By
Rebecca Gibson |
Heineken Global Duty Free has launched BrewLock, a new 100% recyclable draught innovation that delivers draught beer at brewery quality to consumers onboard cruise ships and ferries.
BrewLock is a revolutionary draught technology developed by Heineken to let consumers enjoy their draught beer exactly as it is in the brewery, at significantly reduced logistical and handling complexity.
While standard keg systems require additional gas and regulator systems to pull beer to the tap, the BrewLock system uses a multi-layered keg that relies on normal atmospheric air to squeeze the inner wall and push the beer through to the tap. This way the system is easier to operate and protects the beer from outside influences, leaving it untouched, ensuring the beer tastes exactly as it does in the brewery.
The beer in the inner lining is completely sealed in, so the consumer receives a fresh tasting, perfectly carbonated beer. As a result, the consumer experience is a perfect pour every time and one that is refreshing to the last drop.
“We’ve been working intensively to perfect a draught beer solution for our ‘sailing’ customers in our shared objective to bring the perfect serve to consumers,” says Sean McNaughten, manager of Global Duty Free & Travel Retail at Heineken. “Our investment in this pioneering technology is a real game changer for the industry and revolutionises the way beer is brought to and enjoyed in the cruise and ferry sectors. As we always say, the main reason for ordering a second beer is the quality of the first.”
The system is designed for optimal ease of use with quick keg changeover thanks to an EasyFit coupler making it simple for any trained staff member to change the keg in seconds with no mess. What’s more, in comparison to steel kegs,
BrewLock kegs are 25% lighter, and therefore safer and easier to handle, are horizontally stackable when not in use, and have a considerably smaller footprint in the cooler and storage.
“This is a one-way keg solution that brings environmental advancements: the PET keg and outer cardboard are 100% recyclable and also there is no return journey for the empty keg back to the brewery,” explains Koos Vrijlandt, global manager of Cruiselines for Heineken Global Duty Free. “This brings about efficiencies in the supply chain.”
Initially launched in June 2014 with Royal Caribbean International the 20l BrewLock keg has been made available to other cruise and ferry operators from September.
“Not only is the BrewLock system extremely easy to operate, it’s intuitive enough for our talented staff members to become quickly accustomed to and with no returns required the administrative burden is removed,” says Royal Caribbean International’s director of Beverage Operations, Roseann Grippo. “We’ve had fantastic feedback from all our staff on the benefits of BrewLock. The flow from the tap is smooth and the foam produced adds to the flavour, giving us a consistent quality for our guests to enjoy.”
Brands initially available for the BrewLock system are Heineken and Newcastle Brown Ale, with new brands being added in 2015.
This article appeared in the Autumn/Winter 2014 edition of International Cruise & Ferry Review. To read other articles, you can subscribe to the magazine in printed or digital formats.