Brazilian beer will gain new production standard

SAO PAULO-the Ministry of Agriculture published in the Diário Oficial da União this Wednesday, 22, the text that will determine the new standards for the manufacture of beer in Brazil and in MERCOSUR.
Among the main changes proposed, the text vetoes the replacement of hops or derivatives thereof for other bitter principles. In the latter case, the exception is the beer hops in gruit is totally overridden
In the text, the Ministry prohibits the addition of any type of alcohol (other than the natural process of fermentation), whatever their origin. It is also vetoed the addition of water out of the factories or bottler units enabled. for other herbs.
The proposal provides for the permission to add honey, milk, fruits and herbs in the recipe of the drink. Since the replacement of malt for Brewers other inputs (such as corn, rice, among others) cannot be greater than 45% in relation to the primitive extract.
The purpose of the elaboration of new standards for production is to open space for the microbrews on the advancement of imported beers and standardize the process of industry production.
In the case of addition of plant sugars other than those derived from cereals, such as honey, the maximum amount relative to its primitive extract must be less than or equal to 25% by weight.
The document will be in public consultation over the next 60 days for suggestions and comments, which must be sent in electronic spreadsheet format to the e-mail cp.cerveja@agricultura.gov.br.
The version of text for public consultation was developed from two meetings, held in February and August of last year, with representatives of the sector. Both executives were present major industries as of small artisan producers, associations and industry experts.
According to data of December the integrated products and establishments
Ministry of agriculture, 232 breweries and 1.1 thousand types of beers are registered in Brazil.
According to information from the Bart-Haas Group, the country occupies the third position in the ranking of world beer production about 13.7 billion gallons produced in the year of 2012 and a per capita consumption of approximately 65 litres.