ProBrewer Expert Topic • Volume 2024, Issue 11
Innovation – New Ideas and Products in the Brewing Industry
ProBrewer Expert Topic dives into Innovation this month to uncover the latest products, ideas and solutions that are helping the beer industry to produce and sell product in an increasingly competitive market.
supported in part by Abstrax Hops
Editor's Introduction to Innovation – New Ideas and Products in the Brewing Industry
Now more than ever, it is essential for brewers to tap into the the latest ideas and technology in communications, business management and in the brewing process.
Leading off the Expert Topic this month is a series of interviews with four industry innovators who discuss what innovation means to them. Hear from Tonya Cornett, Tomme Arthur, Matt Monahan and Ashleigh Carter about where they look for innovation, how they implement it and where the industry needs more of it.
Other articles in this month’s Expert Topic include innovation in beer packaging and beer transportation, how a genetically engineered yeast and new hybrid strains are leading to a “yeast revolution,” and how brewers are innovating in new beverage spaces. There are also articles to help you run a successful business with the latest innovations such as security steps to keep your brewery safe from cyber-attacks, how to choose the newest software in HR and finance, and best practices for brewery social media.
Want to discuss innovation with others in the industry? Strike up a conversation in the ProBrewer Discussion Boards in the Innovation section.
Featured Articles in Innovation – New Ideas and Products in the Brewing Industry
Innovation in Beer Transportation
Brewers control the quality of their beer right up to the point where it goes out the door. When a four-pack of cans, a sixer of bottles, or a growler leaves the brewery in a customer’s hands, a brewer’s job is largely done. But when beer heads out for distribution, that’s where things get complicated. Transportation, shipping, and logistics remain a challenge for most breweries, with heavy pallets loaded into heavy trucks that head to a distribution warehouse or even direct to accounts. We talked with one regional transportation company about its plans to innovate and shake up the business of transporting beer. (more...)
Innovation in Beer Packaging
Innovation in packaging has changed as the beer industry evolved. First it was simple packaging that did not leak, then it was tighter seals and ways to fill and transport. The materials became lighter and more robust. Shapes evolved, and manufacturers found ways to make everything run faster and smoother while delivering a usable customer experience. (more...)
On Demand Printing for Cans
Last year there was an uproar and worry when Ball Corp announced that it was increasing the minimum order on printed cans. There has also been concern that many of the vinyl stickers going on blank cans are mucking up the recycling stream. As brewers look for ways to get cans in front of customers and many are looking for eco-friendly options, a relatively new technology has emerged that provides on-demand printing on a small scale, allowing brewers to only order what they need. (more...)
Security Steps to Keep Your Brewery Safe From Cyberattacks
Nearly every aspect of running a small business is online these days and the amount of bad actors trying to access information has never been higher. Brewers are well served by following basic tips to ensure their online resources are well protected. (more...)
Best Practices for Brewery Social Media
Social media is a critically important tool in helping a brewery interact with consumers. Whether its talking about new releases, highlighting employee good, or simply to entertain drinkers while they scroll through their phones, there is a lot that can be accomplished through all of the various platforms. (more...)
Apps To Help You Strike A Better Work Life Balance
Managing your mental health is challenging regardless of your profession. The brewing industry is no different. The physical demands placed on brewers and staff can be substantial. Add in the temptations of free and frequent access to alcohol, and it’s easy to lose track of both your physical and mental well-being in this industry. The job and its mental load rarely stay within the four corners of the brewery. (more...)
Innovation in Can Carriers Continues
Can carriers have improved in recent years towards more recyclable options, including what has become the popular overwrap carton for cans. But cans in a box don’t allow consumers to read “canned-on” dates or other info that may be on the can and not the carrier. A new innovation has just been introduced that is a fully recyclable paper can carrier that functions in the same way as the plastic carrier. (more...)