Process innovation brewing at Brau Beviale

About 36,000 attendees are expected by organisers over the course of the three-day event, which will focus particularly on market developments such as functional beverages, and the issue of energy use in manufacturing and distribution. With global beverage consumption expected to grow by 18 per cent between 2007 and 2012, according to market researcher Canadean, ensuring innovation and sustainability is becoming increasingly important for processors. Though German technical know-how in the field of brewing, beverage, wine, and dairy production is a central focus at the show, exhibitors from over 45 other countries will be present, including the UK, Austria, Italy and the Czech Republic. In all, respresentatives from 1,416 companies and suppliers are expected at the show. According to organisers, technical advances in beverage production are still at the very heart of the Brau Beviale exhibition. Over half of show will be focused on the latest developments in machines and plant equipment for the manufacture, filling and packaging of beverages. Others will be exhibition the latest tools for laboratory research and formulation. The developments reflect the increased importance of the European beverage manufacturing and packaging machine segment. With a 37 per cent increase in machine sales amounting to €1.1bn, the sector has already matched production volume for the whole of 2001 in the first six months of 2007, according to the organisers. During 2006, this market for engineering geared towards food and beverage production increased 14 per cent to €1.84bn according to Canadean, with about three quarters of the demand stemming from packaging machines. This growth was linked by the analyst to the increased importance of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging, which has seen undergone six percentage point growth in industry packaging usage share since 2005 to 29 per cent. With current difficulties facing the industry over commodity and raw material costs, hops trade companies, and non-alcoholic ingredients suppliers will also be present to unveil their latest developments in the drive for cost effectiveness. The event will also hold this year's European Beer Star Award, which, now in its fourth incarnation, will see 575 international beers face the scrutiny of a 54-member jury to find un-manipulated high quality beers ,stout and lager. The award will be presented during the shows second day - 15 November -following sampling and testing of all the competitors' products during the previous day. Neil Merrett, the editor of BeverageDaily.com and DairyReporter.com will be attending the event. Contact him at the press centre or send and e-mail to Neil Merrett at npmerrett[AT]gmail.com.