5 Methods a Pilot Setup can Boost Your Brewery's Efficiency
Rebrewed Revelations: Why Every Brewery Needs a Pilot System
In a recent conversation I had with Laurence Livingston, a renowned brewing consultant, we delved into the brewing world's current state due to Covid19. I asked for his insights on how the brewing community was faring and what strategies some operations, big and small, were employing to stay afloat. Our chat led us to discuss the importance of pilot systems in today's thriving brewery. I'm here to share five insightful reasons to consider investing in one... no, not his fee, of course!
Laurence:
I strongly suggest all of our craft brewing clients seriously consider purchasing a pilot system - many breweries are either already utilizing one or planning to buy one. Here are five crucial reasons why owning and operating a pilot system is game-changing for breweries.
- Launching a brand on a shoestring: Kickstarting your brand before making the significant investment in a larger system is a proven method. Couple it with food service, a taproom/tasting concept, or as part of a larger growth plan for a 10bbl or larger brewery in year-2 of operations.
- Recipe testing and staff training: Pilot systems enable brewers to test new formulas, essential sensory analysis at minimal costs, and train non-brewing staff on the brewing process while test-brewing.
- Yeast propagation hub: Using the pilot system, you can produce sterile wort, vital for a commercial-level yeast propagation operation. Combined with a suitably fitted small yeast propagation tank, it multi-tasks to keep your yeast fed, pure, and viable - saving tons on commercial yeast and simplifying the process.
- Adaptability in unprecedented times: Unforeseen situations call for unconventional measures. During the COVID-19 pandemic, breweries utilized their pilot systems primarily to downsize production and develop new strategies to survive and thrive.
- Boosting revenue: Generate additional revenue via small-batch in-house special releases. Take advantage of limited-edition beer offerings that customers will eagerly snap up for a unique experience and added margin.
So whether you're gearing up to open a taproom or are a seasoned veteran, a pilot system is a versatile setup that could very well be your secret weapon. It can adapt to your brewery's needs as they evolve, making it worth exploring as you chart your next steps. I'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Laurence for his valuable insights - I'm convinced I owe him a beer!
Ryan Oxton is the Market Development Manager at Spike. In his spare time, he enjoys guiding novice homebrewers or helping established breweries enhance their operations. Email: [email protected]
Laurence Livingston is a highly experienced brewery consultant at Kettle and Still Consulting. With a 30+ year career in commercial brewing under his belt, he now focuses on helping others live out their brewing dreams. Connect with Laurence at www.kettleandstillconsulting.com to unlock your brewery's full potential!
Supplemental Insights:
Innovation & ExperimentationA pilot system offers a platform for experimentation at a low cost. Breweries can test new recipes, ingredients, and brewing techniques before scaling up, reducing financial risk and allowing for increased creativity and differentiation in a competitive market.
Quality Control & Process OptimizationPilot systems enable brewers to fine-tune recipes, processes, and troubleshoot issues, ensuring consistency and quality before scaling up. Small-scale systems also help Breweries adhere to regulatory standards by maintaining proper documentation and sanitation procedures.
Training & Staff DevelopmentPilot systems are perfect for training staff, including new brewers and quality assurance personnel. By practicing on a small scale, employees can gain hands-on experience with different equipment, processes, and techniques without causing issues with commercial batches.
Market Testing & Consumer FeedbackBreweries can use pilot batches to test the market, gather consumer feedback, and refine products before official launch. Early customer insight helps ensure new offerings align with customer preferences and increase market acceptance.
Supporting Sustainability EffortsPilot systems promote sustainability by minimizing waste during development, making it easier to test eco-friendly processes or ingredients, and complying with industry trends and regulatory expectations for environmentally responsible practices.
Flexibility & AgilityA pilot system provides the agility to respond rapidly to changing market conditions, trends, and customer demands by enabling quick prototyping and production of small-batch products.
- Embracing a pilot system can boost a brewery's lifestyle brand, as it allows for the creation of unique, small-batch food-and-drink offerings, which can be marketed through a taproom concept, generating additional revenue.
- Incorporating technology, such as a pilot system, can accelerate innovation within the food-and-drink sector, particularly commercial brewing, by enabling breweries to experiment with new recipes, ingredients, and brewing methods while minimizing financial risk.
