First prize in annual awards for beer quality and brewery hygiene goes to Alison Aitchison of Scottish Courage for the second year in a row
Oxoid announces the winners of the 2003/2004 Oxoid awards for beer quality and brewery hygiene, organised in conjunction with the Institute and Guild of Brewing (IGB).
In first place, and for the second year running, is Alison Aitchison, Scottish Courage, Reading, UK.
The judges were unanimous in awarding the first prize again to Aitchison for what they regard as her outstanding, and continuing, contribution to standards of beer quality and brewery hygiene.
Recognising that commercially available aids for food microbiologists do not necessarily suit brewing microbiology, Alison has developed a simple to use reference tool for the brewing industry.
The judges were impressed by Alison's proactive approach and by the commitment she demonstrates to the sharing of and advancement in microbiological knowledge within the brewing industry.
This was regarded by the judging panel as over and above what would be expected in her normal day to day role as microbiology team leader at Scottish Courage's Berkshire brewery.
Second place in this year's awards goes to Jimmy Swan and his team at Wye Valley Brewery, Hereford, UK.
The judges were impressed by the proactive improvements to quality monitoring - from raw materials to finished product - that had been made in this small brewery.
The entry demonstrated that the improvements had also led to a substantial drop in ullage returns within a short period of time. Emma Lewis-White of HP Bulmer, Hereford, UK, was awarded third prize for her contribution to the management and implementation of a long-term quality improvement project.
The judges also decided to make a special highly commended award to Stephen Livens and Christopher Giles of Brewing Research International, Nutfield, UK for their development of a beer dispense system specific biofilm.
The winners will receive their prizes at a celebratory event in June.
