Philemon and Baucis in Japan

Economic stagnation, a rapidly ageing population and consumer money hoarded rather than spent are usually blamed for the declining demand in the Japanese alcoholic beverages sector. If that sounds like what could lie in store for Old Europe, shouldn’t Western brewers take a long hard look at Japan?

The Brewers of Europe’s Second Year Report on the European Beer Pledge shows Europe’s brewers are keeping to their promise to promote the responsible consumption of beer, increase consumer knowledge and strengthen responsible beer advertising.

The quality of spring barley in Europe this year is convincing, save for a few regional exceptions. Although in some major growing countries in Europe the acreage has been significantly reduced, there seems to be no shortage. Export inquiries get the market moving.

Around 350 people, among them 40 MEPs attended the launch of the European Parliament’s (EP) Beer Club, renewed for its 4th parliamentary term with a new President, German MEP Renate Sommer. On this occasion, The Brewers of Europe published the 2014 European Beer Statistics, which reveal a brewing sector that continues to show signs of recovery, but still faces constraints to growth and investment.

Hot water from regenerative resources replaces steam operation

In the following article, a newly designed energy management concept is presented in which all primary and secondary thermal energy in a brewery flows into two stratum

Doing the beer shelf shuffle

With double-digit sales gains and an expanding consumer base, craft beers are popping up everywhere. Supermarkets, big-box chains and convenience stores are giving more shelf space and attention to the category. But how much more space can craft beer get? Behind the scenes there is already a tug-of-war between the Big Brewers defending their territory and the small brewers trying to shoulder in.

In 2013, the world beer production increased by 11 m hl to 1.973 bn hl. With an output of over 94 m hl Germany’s share is less than 5 percent, according to The Barth Report Hops 2013/2014.

In Europe the spring barley harvest is considered a good average from the current perspective. Protein levels are, however, often at the lower end of the desired scale. Regional harvest has been completed.

In-line, at-line or laboratory measurement?

In modern quality assurance all three measuring systems are relevant: In-line, at-line and laboratory. They are chosen depending on the individual requirements of the company. In the brewing and beverage industries, in-line measurement is becoming increasingly important, due to an increased process reliability with reduced expenses or increased process transparency. Still, there will always be a need for lab and at-line measurement.

Beer is special still

MegaBrew | The AB-InBev-SABMiller combination – whether it happens or not – has already taught us one thing: never before in the brewing industry have the chattering classes, a new and truly global alliance of analysts and business media, been as pushy in bringing a deal about as in this case.