Have a drink on us!

The newly installed Armfield soft drinks carbonator announced in the August newsletter is just one piece of the jigsaw that constitutes our wide-ranging services for the drinks industry. Complementing our skills in beer, cider and wines, we can advise on product formulation, as well as testing of the packaging and shelf-life and consumer acceptability trials.This involves analytical chemistry and microbiology know-how, packaging and processing expertise, and experience with sensory perception and consumer reactions. Sarah Chapman explains:
"Drinks come in many different types - we offer help with fruit juices, still and carbonated soft drinks, and hot beverages. Starting with a product concept, we can advise on the ingredients that might be used - particularly from a legislation standpoint if a specific claim is being made, for example organic status, nutritional content or 'free from' claims.We can then relate the ingredients that might be used to the type of packaging that would be compatible, bearing in mind the desired image of the product, the type of manufacturing processes involved, and the desired shelf life.
Help with day-to-day issues ranges from testing of packaging material´s properties (such as integrity testing, burst and strain resistance, and gas and moisture transmission rates), through analysis of nutrients and contaminants like heavy metals or bisphenol A, to microscopic examination of the packaging itself. Filling the drink into the container is also a specialised business - we have a wealth of experience in the hygienic design of equipment, and recently did research into issues with mixing and splashing during filling. And, of course, we have a whole site dedicated to the brewing and wine industries.

What does the consumer expect?

Finally, what does the consumer expect from the product and is this expectation being delivered? We can help you with surveys to assess consumer reaction, and feed this back into the product development process.We can also scientifically evaluate the flavour and mouthfeel of the drink - to give you the viewpoint of the 'informed' consumer."

Contact: Sarah Chapman
+44(0)1386 842212
sarah.chapman@campdenbri.co.uk