The beer industry continues to thrive due to the dedication and innovation of brewers, suppliers, and partners who work tirelessly to push the boundaries of craft brewing. Whether small independent operations or large-scale producers, all face the same challenge: balancing product quality with operational efficiency. As the industry evolves, brewers are increasingly turning to advanced quality control measures—moving beyond basic presence/absence tests—to safeguard brand integrity, improve margins, and ensure long-term sustainability.
Advancements in Yeast Quality Control
Science is playing a pivotal role in transforming quality control, particularly in yeast—the essential ingredient in brewing. Historically, brewers faced limitations in testing yeast in its raw state due to its dense cellular structure. Traditional microbiological plating methods, which provided reactive results up to five to seven days after testing, made it difficult for brewers to take a proactive approach to quality management. Today, with the advent of new molecular testing technologies, brewers are able to monitor yeast quality earlier in the brewing process, resulting in more consistent and higher-quality fermentations.
Breakthrough in Yeast Slurry Testing
For years, the brewing industry faced a significant challenge in developing effective yeast quality control solutions. However, a 2023 partnership between yeast supplier White Labs and bioMérieux, a company renowned for its expertise in brewing quality control, led to a groundbreaking solution: the first-ever test specifically designed to detect yeast and bacteria contamination in yeast propagations and slurries.
The outcome of this collaboration was the development of the GENE-UP® BREWPRO™ YS, a rapid PCR (polymerase chain reaction)-based test with enhanced sensitivity for yeast slurries. Unlike previous tests, this innovative tool not only identifies common spoilage organisms but also detects contaminants unique to yeast, providing brewers with a comprehensive quality snapshot. This improved testing capability allows brewers to make more informed decisions, optimize operational efficiency, and ensure the integrity of their raw materials.
Since the GENE-UP® BREWPRO™ YS launched in 2024, it has been widely embraced by both brewers and yeast suppliers, who have recognized the value of rapid contamination detection in yeast propagation and harvesting.
Enhancing Diastaticus Detection
Innovation in yeast quality control continues to drive improvements in the brewing industry. In collaboration with Cornell University, bioMérieux has developed new genetic markers for Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. diastaticus, a highly attenuative yeast that can cause unintended secondary fermentations. This phenomenon can result in hazardous, exploding cans or bottles in the marketplace.
The collaboration led to the creation of the BREWPRO™ WILD YEAST PLUS, an advanced PCR test designed to distinguish between spoilage and non-spoilage strains of diastatic yeast. By combining traditional and proprietary biomarkers, this test helps brewers avoid costly mistakes, such as unnecessarily quarantining batches or, worse, allowing compromised products to reach consumers. With this predictive, risk-based testing, brewers can act swiftly to protect their products and their brand reputation.
A Future of Confidence and Innovation
These recent advancements mark only the beginning of a new era in brewing quality control. BioMérieux remains committed to supporting the brewing industry by providing accessible, ready-to-use quality control solutions. The company offers streamlined workflows, hands-on training, and ongoing service programs to make high-level quality control accessible for brewers of all sizes.
As the beer industry continues to evolve, so too will the tools available to brewers. By investing in cutting-edge quality control solutions, brewers not only protect their products but also push the craft forward, ensuring that every beer meets the highest possible standards.
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