Highlights from the 106th MEBAK meeting in early April

Geisenheim | The 106th meeting of the Central European Commission for Brewing Analysis (also known by the German acronym MEBAK) took place at the Hochschule Geisenheim University on 9 and 10 April 2026. It brought together numerous experts from academia and industry and was chaired by Dr. Martin Zarnkow and Matthias Hansen. The event focused on current developments in analytical quality assurance and new methodological approaches.

The meeting was characterised by an intensive professional exchange, including the participating honorary members Dr. Gerd Bender, Dr. August Gresser and Roland Schmidt.

During the conference, participants were able to tour the laboratories and the impressive technical centre at Hochschule Geisenheim University. They gained comprehensive insights into modern analytical techniques, sensory testing methods and current research infrastructure. As one of the world’s leading universities in the field of viticulture and enology, the tasting of a wide selection of wines demonstrated Hochschule Geisenheim’s expertise.

Focus on method harmonisation and reports from the working groups

The meeting focused in particular on the further development of analytical methods and their harmonisation. Topics discussed included current approaches in NDMA analysis and new sensory testing methods such as an extended in/out test. This work makes an important contribution to the continuous improvement and standardisation of analytical procedures in the brewing and beverage industry.

The reports from the various working groups highlighted the ongoing progress within MEBAK. In particular, it is worth noting that several methods in the area of containers and product packaging will be published shortly.

New members and guests

During the meeting, M. Sc. Florian Heukäufer and Dr. Jennifer Schneiderbanger were unanimously admitted as new members of MEBAK. In her technical presentation, Dr. Schneiderbanger outlined innovative approaches to determining the optimum temperatures of starch-degrading enzymes using the half-life method. Mr Heukäufer provided an insight into various testing methods for glass bottles and their significance for bottle quality. MEBAK warmly welcomes both and looks forward to future collaboration.

Guest lectures and invitations to get to know one another are a regular feature of the meetings. The guests were Dr. Christian Schubert (VLB Berlin e.V.) and Dr. Paul Besrukow (Hochschule Geisenheim University). Furthermore, Jens Varnskühler (seedalive GmbH) presented a rapid germination test for plant seeds, which could open up new perspectives for analysis.

MEBAK once again confirms its central role as a platform for scientific and technical exchange in brewing and beverage analysis. The group provides important impetus for the further development of methods, standards and collaborations within the industry. The next meeting will take place in Erding in the second half of the year.

Special thanks go to Hochschule Geisenheim University, Prof. Dr. Bernd Lindemann, Dr. Paul Besrukow and in particular Prof. Dr. Bianca May, who, as excellent host, provided the ideal setting for the event.