Innovation and NPD in Beer 🍻

New Product Development - Something DEYA are industry leading in without question!

When brewers from outside the UK ask me ‘which UK brewery should I try’ I nearly always say DEYA. 

Why? Because I know, whatever the style that person loves, DEYA will nail it.

That, in my opinion, is world class NPD.

In this episode, I sit down with Gareth Moore from DEYA to dive deep into their NPD process and what’s coming up in 2025.

We talk hop selection, relationships with suppliers and customer feedback loops.

Gareth’s insights are an absolute goldmine not just for brewers, but anyone involved in the NPD process.

My favourite topics Gareth covered:
•⁠ ⁠The key elements of a killer NPD process
•⁠ ⁠How DEYA approaches innovation without losing what makes them unique
•⁠ ⁠The role of customer feedback in shaping new beers
•⁠ ⁠Lessons learned from brewing failures (and how to avoid them)
•⁠ ⁠Trends that are shaping the future of craft beer

Check it out and let me know your thoughts!

Simpsons Malt - Show sponsors have just released their 2024 Sustainability report, your chance to make a sustainable malt supplier! Read here -> https://www.simpsonsmalt.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Simpsons-Malt-Sustainability-Report-2024-Digital.pdf

My LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/chris-lewington

DEYA Brewing - https://www.deyabrewing.com/collections/deya-brewery-taproom

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Is Craft Beer Doomed? ☠️

Is it f*%k. 

I'm sure, like most, you are sick to death of the relentless doom and gloom surrounding the craft beer industry.

"It's too saturated"

"Brewery closures LEAP 49%"

"Cost of living means people are spending less"

In this episode I sit down with the iconic Luca Lorenzoni to discuss exactly why these tpyes of headlines are absolutely wrong.

Luca's experience of delivering consistent craft brewery growth over a long successful career, speaks for itself.

My favourite topics Luca discussed

•⁠  ⁠The real state of the Craft Beer Industry right now
•⁠  ⁠The strategies breweries can use to grow their business
•⁠  ⁠The breweries that are nailing it right now and why
•⁠  ⁠What style of brewery he would open if he had to right now
•⁠  ⁠Why 'craft beer is over saturated' is absolutely not important 
•⁠  ⁠Why on-trade is actually really positive for craft beer 
•⁠  ⁠His thoughts on craft beer vs indie beer

I had so much fun doing this episode with Luca, especially as we are both so passionate about what we do. 

Check it out and let me know your thoughts!

0:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:56 Sponsor Message and Upcoming Events
03:41 Interview Begins: Luca's Background
07:34 Craft Beer Market Insights
14:45 Impact of COVID and Global Events
17:32 Optimism and Future Trends
23:27 Efficiency in Brewing
38:51 Does Sustainability Sell?
43:05 Luca's Ideal Brewery Business Model
44:04 The Pizza and Beer Concept
48:07 Trendsetters in the UK Brewing Scene
52:39 Dispelling the Doom and Gloom
59:17 The Evolution of the On-Trade
01:05:43 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

A huge shout out to our sponsors again, Clean Earth Energy - Power your business with clean, abundant, affordable energy.
https://cleanearthenergy.com/

Luca’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucarlorenzoni/
Luca’s Email - [email protected]
Chris’ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lewington/ 

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2024 was a year to remember in brewing! 🍺 From sustainability wins to industry shake-ups, join me, Chris as I share:

🖐️ My top 5 brewing highlights
👨‍🏫 Lessons learned across the year
🔮 Bold predictions for what 2025 might bring

Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome to the Show!
02:12 - 2024 in Review: The Biggest Wins
07:45 - Chris’s Top 5 Moments of 2024
15:32 - Sustainability: Where Are We Winning?
21:05 - Brewing Predictions for 2025
28:50 = The Challenges We Need to Face
34:12 - Listener Questions & Reflections
38:40 - Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

A huge thank you to Brewing Trade for sponsoring this episode. Don’t miss out—hit play now and let’s raise a glass to a big year ahead! 🍻

My LinedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lewington/ 

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The Best of 2024: My top 5

This year has been crazy! 🎙️ From hitting 10k downloads to ranking in the top 10% of podcasts globally, the show couldn't have done it without YOU.

Join me, Chris as I revisit my 5 favourite clips of the year—moments that made us think, laugh, and reassess what we all believe as brewers 🍻

A huge shout out to this episode’s sponsor, Brewing Trade.

Tune in now and celebrate an epic year with me! 🎉

🔗 Chris' LinkedIn

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In this episode, we dive into the art and evolution of Beavertown’s branding with none other than Nick Dwyer, the creative mind behind Beavertown’s iconic look.

From the home brew kits in the early days to navigating life under Heineken, Nick shares a candid glimpse into the world of brewery design and its challenges.

What you'll learn:
💀 How Beavertown’s unique branding came to life
🏗️ The highs and lows of merging creativity with commercial goals
💘 Why authenticity is non-negotiable in brand evolution
🏆 Nick's top 3 tips for branding success

00:00 Introduction and Year-End Recap
03:38 Sponsor Message
04:53 Nick Dwyer's Journey and Beavertown's Early Days
06:05 Evolution of Beavertown's Branding
17:54 Challenges and Changes Post-Heineken Deal
24:27 Current Projects and Future Outlook
37:27 Balancing Consistency and Innovation in Branding
38:00 Navigating Brand Evolution with Heineken
41:10 Consumer Insights and Commercial Goals
43:23 The Role of Consumer Feedback in Branding
46:55 The Importance of Authenticity in Branding
53:07 Challenges and Successes in Brewery Branding
01:02:08 Nick's Top 3 Most Important Things For a Brewery's Branding
01:05:33 Personal Reflections and Future Endeavors
01:09:41 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up

Whether you're a brewer, designer or just love a beer, this episode is a masterclass in standing out without losing your identity.

Thanks to this episodes sponsor - SSV Limited - Brew more. Brew better!

🔗 Nick’s LinkedIn
🔗 Chris’s LinkedIn
🏭 SSV Limited

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In this episode of the Modern Brewer podcast, we focus on the growth of non-alcoholic beer, featuring an in-depth discussion with Jordan Childs, founder of Mash Gang. A leading non-alcoholic craft beer brewery.

Jordan discusses the challenges and intricacies of brewing non-alcoholic beer, including recipe development, stabilisation and market perception.

We touch on the importance of proper cleaning practices in brewing and the innovative methods Mash Gang employs to maintain quality.

Listen to the end as this episode concludes with Jordan's advice for brewers venturing into non-alcoholic beer production.

Tune in to learn...
•⁠  ⁠The challenges and intricacies of brewing non-alcoholic beer,
•⁠  ⁠Recipe development
•⁠  ⁠Market perception
•⁠  ⁠The Mash Gang way

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Recent Events
01:25 Upcoming Projects and Sustainability
02:46 Non-Alcoholic Beer: A Growing Trend
04:22 Interview with Jordan Childs of Mashgang
06:14 Mashgang's Journey and Challenges
08:43 Developing Unique Non-Alcoholic Beers
20:52 Consistency and Quality in Brewing
34:21 Biggest Challenges in Brewing Non-Alcoholic Beer
34:58 Innovative Brewing Techniques
36:43 Customer Perception and Market Challenges
41:43 Unexpected Brewing Issues
50:02 Altitude and Brewing
59:05 Sterilization and Stabilization in Brewing
01:09:38 Advice for New Brewers
01:12:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thanks to this episodes sponsor - SSV Limited - Brew more. Brew better!

🔗 Mash Gang
🔗 Jordan Childs LinkedIn
🔗 Chris's LinkedIn

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Ep 33 - How to Get to Net Zero: George Wade - Zevero

Every brewery wants to be more Sustainable — but what does it really take to get there?

In this episode, George Wade, founder of Zevero, guides us through the realities of reaching Net Zero.

From the basics of carbon neutrality to the practical steps every brewery can take, George breaks down complex sustainability challenges into actionable insights.

We dive deep into the hurdles breweries face on their journey to Net Zero, from understanding supply chain emissions to setting; and sticking to sustainability goals.

Tune in to learn:

•⁠  ⁠Defining Net Zero and its relevance for breweries 🌍
•⁠  ⁠Practical steps to reduce emissions in brewing
•⁠  ⁠Engaging your supply chain in the sustainability journey
•⁠  ⁠Overcoming measurement challenges
•⁠  ⁠Setting realistic sustainability goals for the future

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Weekend Recap
01:27 Shoutout to Gamma Brewing
02:22 Introduction to Net Zero
02:54 Guest Introduction: George Wade
03:45 Sponsor Message: SSV Limited
05:01 Discussion on Net Zero and Carbon Neutrality
18:45 Challenges and Opportunities for Craft Breweries
24:34 Practical Steps for Breweries to Achieve Net Zero
32:44 Setting and Achieving Sustainability Goals
33:33 Flexibility and Long-Term Planning
34:21 Packaging and Transportation Emissions
35:54 Engaging with the Supply Chain
36:41 Challenges in Measuring Emissions
39:34 Future Trends in Sustainability
49:07 Misconceptions About Sustainability
52:30 The Journey to Net Zero
54:45 Resources for Sustainable Brewing
58:55 The Brewing Industry as a Sustainability Leader

Thanks to this episodes sponsor - SSV Limited - Brew more. Brew better!

Links:
🔗 Bi-Weekly Positive Sustainability News
🔗 Zevero’s Sustainability Blog
🔗 Free Benchmarking Tool
🔗 George Wade on LinkedIn

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Wastewater: Craft Beer’s Dirty Secret 💧🤐

The topic that no brewer wants to talk about. Wastewater.

But what if that “waste” could power your brewery?

In this "Tomorrow's World" style episode, Dr. Thomas Fudge, Founder of WASE, reveals how wastewater can be converted into valuable biogas—turning pollution into power. With brewing as a significant contributor to water waste, Dr. Fudge challenges the industry to rethink wastewater as an untapped resource.

Explore the science, real-life examples like Hepworth Brewery, and practical advice to make your brewery greener. If you’re serious about brewing sustainably, this episode uncovers the next big step in eco-conscious brewing.

Key Topics:
•⁠  ⁠Brewing’s impact on water pollution 🌊
•⁠  ⁠Anaerobic digestion - transforming wastewater into biogas
•⁠  ⁠Hepworth Brewery’s waste water case study
•⁠  ⁠Practical advice for sustainable brewing

Chapters
05:06 - Wastewater and its impact on the environment
13:51 - Key terms in wastewater (COD/BOD/TSS/TDS/pH)
24:01 - Anaerobic digestion overview and WASE solution to its problems
39:01 - The quality of biogas produced, can it be used as a like-for-like replacement to grid gas?
44:23 - Hepworth Brewery case study
52:07 - Top 3 questions brewers ask Dr Thomas Fudge

Sponsor: Jack Coomber Marketing

Links:
🔗 WASE Website
🔗 Article - Craft Brewers: Do We Need to Talk About Wastewater?
🔗 Chris' LinkedIn
🔗 Jack Coomber's LinkedIn

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In this episode of The Modern Brewer Podcast, we sit down with Felix James, the mastermind behind Small Beer’s world-class water efficiency.  Discover how they’ve redefined brewery operations with radical concepts like the Dry Floor Policy - NO floor drains, NO hoses, just innovative water-saving techniques that brewers globally are taking note of.

Felix breaks down their approach to minimizing water use, from rethinking wort cooling to using hot water sanitizing over chemicals. Whether it’s cutting costs, saving resources, or pushing boundaries, this episode is packed with practical insights every brewer should know.

Key Topics:

• How Small Beer achieves water efficiency without floor drains
• The game-changing Dry Floor Policy 
• Managing water and carbon footprints in brewing
• Saving water in packaging and the hop industry

Chapters:

01:48 - Water scarcity in the UK
19:44 - Dry Floor Policy
24:40 - Hot water sanitizing vs chemicals
33:16 - Water accountancy
49:57 - CAPEX costs for water savings

Sponsor: Thanks to Brew Resourceful for supporting this episode! Check out their free benchmarking tool to optimise your brewery’s sustainability.

🔗 Felix's LinkedIn
🔗 Small Beer
🔗 Brew Resourceful

Tune in now for innovative ways to transform your brewery’s water efficiency! 

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In this episode of The Modern Brewer Podcast, I sit down with Chris White, the founder of White Labs and a true G.O.A.T in the brewing industry. 

From pioneering yeast research to shaping the future of fermentation, Chris has been instrumental in the evolution of brewing science.

Get an inside look at Chris's journey, the pivotal moments that defined his career, and his thoughts on the role of yeast in brewing today. We cover everything from common yeast misconceptions to how brewers can master fermentation. If you’re serious about brewing, this episode is packed with advice that will take your understanding of yeast to the next level - both your beer and your career!

Key Topics:

• Chris White’s journey in the brewing world
• What brewers get wrong about yeast
• The importance of microscopes in fermentation
• Managing yeast programs like a pro
• The future of yeast and GMOs in brewing

00:00 - Intro
02:20 - 5th Column advert
05:25 - Modern Brewer Podcast t-shirt link
06:03 - Chris White's journey so far
13:52 - What were the pivotal moments that shaped your career?
18:47 - Brewing Elements: Yeast book
22:47 - What are the common misconceptions with yeast
28:54 - What are the key ways brewers should manage their yeast and fermentation
33:21 - What are the common challenges brewers face when it comes to fermentation
37:09 - How important is a microscope?
42:46 - What makes world class yeast programs?
54:31 - How do you see the role of yeast changing?
59:43 - What is the role of GMO in yeast and what are your opinions on it?
01:07:20 - Top 3 things brewers should focus on regarding yeast and fermentation
01:18:57 - Whats one piece of advice you wished brewers would take to heart
01:20:56 - Where can brewers find the best resources regarding yeast and fermentation?
01:23:58 - Goodbyes and Youtube announcement

Sponsor: A big thank you to 5th Column, creators of the best brewery apparel!

 Tune in to hear from one of the most respected voices in brewing!
 
🔗 Chris Lewington's Linkedin
🔗 White Labs
🔗 Fifth Column 

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