For breweries and distributors, storing and transporting beer can be a major logistical and financial undertaking. Bottled beer takes up a massive amount of space and is tedious to handle, while kegs provide an efficient and space-saving solution.
As a leading manufacturer of stainless steel kegs, INOXCVA understands the benefits that kegs provide for storage and distribution. Here's an in-depth look at why keg storage is so important.
One of the biggest advantages of kegs over bottles is their ability to maximize storage space. Let's look at some numbers:
A standard half-barrel keg holds 15.5 gallons, or 124 pints, of beer. A 12 oz bottle holds 12 ounces or 0.75 pints. So to store 124 pints in bottles, it would take 165 bottles.
A half-barrel keg is about 26 inches tall and has a diameter of 16 inches, giving it a volume of approximately 5,023 cubic inches. A 12 oz bottle is about 12 inches tall with a 2.5-inch diameter, giving it a volume of 147 cubic inches. So 165 bottles take up 24,255 cubic inches of space. In other words, storing beer in bottles takes up nearly five times more space than storing the same volume in a keg! And that's just for half-barrel kegs. Many breweries use quarter-barrel or even sixth-barrel kegs, which maximize space even further.
In addition to taking up less warehouse space, kegs also require less labor for handling and transportation. Loading and unloading 165 bottles is time-consuming and tedious work. But with kegs, workers can simply roll or forklift the kegs where they need to go.
Let's say a distributor needs to deliver 124 pints of beer. Loading 165 bottles onto a truck would take considerable time and effort. But a single half-barrel keg could be rolled on and off the truck. The Stainless Steel Kegs are a bit heavy as compared to the Bottles or even the carat of bottles
When dealing with bottles, breweries can expect substantial waste and losses. Bottles can break or get damaged during storage and transportation. Retailers often return unsold products with kegs, however, there is minimal waste. Kegs are durable stainless steel that holds up well to handling. They're also reusable - once emptied, the brewery simply takes back the keg, sanitizes it, and refills it.
Oxygen is the enemy of beer freshness. Bottled beer constantly exposes the liquid to oxygen every time a bottle is opened. Kegs, however, allow beer to stay protected from oxygen during storage and pouring, keeping it fresher for longer. The stainless steel construction and single-use nature of kegs provide ideal beer freshness.
In addition to the economic advantages of kegs over bottles, their reusability further solidifies their appeal in the beverage industry. Kegs are designed to be durable and easily cleaned, allowing them to be reused multiple times, unlike bottles and cans, which typically have a limited lifespan. This reusability not only reduces the environmental impact associated with single-use packaging but also enhances the overall cost efficiency for both producers and distributors.
The versatility of kegs extends beyond their use in traditional brewery settings. Due to their durability and ease of handling, kegs find applications in various venues, such as bars, restaurants, and large events. The streamlined logistics of keg distribution make it a preferred choice for businesses aiming to minimize storage space requirements and transportation costs.
In contrast, bottles and cans have a more limited scope for reuse and are often discarded after a single use. This disability not only contributes to environmental concerns but also adds to the overall expenses incurred by beverage producers. Therefore, the reusability of kegs stands as a key factor in their favor, making them an environmentally friendly and economically sound choice for the distribution of beverages.
As a leading manufacturer of stainless steel kegs, INOXCVA provides breweries with the highest quality kegs on the market. We create kegs tailored to your exact specifications and needs. Our innovative designs match the latest industry standards while still being compatible with older equipment. And we use high-grade stainless steel that stands up to the rigors of commercial use.
To learn more about how INOXCVA kegs can provide cost and space savings for your brewery, contact us today. Our team of experts can advise you on the ideal kegs for your distribution needs.
Discover the difference with Variety of Inoxcva Kegs - we're dedicated to maximizing the efficiency, profitability, and sustainability of your beer distribution.
Sources: Brew Together & Quora.
