Quality assurance is always a top priority in any sector of the food and beverage industry. Breweries, being a special member of this industry, require a constant commitment to ensuring the quality of their products. This is especially crucial for large breweries that distribute their products to various markets for consumer consumption. Here are some tips to help improve quality assurance in brewery operations.
Keep detailed records
One of the most important things that breweries of all sizes should do is maintain detailed records of all brewing data. Each beer brewed by a brewery should have a unique identification number, and key metrics should be recorded throughout the brewing and bottling process, from production to packaging. Additionally, these records should be kept digitally as it helps ensure more accurate numbers and readings for beer production. Detailed records also assist brewers in understanding information such as the duration of the brewing process, the quantity of ingredients used, and potential areas for improvement.
Maintain hygiene standards
Another crucial aspect of improving quality assurance in breweries is to ensure the highest possible hygiene practices are followed. Keeping breweries clean and sanitized is not only critical but also required by law. This includes maintaining cleanliness not just in the facilities and brewing equipment, but also in having a sanitary drainage system in every area of the brewery. The right type of sanitary drainage system not only contributes to cleanliness and sanitation but also helps improve wastewater management, reduces water usage, lowers maintenance costs, and even utility bills. Sanitary drainage systems, typically pre-sloped and grating-less, are an excellent option to meet all legal brewery requirements at a reasonable cost.
Conduct weekly tastings
For a product like beer, taste is of utmost importance. The taste of beer can vary from batch to batch due to factors such as ingredient quality and brewing conditions. Therefore, it is important for breweries to sample products from each new batch to ensure optimal quality. This allows them to prevent inferior batches from being sold, eliminating any complaints and negative product reviews.
Allocate a quality budget
Just as brewers want to taste every new batch of beer they brew, they should also pay special attention to the quality of the ingredients they use. To produce the best product, brewers should use high-quality ingredients. Although the cost may be higher, it can be beneficial if the brewer allocates the budget accordingly. Using high-quality yeast and hops can result in better-tasting beer, which can attract more customers and increase sales.
Have a laboratory
A good large brewery should invest in at least one small laboratory system. Before the actual brewing process begins, the laboratory helps scrutinize and test the quality of individual ingredients. Laboratory equipment can also be used to test beer after brewing, checking factors such as pH levels. While this may seem excessive, setting up a lab does not have to be expensive, and it can prove highly beneficial in creating the best beer.
Running a brewery entails many tasks, but ensuring the quality of their beers is crucial. These are just a few tips to help brewers steer in the right direction. For anyone considering starting a large-scale brewing business, these are some basic tips to keep in mind.
