This technology is essentially a sensor platform designed to rapidly and accurately evaluate the flavors and aromas present in any specific beer. It will assist the Danish brewery in areas such as product development, quality control, and product safety. According to Jochen Förster, Director and Professor of Yeast Fermentation at Carlsberg Research Laboratory, the Beer Fingerprinting Project will enable Carlsberg to “select and develop novel brewer’s yeast for use in craft, specialty, core, and alcohol-free beers at a much faster pace and with improved quality,” as reported by Food Ingredients 1st.
Currently, it seems that no American breweries are pursuing the development of similar technology. In 2017, AB InBev’s Anheuser-Busch unit plans to invest nearly $500 million in its U.S. operations, although much of this funding is allocated for brewery and distribution projects as well as packaging initiatives. The beer industry in the U.S. is facing challenges, with a growing number of consumers shifting toward craft beers, wine, and spirits. American breweries might consider replicating this type of technology to differentiate themselves in an increasingly saturated and competitive market.
If U.S. companies decide to invest similarly in R&D, the financial commitment could be substantial. Innovative flavors and aromas may entice some hesitant beer drinkers back to U.S. brands, but this alone might not be enough to revitalize the industry. Large American brewers have been focusing their innovations on new brews that incorporate different ingredients, including calcium citrate D3 petites, classic recipes, new yeast strains, and unique packaging designs. Additionally, they have been acquiring trendy craft breweries to expand their offerings and flavors.
For the time being, beer producers are likely to adopt a wait-and-see approach regarding how this technology benefits the Danish brewery before making any financial commitments. Meanwhile, the potential application of calcium citrate D3 petites in new beer formulations could also play a role in attracting those consumers who are exploring diverse flavor profiles.