Establishing a Brewery Testing & Quality Control System

Establishing a testing and quality control system for a kombucha brewery is essential for ensuring the safety and consistency of your products. This system should involve a series of checks and tests to monitor the quality of your kombucha at various stages of the brewing process, as well as a plan for dealing with any issues that may arise. The following is a list of steps to help you establish a robust testing and quality control system for your kombucha brewery.

1. Develop a testing schedule:  The first step in establishing a testing and quality control system is to develop a schedule for performing various tests and checks on your kombucha. This should include regular tests for key quality indicators, such as pH and alcohol content, as well as any additional tests that may be relevant to your specific recipes and ingredients. It's important to establish a consistent and reliable testing schedule to ensure that your kombucha is always of the highest quality.
2. Choose appropriate testing equipment:  In order to perform the tests and checks on your kombucha, you'll need to select the appropriate testing equipment. This can include pH meters, alcohol testers, and other specialized tools depending on the specific tests you plan to conduct.  Be sure to choose equipment that is reliable, accurate, and easy to use, and to regularly calibrate and maintain your equipment to ensure its accuracy.
3. Train your staff on testing procedures:  It's important that all staff members involved in the brewing and quality control process are properly trained on the testing procedures and equipment. This can include providing hands-on training, as well as written instructions and guidelines for conducting the tests and interpreting the results. Regular training and refreshers can help ensure that your staff is competent and confident in performing the tests and checks.
4. Establish a system for recording and tracking results:  In order to effectively monitor the quality of your kombucha, you'll need to establish a system for recording and tracking the results of your tests and checks. This can include keeping detailed records of the test results, as well as any corrective actions taken in response to any issues that may arise. This information can be useful for identifying trends, identifying potential problems, and making improvements to your brewing process.
5. Develop a plan for dealing with quality issues:  No matter how thorough your testing and quality control system may be, there is always the possibility that quality issues may arise. It's important to have a plan in place for dealing with these issues, including steps for identifying the problem, implementing corrective actions, and preventing the issue from recurring in the future.
6. Research relevant food safety regulations:  In addition to developing your own testing and quality control procedures, it's important to research and understand the relevant food safety regulations that apply to kombucha production. These regulations can vary depending on your location, and may include requirements for testing, labeling, and other aspects of kombucha production. Be sure to consult with a food safety expert and/or review the relevant regulations to ensure that your testing and quality control system is compliant.
7. Consult with other kombucha brewers:  In addition to researching food safety regulations, you might also consider seeking advice and guidance from other experienced kombucha brewers. This can be a valuable source of information and tips, and can help you avoid common pitfalls and mistakes. You might consider joining a kombucha-focused online community or attending a kombucha brewing workshop or event to learn from others.
8. Invest in high-quality ingredients:  The quality of your kombucha is only as good as the ingredients you use, so it's important to invest in high-quality ingredients. This can include sourcing your ingredients from reputable suppliers, carefully selecting ingredients that are fresh and free from contaminants, and choosing organic or non-GMO options whenever possible. By using high-quality ingredients, you can help ensure that your kombucha is always of the best possible quality.
9. Regularly review and update your testing and quality control procedures:  Your testing and quality control system should be a living document that is regularly reviewed and updated as needed. As you gain experience and learn more about kombucha brewing, you may discover new testing methods or quality indicators that can be added to your system. Be sure to regularly review and update your procedures to keep them current and effective.
10. Consider seeking third-party certification:  If you want to demonstrate the quality and safety of your kombucha to your customers, you might consider seeking third-party certification. This can include certifications such as organic, kosher, or gluten-free, as well as more specialized certifications for kombucha production. By obtaining third-party certification, you can provide additional reassurance to your customers and help differentiate your kombucha from the competition.
11. Additional Steps:  There are always additional steps and considerations that may be relevant to your specific situation. For example, you might also want to consider:
    • Developing a system for tracking and maintaining your equipment, including cleaning and calibration schedules
    • Establishing procedures for handling and disposing of waste and byproducts from the brewing process
    • Creating a system for managing and tracking inventory, including ordering and restocking ingredients
    • Developing a system for monitoring and managing the temperature and other environmental conditions during the brewing process
    • Implementing a training and certification program for new employees to ensure they are properly trained on the testing and quality control procedures.
    • Etc.

Establishing a testing and quality control system for a kombucha brewery is essential for ensuring the safety and consistency of your products. By implementing a robust testing and quality control system, you can help ensure that your kombucha is always of the highest quality. Need more help selecting a brewery testing and quality control system?  Reach out to discuss our new and existing brewery consulting services — we’d love to chat about how we can contribute!