E-Malt.com News article: Finland: Lager 4.1 Taytelainen Kevytolut granted gluten-free product certification

Oy Sinebrychoff Ab, Finland’s leading manufacturer of beers and part of the international Carlsberg Breweries A/S, announced on February 15 that Sinebrychoff's recent development efforts in beer products have focused on the needs of special consumer groups. Gluten-free lagers, 4.1 Täyteläinen Kevytolut and KOFF I are suitable for sufferers of celiac disease, and they have been granted gluten-free product certification.

The consumer goods and restaurant industries are paying more and more attention to the challenges that special diets pose. This has given Sinebrychoff the opportunity to develop beverages that are tailored according to the needs of different customer groups. Beer is one of the most popular beverages in Finland, and it is therefore natural not to exclude any of its potential consumers. Last year, Sinebrychoff introduced a new non-alcoholic beer, Nikolai 0.0 %, which has been very popular among customers.

Celiac disease and beer

Celiac disease is an illness caused by the protein in wheat, rye and barley. Its symptoms include exhaustion, anaemia and an upset stomach. It can be treated with a special, grain-free diet. There are approximately 24000 celiac disease patients in Finland, and every year, a further 2000 are diagnosed. The Finnish Celiac Society provides information about celiac disease in Finland, and grants the official “gluten-free” label for products. The primary interest of the society is to improve the daily life of celiac patients and their families, for example by informing the public about celiac disease and increasing the number of available gluten-free products.

“We are glad that there is a suitable beer for celiac patients now, as the celiac society receives a lot of inquiries on this topic. It is also important that this beer is marked gluten-free, since celiac patients can then be immediately certain about its suitability for them,” says Leila Kekkonen from the Finnish Celiac Society.

Sinebrychoff investigated the manufacturing process

Both 4.1 Täyteläinen Kevytolut and KOFF I are suitable for celiac patients even though they are made from barley. The products themselves are gluten-free, in spite of the fact that the barley used in their manufacture contains gluten. Controlling the manufacturing process is key.

By carrying out extensive research, Sinebrychoff was available to pinpoint the central phases in beer brewing affecting gluten concentration. The company can now manipulate gluten concentration by adjusting individual elements, instead of merely cutting down or entirely eliminating raw materials that contain gluten. Checking gluten concentration regularly (a requirement of the Finnish Celiac Society) is also much easier. The society allows a gluten concentration of maximum 2 mg / 100 g.

Product information
4.1 Täyteläinen Kevytolut is a gluten-free lager. The beer is full-bodied, fruity and rich in aromas. The beer’s energy content is 30 kcal/1 dl, and alcohol content 4.1 Vol.%.

KOFF I is a gluten-free, golden-hued and well-balanced lager. It contains 30 kcal /1 dl energy and 2.5 Vol.% alcohol.

The products with new package markings will be available gradually this spring. The existing products are equally safe for celiac patients.

Oy Sinebrychoff Ab is Finland’s leading manufacturer of beers, ciders, soft drinks and energy drinks. Sinebrychoff is part of the international Carlsberg Breweries A/S. The company’s annual production is approximately 400 litres. Skilled professionals, backed up by 200 years of solid experience and continuous development work, create high-quality beverages whose selection is being continuously diversified to satisfy consumer preferences. Alongside beers have come ciders and long drinks, energy and wellness drinks as well as boxed wines. The company also manufactures Coca-Cola products: the world’s most popular soft drinks, mineral waters and sports drinks. Internationally recognised Schweppes mixers and Evian mineral waters fill out the selection.



17 February, 2006