The craft drinks market is changing fast. Flavoured beers, alcohol-free recipes and new packaging formats are creating more variety in production. At the same time, consumers expect products to be readily available and every tasting to remain consistent.
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How to modernise a brewery production line for new can and bottle formats
For breweries, this means the production line must be able to handle different volumes, packaging formats and drink types with flexibility. A modern brewery production line therefore needs to switch quickly without compromising on quality, efficiency or product consistency.
Why breweries modernise their production line
Demand for beer and other drinks is becoming less predictable. Seasons, events and trends can suddenly create production peaks, while other product ranges temporarily run at lower capacity.
A modernised production line helps breweries to:
- switch quickly between different production volumes
- launch new drink concepts
- produce test runs or limited editions
- handle production peaks without extra staff
Modular installations, partial automation and flexible filling lines make it possible to stay competitive in a market that is evolving faster and faster.
Flexible filling lines for different can and bottle formats
Packaging is now an essential part of the product. Breweries work with different packaging forms such as:
- standard cans
- slim cans
- sleek cans
- different bottle formats
- multipacks
A modern filling and packaging line must be able to handle this variety without long stoppages or complex changeovers. Flexible filling lines make it possible to switch quickly between formats and test new packaging without disrupting main production.
More information about this can be found at BCB brewery and filling capabilities and in the article Canned Beer, Tailored to You: Contract Brewing at BCB.
New drink types require adapted production technology
Modernising is not only about classic beers. Demand for alcohol-free beers, flavoured variants and non-carbonated drinks is growing fast.
To produce these product types efficiently, modern breweries use techniques such as:
- precise aroma dosing
- temperature control during production
- liquid nitrogen injection for stability and shelf life
These technologies ensure taste, aroma and product stability are maintained, also for alternative drink types.
Those who want to go deeper into alcohol-free production can find more background in the article Modern Brewing Techniques for Alcohol-Free Beer.
Quality control and consistency remain crucial
Whatever volumes or formats are produced, consistency remains an absolute requirement. Modern breweries therefore use advanced systems for:
- precise dosing of ingredients
- automated process control
- quality monitoring per batch
These systems ensure every production meets the same quality standards and also protect the brand reputation of breweries.
More context on this can be found in the article The 3 essential elements of contract brewing.
Why working with a contract brewery can be interesting
Not every brewery has a production line that is flexible enough to work with different volumes and formats. Working with a specialised contract brewery can then be a solution.
Contract brewing makes it possible to:
- test new beer concepts
- produce larger volumes
- use different packaging formats
- outsource product development
Belgian Contract Brewery supports breweries and brands with modern installations and technical expertise for contract brewing and filling.
Practical questions can be found in the contract brewing FAQ or via the contact page.
