SABMiller Builds Research Brewery in the UK

With a brewhouse capacity of 1,000 litres, its scale and design means that new processes and technologies can not only be developed but also rigorously tested before they are introduced at a commercial level.

24 Jul 2009 SABMiller, one of the world's leading brewers has announced the commissioning of a £2 million global brewing research facility that will push the boundaries of conventional brewing technology.

The ground-breaking pilot brewery will be built within Nottingham University's School of Biosciences, with the purpose of focusing on new technologies and processes that will enhance beer quality and shelf life, whilst improving the sustainability of brewing.

The research will test new raw materials and equipment and simulate extreme brewing conditions to challenge current methods of brewing to identify better, more efficient ways of making beer.

With a brewhouse capacity of 1,000 litres, its scale and design means that new processes and technologies can not only be developed but also rigorously tested before they are introduced at a commercial level.

SABMiller's Group Chief Brewer, Professor Barry Axcell, explains that it will differ significantly from other research facilities, both in its design and in its purpose: "Pilot breweries have, up until now, been places where new brands are brewed and trialled. What we are creating is a facility that can simulate a whole range of brewing conditions, allowing us to develop expertise, products and procedures that will ensure SABMiller leads the industry in brewing innovation."

SABMiller already has strong links with Nottingham University's School of Biosciences where it sponsors the Chair of Brewing Science, Professor Katherine Smart. The brewery will be run by SABMiller's research brewer, James van der Watt with additional research being carried out by PhD students from the University.

Professor Axcell continued: "It made complete sense to build the pilot brewery alongside the Nottingham University facilities. We work very closely with Professor Smart and her team and this will allow for greater synergies in our research."

The tender for the facility has been awarded to Briggs of Burton with construction due to start in March 20010 and it will take approximately 12 months to complete.

In November 2008 SABMiller announced a target to reduce water use per litre of beer by 25% by 2015.

In June 2009, SABMiller plc announced its commitment to cut fossil fuel emissions from its beers by 50% per litre of beer by 2020.