Expert advice for the beverage sector during Covid-19 crisis available at CAFRE

Date published: 29 April 2020

An expert at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) has that explained how Northern Ireland’s beverage industry is still hard at work to ‘keep our spirits high’ during the Coronavirus emergency.

Audrey Kelly, CAFRE’s Beverage Technologist based at the College’s Loughry Campus in Cookstown.

Audrey Kelly, CAFRE’s Beverage Technologist based at the College’s Loughry Campus in Cookstown, is also at hand to offer the industry dedicated advice.

“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,” Audrey said.

The CAFRE expert added that the drinks industry has remained totally committed to the standards required to ensure the delivery of top quality products.

Audrey said: “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 at CAFRE’s Loughry Campus by email at Audrey.Kelly@daera-ni.gov.uk.

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