Greaves has a long history of working with and supplying beverage producers, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Until recently the stalwart alcoholic products have been Scotch Whiskies, Irish liqueurs and English ales and ciders, which have themselves shown some interesting developments. However, over the past few years, there has been a new kid on the block.
The rise and rise of Gin
During 2016, annual gin sales rose 16% to break the £1bn barrier for the first time in the UK. In 2010, there were only 116 distilleries in the UK, according to HM Revenue & Customs, but about 100 have opened in the past two years alone.
With Greaves’ mixing experience, it is no surprise that several of the new, innovative Gin producers have recently sought our help in developing their production capabilities. With the explosion in the number of gin producers, competition is also a big factor. The ability to match production to demand quickly and easily is immensely valuable.
Small Batch Exclusivity
It can be a challenging trick to pull off but if you can develop an exclusive, low volume, high margin brand, you have the potential to build a real cash-cow for your business. In the short to medium term, you need to be able to produce modest volumes extremely consistently. Although the quantities may not be great, the value is significant.
Volume Production
At the other end of the production scale, although mass-market products may be more price sensitive, the demand is significant. Here, it is cost-effective production that is at the heart of business efficiency.
Consistent Flexibility
Across both extremes of exclusivity and volume is the need for consistent flexibility. The ability to rapidly adapt production to match market demands while maintaining absolute consistency of product gives you the platform to drive your business success.
Challenges and opportunities:
The new and expan
ding gin producers also meet the production challenges faced by many of our long-standing customers in the alcoholic (and non-alcoholic) beverage sector…
- Safety
Whether it is built-in machine interlocks and other fail-safe features, or comprehensive ATEX certification, Greaves mixers are built to be safe. - Hygiene
Avoiding cross-batch contamination when products change in a mixture is essential. Built-in cleanliness combined with efficient design allows products changeover to happen quickly and reliably. - Consistency
Automated volumetric dosing coupled with ingredient traceability across a wide range of mixer volumes ensures the best consistency. - Speed
Time is precious in production. Efficient mixing of product in the shortest possible time, coupled with rapid clean-down for batch change-over combine to deliver an efficient manufacturing process - Seasonal fluctuations
Like it or not, product demand normally fluctuates seasonally as well as through the product cycle. Efficient mixing proceeses help to minimise waste and maximise opportunity.
Ultimately, the best solution is one that addresses these technical issues and integrates well with existing plant and equipment while, at the same time, meeting the customer’s commercial objectives.
Whatever your production mixing needs, the Greaves approach is about more than just mixers. We aim to use our expertise to help you grow your business. At the end of the day, your success is our success.
To find out more, call us
