The stated purpose of the IBD is "the advancement of education of benefit to the public or a section
of the public, specifically in the sciences of brewing, fermentation and distillation." The word"sciences" needs to be interpreted broadly, and the Institute concerns itself with both scientific and
technical matters to do with the brewing and packaging of fermented beverages. This includes
general management aspects as appropriate.
Which beverages? The key to this is brewing. The main concern of the Institute is products that
involve a brewing process - clear beer in all its forms, sorghum beer and whisky. The Institute is
also concerned with vinegar and wine making, although these are not areas from which many
members are currently drawn. Their science and technology is relevant, however, to fermentation.
Nevertheless the Institute is always receptive to developments from other industries. For example,
scientific research in the wine industry may help to shed light on aspects of beer fermentation.
From the above it can be concluded that the activities of the Institute are of interest not only to
brewing staff, but also to packaging, engineering and quality staff. It serves both individual members
and the industry, including Allied Traders. It also maintains strong links with academic institutions in
the field. There is a role to play in imparting technical and scientific knowledge to non-technical
people.
The Institute has its headquarters in London, however it's coverage is worldwide. In addition to
various Sections within the United Kingdom, three important and growing sections (Asia and
Pacific, Africa and International) serve the interests of members of the Brewing Industry throughout
the world. It is certainly the leading body of its kind in the English speaking world and the
membership shows that it also has a strong support amongst those whose mother tongue is not
English. Communication in other languages is under consideration as appropriate. Its links with, and
influence on, the Brewing Industry as a whole, are well illustrated by:
What can the Institute offer?
Internationally recognised Associate Membership and Diploma Master Brewer qualifications, by
examination. Entry to these examinations is no longer restricted to those with certain formal
educational qualifications (although a sound grounding in science and mathematics is needed), and
the examinations are modular. Recognition is given for each module passed and any member of the
technical staff of a Brewery can find something appropriate to his/her needs.
There is the John S Ford Award for outstanding candidates in the Associate examinations; winners
are encouraged to spend their prize money on the study of brewing methods and developments
overseas.
With effect from 1999, a Foundation Certificate in Brewing, at the pre-Associate level is being
introduced. This covers Brewing and Packaging processes, and associated fundamental biological,
biochemical and other principles. No formal qualifications are required to write the examination; the
level of the content is appropriate for Team Leaders, Shift Supervisors and similar operating staff,
while also being appropriate as a first step for those intending to go on to the Associate and
Diploma levels.
A Foundation Certificate in Distillation is currently under preparation by the Africa Section, and is
anticipated to be available for use during 2004. The Scottish section have started revising the
distillation course material for study towards the Associate Membership examination in Distillation -
this work should be completed and available for use in 2004 / 2005.
Each member receives the prestigious Journal of the Institute of Brewing, which publishes original
scientific work of a high quality on all topics related to the raw materials of brewing, the brewing
process and related fermentation process. Its contributions are drawn from Universities, Colleges,
Laboratories, Research staff in Companies and individual experts all over the world. Published
quarterly, it carries critical survey articles and abstracts of relevant papers which have appeared in
other journals.
Members also receive The Brewer International which includes feature articles of general interest
covering both science and technology, raw material reports and news both of Institute activities and
from the industry in general. It is essential reading for technical staff and examination students. This
journal is published monthly and like the Journal is distributed in over 70 countries worldwide.
Members also receive technical reports and other printed material.
The Institute in the United Kingdom runs Brewster courses in technical management as preparation
for candidates sitting their examinations. It also provides support through a Brewing Science and
Technology series of publications, and the development of further study material is being addressed.
Similar courses are now being run within the Africa Section, using local and overseas experts.
Recent venues included Lagos, Nairobi, Harare and Seychelles.
The Africa Section subsidises the cost of these courses to a significant degree.The Africa Section
has recently compiled a five module, five day lecture programme entitled "Principles of Hygiene in
the Beverage Industry" - this will be available for use from the beginning of 2004. The "Press
Release" information sheet appears in the Training Section.
Once a year the Institute runs the International Brewing Science and Technology course, over five
weeks at the BRI at Nutfield England. This focuses on brewing science and technology for modern
lager brewing with associated raw materials, malting and packaging topics. It is attended by brewing
staff from many parts of the world. Industrial study visits and engineering design and practical
projects are included. Finally, the Institute organises one week study tours - looking at the brewing
industry of a particular country or area - every few years.
The Institute offers many opportunities for members to keep themselves up to date, these include:
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Scientific and technical conventions - held every two years by both the Asia Pacific and Africa
Sections. These include exhibitions of plant, equipment and materials
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Symposia - for example the Africa Section symposia on "Maintenance", "Packaging for the
beverage Industry", "Barley, Malt and Wort" and "Sorghum"
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Section meetings - apart from the paper that is normally presented at such meetings, they provide an
opportunity to network with others in the industry. A member is entitled to attend the meetings of
any Section. The Africa Section itself networks with other Sections
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The opportunity to attend the EBC Congresses at member rates; also the Aviemore Conference in
Scotland. In addition, the opportunity to submit papers /posters to be considered for presentation
Membership
