Innovation grant makes all the difference to craft brewery

Brew York, which was established in 2015 by two friends with a shared love of brewing, is expanding thanks to support from a PAPI (Product and Process Innovation) grant.

It has enabled the business to purchase the equipment required to create a cold-chain brewing line. This innovative process ensures high product quality is maintained, and that premature ageing is minimised.

The brewery operates in the high-end ‘craft’ sector of the market. Its beer is produced in cask, keg, and can with products sold throughout the UK directly to the pub trade, to retailers, and through the company’s own tap rooms.

Wayne Smith, managing director, said: “The grant allowed us to have full cold-chain storage, which means the beer is packaged at four degrees and stays at that temperature until it is delivered to the customer, meaning the beer stays fresher and tasting its best for longer.”

He added the ability to offer these new products was a huge differentiator for the company, and enabled it to win business with major national retailers.

Whilst this technology and the production method is not new to the sector, it is rare and is new to Brew York.

The process also enabled the company to introduce new recipes to appeal to supermarket buyers, who are introducing cold-chain infrastructure to their stores.

The grant has allowed Brew York to create two new jobs and a range of additional products, as well as enter previously untapped markets and continue its growth.

PAPI encourages innovation with 40% capital grants of up to £20,000 to support the creation of new products and services.

PAPI can support SME businesses located in the York, North Yorkshire and the Leeds City Region. It is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020, and delivered by the University of York.

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