Reprinted from: powderbulksolids.com
Malted barley extract and natural sweeteners manufacturer Malt Products Corporation (MPC) has incorporated a state-of-the-art brewing module at its primary manufacturing facility in Dayton, OH. The PicoBrew Z is an automated brewing system providing real-time data and precision control, making it easier for beverage customers to experiment with various combinations of MPC’s natural sweetener products.
Among other beverage industry niches, Malt Product Corp.’s precision brewing capabilities are aimed at the exploding non-alcoholic beer landscape. For a sector increasingly introducing novel products with unique, differentiating flavor profiles, the system allows for accurate, versatile experimentation with both traditional and innovative ingredients, including MPC’s portfolio of malted barley extract and health positive cereals. Once a desired taste is achieved, the brewing system also offers exemplary repeatability.
The sophisticated system makes Malt Products Corp. an attractive partner for beverage customers who may not have access to such an exacting means of product testing and development. Combined with MPC’s extensive manufacturing capabilities and capacity, it also reduces commercialization ramp up time for new or versioned brewed products.
In addition to appealing to a more health-conscious market, non-alcoholic beers also are being positioned in another light: fitness and sports recovery.
“By using our MaltRite™ line of malt extracts as a base, beverage formulators can create malt-based beverages that, like non-alcoholic beers, eliminate the health risks of alcohol while retaining even more of the nutrients of the whole grain – including high antioxidant content and substantial amounts of polyphenols, which are plant compounds with anti-inflammatory properties,” said Amy Targan, President of Malt Products Corp. “MaltRite™ also helps formulators create interesting drinks with unique flavors, both for extra sweetness and fruitier notes, without being tied to a brewery.”
The PicoBrew Z system is part of a five-year, $50 million investment by MPC, beginning with the 2015 expansion of its state-of-the-art brew house and addition of a Meura mash-filter, expanded laboratory, research and development and customer application capabilities. These investments are in response to increasing demand for non-GMO and natural, nutritious ingredients.
MaltRite™ is also an excellent base for fermented drinks like Kombucha, and supports the viability of probiotics in specialty teas, another growing area. In addition, MPC’s OatRite™ portfolio of oat extracts present attractive options in the fast-growing oat milk market and other non-dairy drinks looking to add some natural sweetness.
Founded in 1957, MPC has grown from a regional supplier of malts to an international company offering a full line of natural sweeteners serving a wide range of industries, such as bakery, confectionary, beverages, snack foods and cereals, pet food, animal nutrition, and pharmaceutical.