The Irish Brewers Association (IBA) has this week launched its new cooling specifications for draught beer, to maintain the Irish industry wide standard for the perfect pint.
This follows the IBA’s Draught Beer Dispense Programme which was launched last June. The cooling specifications document sets the minimum standards for the cooling and refrigeration requirements of draught beer. The document was developed by the IBA member companies in close collaboration with manufacturers of the cooling equipment and the installers of the draught beer cooling equipment.
The new specifications agreed set out the need to minimise energy consumption wherever possible and for equipment installers to provide energy reduction options to its customers (pubs, restaurants and hotels) by encouraging them to choose the more energy efficient beer cooling technology at their respective outlets.
Speaking at the launch the author of the cooling specifications document, Niall Butler, Quality Contracts Manager with Diageo Ireland said: "The document launched today, is a positive development in the beer dispense sector, particularly in the context of quality control. The ongoing technological developments make energy efficiency a cornerstone in how brewers deliver its product, which is evidence of the IBA’s commitment to playing their role in a greener economy".
"The development of these specifications was not only made possible by the dedication of our members but also the skill and knowledge of the manufacturers and installers of cooling equipment. What we’ve seen is the consolidation of knowledge to bring about a step forward in delivering the perfect pint for our customers in the licensed trade".
Also speaking at the launch, Jonathan McDade, Head of the Irish Brewers Association said: "With 47% market share, beer remains Ireland’s most popular alcoholic beverage. This cooling specifications standard will further ensure that Irish consumer will continue to experience high quality draught beer in pubs, hotels and restaurants. With more and more new entries to the Irish market, the IBA is eager to maintain this high standard by updating the industry’s cooling specifications."
