Hard Seltzer is the new beverage star rising

Contiflow for mixing

With the various flavor combinations in the market for hard seltzers, producers need flexible technology that provides maximum leeway for product mixing. Krones has just the technology with the Contiflow mixer. With highly accurate dosing, monitored and controlled by Brix or Alcohol measurement, continuous in-line blending of multiple syrup and alcohol components, the Contiflow offers huge advantages in terms of flexibility and means less storage volume compared to batch production processes.

The production process of the Contiflow features deaeration, syrup dosage, chilling, and carbonation. It also offers a compact, easy maintenance design with rapid product changeover thanks to UnitXpress, a component of the LineXpress system.

Brewing solutions from Sprinkman and Steinecker

Some brewers find they can use their existing brewing system to make the sugar base and we assist them with making the final base product: Our brewing experts within the Krones Group can offer engineering consulting and process design, in conjunction with full turnkey process integration – not only for beer, but also for hard seltzer production.

For the US market, Sprinkman offers small-scale brewing systems, and also provides cellar tanks for fermentation or bulk alcohol storage tanks. Worldwide, the brewing specialists from Steinecker are providing the full portfolio of innovative brewing solutions.

Adding to the technological portfolio for hard seltzer is the Krones VarioFlash flash pasteurizer. This thermal product treatment allows brewers to safely stabilize their sensitive products like hard seltzer. Treatment with the VarioFlash guarantees safe microbiological filling while offering the highest flexibility and short changeover times.

Various can filling options

In terms of filling, the most popular container by far for this sector has been cans. The Kosme Canto is an ideal solution for can filling needs under 10,000 containers per hour due to its ease of use, low maintenance, and volumetric filling capabilities. The Krones Craftmate is a faster and even more flexible can filler for filling up to 20,000 containers per hour which offers minimal oxygen uptake and CO₂ consumption resulting in a quality final product.

For beverage producers who want to keep the utmost flexibility, the Kosme Barifill Canto combines the best from the glass and the can filling world. The innovative filling valve allows handling of glass and PET bottles as well as cans on the same machine. With speeds between 2,500 and 16,000 containers per hour, it is the ideal solution for the low output range.

Meeting the trends – and the consumers’ needs

Hard seltzer’s explosive popularity shows how strong the consumers' interest is for good-tasting, better-for-you options – a trend that is poised to continue in the US for many years to come, and can also be observed in other countries around the globe. The rising health consciousness, especially among the generation of today’s young adults, increases the demand for low and no alcoholic drinks and feeds into this trend as well.

Krones has the expertise and technology to support brewers and beverage producers of all kinds as consumer demands continue to shift. Known for our high-quality, efficient, and flexible technologies Krones is ready to support you no matter your production needs.