Local Beer Research Articles

Principal Covariates Regression for Causal Case Studies

Researcher and analyst are often interested in estimating the effect of an intervention or treatment, which takes place at the aggregate level and affect one single unit, such as country and region. Thus, comparative case studies would be their first choice in practice. However, comparative case studies could fail to yield an estimate in the effect that is unbiased and consistent, as in some contexts; there are not suitable control units that are similar to the treated. The econometric literature has taken synthetic control methods and panel data approaches to this problem. In this study, we developed a principal covariate regression estimator, which exploits the cross‐sectional correlation, as well as the temporal dependency, to reproduce the dynamics of the treated in the absence of an event or policy. From a theoretical perspective, we introduce the statistical literature on dimensional reduction to make a causal inference. From a technique perspective, we combine the vertical regression and the horizontal regression. We constructed an annual panel of 38 states, to evaluate the effect of Proposition 99 on beer sales in California, using the principal covariate regression estimator proposed here. We find that California’s tobacco control program had a significant negative and robust effect on local beer consumption, suggesting that policymakers could reduce the use of cigarette and alcohol in the public using one common behavioral intervention.

BeerMIMS: Exploring the Use of Membrane-Inlet Mass Spectrometry (MIMS) Coupled to KNIME for the Characterization of Danish Beers.

Beer is a complex mix of more than 7700 compounds, around 800 of which are volatile. While GC-MS has been actively employed in the analysis of the volatome of beer, this method is challenged by the complex nature of the sample. Herein, we explored the possible of using membrane-inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS) coupled to KNIME to characterize local Danish beers. KNIME stands for Konstanz Information Miner and is a free open-source data processing software which comes with several prebuilt nodes, that, when organized, result in data processing workflows allowing swift analysis of data with outputs that can be visualized in the desired format. KNIME has been shown to be promising in automation of large datasets and requires very little computing power. In fact, most of the computations can be carried out on a regular PC. Herein, we have utilized a KNIME workflow for data visualization of MIMS data to understand the global volatome of beers. Feature identification was not possible as of now but with a combination of MIMS and a KNIME workflow, we were able to distinguish beers from different micro-breweries located in Denmark, laying the foundation for the use of MIMS in future analysis of the beer volatome.

Do local craft beverages taste better? An investigation into the halo effect

ABSTRACT In the United States, many consumers seek out local consumables, a phenomenon known as neolocalism. This behavior is exemplified by interest in local craft beer, which often uses differentiated local ingredients. Although popular, it is not clear if they taste better, compared to mass-produced craft beers or if a halo effect exists. Thus, this study measures customers’ expectations, perceptions, and satisfaction with the taste of a local craft beer, compared to a mass-produced craft beer using an experimental within-subject comparison. Results indicate that expectations were higher for the local craft beer, but satisfaction levels were higher for the non-local craft beer. Overall, for researchers, this study demonstrates the presence of a halo effect in some local craft beer contexts. For practitioners, findings allow them to gain greater understanding of customers’ expectations, perceptions, and satisfaction levels with relation to the taste of local craft and craft beer.

Physicochemical composition of some new craft beers consumed in Maroua town from Far North region of Cameroon

Abstract. Diguir M, Laya A, Wangso H, Bayang JP, Koubala BB. 2021. Physicochemical composition of some new craft beers consumed in Maroua town from Far North region of Cameroon. Biofarmasi J Nat Prod Biochem 19: 70-80. The work aimed to investigate the physicochemical composition of various craft beers (CB) and their distillates produced in Maroua town. The beers named “Bil-Bil”,“Cochette” and “Furdu" were collected both morning and evening time. Dry matter, pH, titratable acid, total dissolved solids, proteins, sugars, carbohydrates, amino acids and alcohol content were evaluated. The results showed that local beers had a pH ranged from 4.06 to 4.22, 4.15 to 3.84 and 3.53 to 3.37 for "Furdu", "Cochette" and “Bil-bil”, respectively. The alcohol varied between 5.40 and 6.92%, 1.08 and 5.10%, 1.73 and 2.88 for “Furdu”, “Cochette" and "Bil-bil", respectively. The sugars ranged from 11.85 to 19.05 mg/mL for “Furdu”, from 2.20 to 9.46 mg/mL for “Cochette” and from 9.92 to 19.78 mg/mL for "Bil-bil". For amino acids, the values varied from 3.40 to 7.37 mg /mL for “Furdu”, 3.98 to 6.01 mg / mL for “Cochette” and 2.95 to 3.24 mg/mL for “Bil-Bil”. Regarding protein, the values ranged from 0.80 to 0.85 mg/mL for these three CB. The distillates of CB collected evening showed high alcohol in fraction 1. Thus, these CB analysed can be promoted for alternative beer in Maroua town. Furthermore, the unsold CB can be distilled into ethanol.

“Beer & Hymns” and Community: Religious Identity and Participatory Sing-alongs

As a series of loosely-organized events, “Beer & Hymns” started at the Greenbelt Festival in England in 2006 and migrated to the Wild Goose Festival in North Carolina in 2012. Local Beer & Hymns gatherings meet at bars, breweries, clubs, and pubs across the U.K., the U.S., and around the world. Most are not affiliated with a church or Christian denomination, instead relying on the energy of independent local organizers. Some attendees are regular churchgoers, other are not, but all find community in these sing-alongs—congregational singing, that is, outside of traditional congregational contexts. Beer & Hymns is exactly what it sounds like: we raise our cups and lift our voices together to sing hymns, spirituals, praise songs, and folk songs together. The organizers accompany on whatever acoustic instruments are available, provide songbooks, and lead the songs, but are quickly subsumed by the larger group: the sonic emphasis is on the participatory nature of the sing-along, and not necessarily on proper intonation, rhythmic precision, or vocal blend. At Wild Goose’s Beer & Hymns, song choices include both secular and sacred selections, and the nightly gatherings attract participants from a variety of theological backgrounds, many of whom have an ambivalent or troubled relationship with Protestant Christianity (including mainline and non-denominational evangelicalism). Our voices entwine, and often our arms do, too. And by the end of the night, as our singing reverberates in the night, we emerge unified by our singing, even if only for one night. In this article, I analyze the sonic and social fabric of Beer & Hymns as a participatory space that promotes community, contextualized against white U.S. evangelicalism’s contested relationship with the secular.

Women's sexual subjectivity in a Tanzania city in the era of neoliberalism and AIDS

This paper draws on anthropological research exploring women’s changing sexuality within an urban context of Tanzania. The women involved were participating in an HIV prevention trial and worked in bars, restaurants, hotels and nightclubs, or sold local beer or food in Mwanza city. In ethnographic fieldwork and interviews and group discussions with women, narratives about sexuality focused on gendered and moral discourses of sexuality, the commodification of sexuality, and emotions and intimacy in relationships. This paper discusses how women's sexual subjectivies are shaped by a city where social, structural and economic changes over an era of neoliberalism and AIDS has created both disciplinary and liberalising spaces in which gendered and moral discourses of sexuality have emerged.

What's on Tap? Comparison of Beer Served In London and Philadelphia

This study provided empirical evidence to the cultural similarities and differences between craft beer served in London, UK and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (US). The tourism industry has seen an enormous growth in travelers spending recreational time visiting breweries to learn about the history, the location, the process, and the ingredients that go into their drinks. Craft beer styles have emerged because of local water, history, technology, and culture. People sample local beers as an important aspect of their travels. This study recorded the number of tap lines, the style of beer, and the alcohol and bitterness measurements for every establishment within 3 miles of each city's center. Overall, every style of beer was lower in alcohol and less bitter in London than in Philadelphia with the exception of pale ales and lagers. Both locations had over 50 different beer styles available to customers but most commonly served the same beer styles, with IPA being the most prevalent. London served more pale ales and Philadelphia served more lagers, suggesting that despite the modern resurgence of craft beer, historical cultural traditions still influence customer preferences.

Symposium Papers / From Coedo Kawagoe to the World

Kyodosyoji Corporation Limited, based in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, started their beer business in 1996. Their product was manufactured as “local beer” for the first ten years. It has been manufactured as “craft beer” following the establishment of the brand COEDO in 2006. At that time, the craft beer market did not exist in Japan. It has been gradually cultivated by carefully combining raw materials, appropriate tools, and craftsmanship. The product concept of “ Beer Beautiful” conveys that beer itself is wonderful and the Japanese people are not aware of it. In addition to branding, design management has also been emphasized. Currently, the distribution network of COEDO craft beers is being built in 25 countries worldwide. Due to COVID-19, the distribution volume has decreased for both the domestic restaurant industry and overseas markets. In the future, the company plans to return to the region and practice “town development with a brewery” for a long time.

Prevalence and factors associated with anaemia in pregnant women in Cascades Region of Burkina Faso in 2012

Introductionanaemia in pregnancy is a public health concern in Burkina Faso. This study aims at identifying the factors associated with the prevalence of anaemia in pregnant women at a regional level in Burkina Faso.Methodswe conducted a cross-sectional study in the region called “Cascades”, located at the Western part of Burkina Faso. The study population included all pregnant women who attended antenatal care clinics in all public peripheral health facilities (districts) between May and June 2012 and agreed to participate in the study. They provided blood sample from which we measured the haemoglobin concentration using the Hemocue® system. The factors associated with anaemia in the study population were identified through multiple logistic regressions.Resultsthe prevalence (95% CI) of anaemia in pregnancy in the Cascades region was 58.9% (56.6% - 61.2%). Anaemia in pregnancy was more common in district of Banfora (OR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.07-1.83), among housewives (OR = 2.96; 95% CI: 1.10-8.0), in the Mossi ethnic group (OR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.04-1.85) and among the wives of farmers and artisans (OR = 2.55; 95% CI: 1.59-4.07). Anaemia in pregnancy was less frequent among women who drank local beer (OR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.49-0.94).Conclusionthe prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy is high in Burkina Faso. Improving women's income level may contribute to reduce it. Further studies are needed to elucidate the link between the consumption of local beer, the local diet practices and anaemia in pregnant women.

Does the origin of inputs and processing matter? Evidence from consumers’ valuation for craft beer

In this study we aim at exploring consumer valuation for craft beer brewed locally and made with locally grown hops. The research is motivated by the fact that, although existing literature shows that consumers generally pay a price premium for locally produced foods or those made with local ingredients, it is still unclear how consumers value localness of production (i.e., brewing location) over localness of inputs (i.e., hops origin) and whether consumers value these attributes as either complements or substitutes. Moreover, little is still known regarding consumer preference for local ingredients in beer. Thus, we address these research questions by means of a choice experiment survey on craft beer consumers in the State of Indiana, United States. Results show that consumers have the highest willingness to pay for craft beer brewed in-state, but preferences over hops origin are heterogeneous. We find evidence of complementarity between brewing and hops origins among frequent craft drinkers and evidence of substitution between these claims for casual drinkers. Segmenting consumers based on how they define local beer, we find one consumer segment that has the highest willingness to pay for beer brewed in-state and made with hops that are grown in-state. These results can inform product differentiation, marketing, and pricing strategies. They are also relevant to state policymakers supporting local hops production and local brewing.

Going against the archival grain: case studies of pop culture archives of a music scene, regional zines, and local beer

ABSTRACT Popular culture collecting in academic special collections and archives is sometimes still viewed within the institution as a challenge to traditional collection development, which has tended to emphasize the mainstream and enshrine privilege and power. This is especially the case when the cultures and media emphasized in such collecting might be categorized as being counter-cultural, DIY (‘do-it-yourself’), or somehow ‘other.’ This article consists of three case studies that emphasize recently developed popular culture-based collections at Rutgers University’s Special Collections and University Archives that focus on voices and communities outside archival norms of collecting: the New Brunswick Music Scene Archive, the New Jersey Regional Zine Collection, and the New Jersey Beer Collection. An emphasis on how faculty and staff have developed these collections by working with participants and creators outside mainstream popular culture leads to examples of how faculty and staff have engaged in outreach, particularly among students. Woven throughout are examples of challenges faculty and staff have faced around institutional acceptance, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivities along with work to overcome the challenges. The article concludes by considering future popular culture collection-building endeavours and engagement among students and community members.

Traditional and Artisanal Beverages in Nigeria: Microbial Diversity and Safety Issues

A review of up to 90 articles on the microorganisms associated with important artisanal or traditional beverages in Nigeria was carried out. This resulted in an overview of the prevalent microorganisms associated with soymilk, nono (fermented cow milk), tiger nut milk, yoghurt, kunu, zobo, palm wine and the local beers pito and brukutu. The bacteria genera, namely Bacillus, Escherichia, Lactobacillus, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus, were detected in all nine beverages. On the contrary, this survey resulted in finding that the genera Saccharomyces, Aspergillus, Candida, and Penicillium were the eukaryotic microorganisms isolated in all beverages. The occurrence of fungal isolates, which can be responsible for producing mycotoxins, is a concern and shows the need for post-production tests. Overall, there is a low prevalence of bacteria associated with hygiene, especially the Escherichia genus in alcoholic beverages such as palm wine, pito and burukutu, which may be due both to a low acidity and high ethanol content. However, the prevalence of hygiene indicator genera was higher in nonalcoholic drinks, probably because of incorrect practices during processing. The magnitude of the production and sales of unregulated local beverages in Nigeria has reached the stage where significant regulation and food safety standards are required to safeguard public health. An opportunity exists to monitor and characterize the microbial flora of the artisanal beverages using molecular methods at all stages of production and storage.

Craft Beer Culture and Creative Industries in Plovdiv, Bulgaria

The research offers a case study of the development of local craft beer culture as an interconnection between craftsmanship, knowledge, creativity, as well as the interconnection of history, culture and geography of the space. The article focusses on the actors and processes leading to the development and spread of craft beer culture in the second largest city in Bulgaria – Plovdiv. The role that craft beer bars and festivals play in the co-construction of urban spaces, bring to focus a particular neighbourhood. The re-vitalisation of Kapana (The Trap) district is used as an example of the significant role creative business and industries have in the re-contextualisation and reuse of urban space. This paper follows the crucial role that craft beer bars and festivals, as creative industries, play in not only the development of the craft beer culture in Plovdiv but also for urban development and destination branding.

On the Potential of Social Media Data in Urban Planning: Findings from the Beer Street in Curitiba, Brazil

ABSTRACT Social media makes available vast amounts of data for cities to study urban dynamics. Curitiba, Brazil, is well-known for its urban planning. Recently, the city announced a plan to create a Beer Street to promote local craft beers and support the brewing industry. We use this real case study to explore the potential of social media data in the urban planning context. Analysing data from the Untappd application and combining it to official datasets, our results show how social media data could help to guide the decisions regarding the Beer Street and can potentially become a strategic urban planning tool.

Participation of women in traditional pig farming in North bank plain zone of Assam

A study was undertaken to know the socio-economic status of women pig farmers, pig rearing system, feeding management, annual income from piggery and constraints faced by women farmers and involvement and contribution of women in backyard piggery in Lakhimpur and Dhemaji district under North bank plain zone of Assam. A total of 577 women farmers involved actively in pig farming were randomly selected and interviewed with a standard questionnaire. Involvement of married (40.9%) and middle aged women (26-35 years) with formal education adopted piggery through low input traditional management practices for fattening purpose (49.04%). The management system followed was scavengingsystem (47.05%). Kitchen waste and leftover of local rice beer along with rice bran were the common feeds offered to pigs. The major constraints to women involvement in pig farming was found to be inadequate capital (37.43%) followed by high cost of medication and commercial ration (28.94%) and pre-occupation with household chores (17.67%). The average age at puberty of pig (16.55±0.11 months) was longer. The average weight gain (2.31±0.01 kg/month), litter size at birth (10.57±0.13) and litter size at weaning (5.76±0.14) were poor. It was found that 70% of the women farmers could generatemedium level of annual income (40-50 thousand) followed by 19.5% with high level income (>50 thousand). The study recommended that easy access to credit facilities from the financial institution and improve technical skills on pig farming may increase the level of involvement and help in doubling the annual income of the women piggery farmers. Backyard piggery may act as way of women empowerment in rural areas and enhance the socio-economic status of the women in piggery.

Craft Beer Market in Argentina: An Exploratory Study of Local Brewers’ and Consumers’ Perceptions in Mar del Plata

AbstractDuring the last twenty years, Argentina’s craft beer industry has experienced steady growth, which led to an increase in the number of both breweries and consumers. One of the first and most important craft beer clusters in the country is in Mar del Plata, a popular tourist destination on the coast in east-central Argentina. The sustained popularity of craft beer in this city provides an interesting case study to analyze thoroughly the evolution of a craft beer cluster in a developing country. This article aims to analyze producers’ perceptions as well as consumers’ preferences toward craft beer, in order to understand the craft beer drinkers’ decisions and choices. We interviewed five craft brewers and conducted two focus groups with local craft beer consumers. The results show that neolocalism is highly valued in the industry by both producers and consumers. We identify two groups of craft beer consumers: beginners or social consumers and sophisticated or craft beer lovers. The attributes most appreciated by consumers are quality, flavor, and bitterness.

The Craft Beer Market in Argentina: An Exploratory Study of Local Brewers’ and Consumers’ Perceptions in Mar del Plata

During the last twenty years, Argentina’s craft beer industry has experienced steady growth, which led to an increase in the number of both breweries and consumers. One of the first and most important craft beer clusters in the country is in Mar del Plata, a popular tourist destination on the coast in east-central Argentina. The sustained popularity of craft beer in this city provides an interesting case study to analyze thoroughly the evolution of a craft beer cluster in a developing country. This article aims to analyze producers’ perceptions as well as consumers’ preferences toward craft beer, in order to understand the craft beer drinkers’ decisions and choices. We interviewed five craft brewers and conducted two focus groups with local craft beer consumers. The results show that neolocalism is highly valued in the industry by both producers and consumers. We identify two groups of craft beer consumers: beginners or social consumers and sophisticated or craft beer lovers. The attributes most appreciated by consumers are quality, flavor, and bitterness.

Craft beer sector collaboration in North East Scotland: The role of individual success

Our understanding of craft brewing is beginning to grow and a key theme to emerge from this artistic and intrinsically creative sector is the dependence on collaboration between entrepreneurial agents. In the North East of Scotland, the growth in craft beer is also recognised to come from a deep rooted collaboration, as a reaction to and in resistance of large mainstream competition. However, one such enterprise, BrewDog, has grown to achieve global reach to rival that of the large-scale brewers the craft scene sought to challenge. We consider what this unprecedented success means for the remaining collaborators in the local craft beer sector. Our findings point to a shared optimism and possibility of achievement among the craft brewers, aided by BrewDog’s success. However, the nature of collaboration is anchored more in community embeddedness and shared responsibility for market development, rather than in business growth and success replication. While the craft scene acknowledges the inspirational success of ‘one of their own’, strategic drive comes from more localised relations and a desire for independence. This has implications not only for craft beer but also on how collaboration among entrepreneurs sustains in respond to success from within the group.

Evaluating the nutritional content of an insect-fortified food for the child complementary diet in Ghana

BackgroundDue to rising food insecurity, natural resource scarcity, population growth, and the cost of and demand for animal proteins, insects as food have emerged as a relevant topic. This study examines the nutrient content of the palm weevil larva (Rhynchophorus phoenicis), a traditionally consumed edible insect called akokono in Ghana, and assesses its potential as an animal-source, complementary food.MethodsAkokono in two “unmixed” forms (raw, roasted) and one “mixed” form (akokono-groundnut paste) were evaluated for their macronutrient, micronutrient, amino acid, and fatty acid profiles.ResultsNutrient analyses revealed that a 32 g (2 tbsp.) serving of akokono-groundnut paste, compared to recommended daily allowances or adequate intakes (infant 7–12 months; child 1–3 years), is a rich source of protein (99%; 84%), minerals [copper (102%; 66%), magnesium (54%; 51%), zinc (37%; 37%)], B-vitamins [niacin (63%; 42%), riboflavin (26%; 20%), folate (40%; 21%)], Vitamin E (a-tocopherol) (440%; 366%), and linoleic acid (165%; 108%). Feed experiments indicated that substituting palm pith, the typical larval diet, for pito mash, a local beer production by-product, increased the carbohydrate, potassium, calcium, sodium, and zinc content of raw akokono. Akokono-groundnut paste meets (within 10%) or exceeds the levels of essential amino acids specified by the Institute of Medicine criteria for animal-source foods, except for lysine.ConclusionsPairing akokono with other local foods (e.g., potatoes, soybeans) can enhance its lysine content and create a more complete dietary amino acid profile. The promotion of akokono as a complementary food could play an important role in nutrition interventions targeting children in Ghana.

Local Beer as Food in the Dirasha, Ethiopia. (Yui Sunano)

Local Beer as Food in the Dirasha, Ethiopia. (Yui Sunano)