The Northern Ireland Beverage Sector “Keeping Spirits High”
April 30, 2020
Audrey Kelly, Food Technologist, CAFRE
The Northern Ireland beverage sector is “Keeping Spirits High” during the Covid-19 pandemic, with consumers still able to enjoy their favourite drinks during the spring sunshine and the enforced lockdown.
During this pandemic, innovation and new product launches are still happening through the use of social media and websites, in a bid to stimulate the sector and tempt consumers to try something novel during the lockdown period. Rationalisation has been employed to limit the coronavirus crisis and companies are focusing production on a smaller group of core mainstream products.
The high standard of handwashing and hygiene practices embedded into all of Northern Ireland’s food and drink manufacturers ensures that they are continuing to operate safely, while ensuring the supply chain continues to be fully stocked. Manufacturers, brewers and distillers have reduced the number of staff on site where possible, sensibly postponing facility tours, implemented social distancing in production areas and in some cases have even diversified into hand sanitiser production.
Beverage production is a complex process. In order to understand the nuances of brewing technology for example, a detailed knowledge of chemistry, microbiology and biochemistry is essential. Practical engineering skills are also useful when optimising machinery usage and improving production processes.
CAFRE is committed to supporting the Northern Ireland beverage sector during these challenging times. We provide company specific, confidential technical advice. In our experience, the beverage industry is one of the most creative, hardworking and innovative sectors and we have faith that when this pandemic is over, it will emerge as strong as ever.
If you have any queries in relation to beverage help and support then please do not hesitate to contact Audrey Kelly, Beverage Technologist, Loughry Campus, CAFRE.
Email: Audrey.kelly@daera-ni.gov.uk