logistics experts have recently made a significant further investment in technology with a state-of-the-art Warehouse Management System (WMS). The new software has enhanced their efficiency and the ease with which they can integrate with their customers’ own systems and provide them with real-time information. “It’s been an unprecedented 12 months with the pandemic. Our team has worked exceptionally hard to support existing clients and a growing number of leading businesses. But it’s still been important to invest in our future and the website is one way we can show clients we’re always developing and looking to become even more supportive,” adds Rob McIndoe.
For more information visit www.johnstonlogistics.co.uk.
Thielmann offers beer decanting service
In these unprecedented times, with brewers facing unique challenges, Thielmann has been working hard to identify and minimise potential issues and help customers navigate this difficult situation.
Thielmann offers the use of beer decanting units to help brewers to reduce costs by reclaiming taxes by carrying out secure and complete emptying of your kegs. This service includes a safe emptying process of beer or residual liquids, collection of these liquids in accordance with local environmental laws, and the correct disposal of them, if required. Thielmann also offers a full keg servicing program tailor made for customers in the UK. Hygiene and maintenance is a topic most brewers will be thinking about at the moment, and this can include getting your keg fleets properly cleaned, maintained and refurbished. The comprehensive keg services include: keg and cask maintenance, repairs, tagging services, cleaning, inspections, testing, customisation services and re-branding.
For more information contact Thielmann at sales@thielmann.com
BFBi course: Brewery & Distilling HACCP Understanding Course – Level 2
BFBi is running a practical and interactive full day course where delegates will gain a sound knowledge of HACCP and the confidence to apply it within their business.
Delegates are continuously assessed and a multiple choice test is undertaken. Successful delegates will gain a nationally recognised food industry qualification accredited by the IFST (Institute of Food Science and Technology). The course will cover a range of areas including but not limited to: • Developing a HACCP Plan • Preparation for HACCP • Hazard Analysis • Identifying and Managing Critical Control Points • Implementing and Maintaining HACCP • Course Assessment
This course will take place on Thursday 23rd September 2021, to book your space please email accreditation@bfbi.org.uk or visit Eventbrite here: https://haccpbfbi.eventbrite.co.uk
DPD approves WBC’s PulpSafe range of eco transit packaging for Beer
SIBA supplier associate member WBC, the UK and Ireland’s leading wholesale packaging supplier to the beer sector, is excited to announce its best-selling Pulpsafe Beer range has been courier approved by one of the UK's leading couriers, DPD.
Pulpsafe offers the trade a completely sustainable solution for shipping beer bottles and cans safely through the courier network. Made from water and recycled paper, card offcuts and recycled newspaper, Pulpsafe is plastic-free and 100% recyclable, compostable and biodegradable in standard home refuse. The range is also manufactured in the UK. Having undergone intensive testing by DPD with no breakages, WBC’s Pulpsafe range was 100% approved for use within the DPD network. DPD customers are advised to speak to their DPD rep about using Pulpsafe by WBC and parcels should be ‘H’ taped for best protection in transit. Andrew Wilson, WBC’s Managing Director, said: “Following rigorous testing throughout the DPD network over the last few months, we are delighted that DPD has now formally approved the Eco Pulpsafe range. Whilst this does not mean they will automatically insure consignments, we understand that this is something that can be agreed upon with individual DPD account managers. More and more national couriers are looking to carry drinks and approving packaging so this is a massive step forwards for the industry after years of confusion!” Pulpsafe, along with WBC’s full range of off-the-shelf protective packaging for bottles, is in stock now and available for next day delivery.
Find out more and view the full range at www.wbc.co.uk/pulpsafe.
Murphy & Son announces distribution agreement with Polykeg
Murphy & Son has signed an agreement to distribute the full range of the new Polykeg Pro one-way kegs in the UK. The agreement represents a switch away from Key Keg to Polykeg for Murphy & Son.
Brandon Critchell, Head of Sales & Marketing for Murphy & Son, commented: “Polykeg is a global leader in one-way kegs and we have been monitoring the rapid increase in demand for them over the past 18 months. One-way kegs are becoming more popular with breweries in the UK and Murphy & Son always strives to offer our customers the best products and solution for their business. The new Polykeg Pro range which are just being launched have several unique features which make them technically superior, versatile, and very easy to use compared to other kegs. We believe they are the best on the market, and we are excited at the prospect of working with Polykeg.” Tony Hird, Managing Director of Polykeg UK, commented: “We are delighted to have been chosen by Murphy & Son as their one-way keg supplier. They have been in the drinks business over 130 years and are very well respected within the brewing industry. Their focus is on quality and service, helping breweries of all sizes to improve and expand their businesses. One-way kegs fit well into their portfolio because they enable breweries to grow more rapidly without significant upfront investment.”
Find out more at www.murphyandson. co.uk or by visiting www.polykeg.com.
Join the alcohol-free brewing revolution, thanks to Muntons’ new malt extract
Muntons, one of the country’s leading suppliers of brewing and distilling malts and malted ingredients, has officially launched its new Premium Alcohol Free Malt Extract.
Originally revealed at this year’s SIBA BeerX Online, the alcohol-free liquid extract is now available to commercial brewers both in the UK and abroad. The maltster, which is based in Stowmarket and has sites in Bridlington, the USA and Thailand, has been developing the malt extract for two years, with the mindset of creating great tasting alcohol-free beer that is more accessible to all brewers. Versatile and easy to use, the extract is designed to give body, mouthfeel, and taste. Muntons’ latest innovation allows the brewer to include alcohol-free options in their range without the need to invest in expensive equipment. Made by Muntons’ signature process of combining the heating and modifying of the wort sugars, the typical characteristics of beer are replicated. This then creates a malt extract with low sweetness and a mild fermentation aroma, which is an ideal versatile base that brewers can use to build on and create an alcohol-free version of their trademark brewing styles, ranging from hop forward IPAs to a hearty stout. Vanessa Makings, Marketing Manager at Muntons, said: “With a quarter of adults saying they’re semi-regular drinkers of no or low alcohol, we know that alcohol-free is no longer a niche market. Consumers expect more choices and therefore we want to remove barriers for breweries that want to add alcohol free to their range. Muntons Premium Alcohol Free Malt Extract makes the brewing of low or no alcohol beers simple and fuss-free, and we’re delighted to bring our product to fruition.” Famous for being one of the greenest maltsters in the country, Muntons’ Premium Alcohol Free Malt Extract is made from 100% sustainable malt, sourced from farms local to the maltings in Suffolk and Bridlington.
To find out more or to request a sample of Muntons Premium Alcohol Free Malt Extract, email: hello@muntons.com.
Marmite Moments…
Supplier Viewpoint
In this issue, Myles Pinfold from WPA Pinfold takes inspiration from love…and hate…
I imagine all brewers must eat Marmite for breakfast every day; after all, it’s made from excess brewer’s yeast and comes from the brewing capital of Britain, Burton-on-Trent. With sustainability being on everyone’s agenda, what a fantastic message for the brewing industry to support its environmental credentials – maybe there’s an opportunity for individual brewers to create their own branded version of yeast extract too. Guinness did manage to put together a collaboration with Marmite some years back. Marmite has also become a lexicon for ‘love or hate’ and it’s interesting how a brand can have the confidence to build on a stance whereby a significant part of its potential consumer market actually hates it. This gets to the heart of what a brand is really about – by having the confidence in its product, even if it can’t please all the people all the time, Marmite has thrived for 120 years and built a place in consumers’ hearts (love or hate it…). Marmite’s endurance in the hearts and minds of its consumers should provide inspiration for all brand owners to truly stand up for what you believe in, to ignore the naysayers, focus groups and trend bombers, and follow your instincts. To find a place in the hearts of your future drinkers, you just need to find the right strings to pull. Understanding your place in the market and having a differentiating proposition and story to tell is key. Back to Marmite – I’m sure it doesn’t taste as Marmite as it used to… Myles Pinfold is founder and strategic director at WPA Pinfold.
