A crop tour is an event at which experts and interested parties visit the areas where malting barley is grown in order to assess its development and condition.
These tours offer an insight into malting barley production and enable an exchange between farmers, traders, brewery representatives and plant breeding companies. Federal agricultural offices or research institutes are often also represented and provide an insight into the current range of varieties and breeding progress or acreage development.
Such events take place regularly before the harvest in various regions, such as Rhineland-Palatinate, Bavaria and Thuringia, and are used to assess the condition of the plants and discuss the expected malting barley harvest.
The trips are organized by the malting barley associations in the respective federal states. Buses are usually used for the tours. This not only offers the advantage of networking during the trip – but also learning something about the region at the same time: the tour guide usually takes the bus microphone and simply starts talking about the country and its people.
The technical part of a crop tour ends with an open discussion. Here representatives of the value chain speak one after the other and assess the market and its situation from their respective perspectives.
Press representatives like to use the debate to write specialist articles based on the information, which they publish in the agricultural weekly newspaper, for example. In this way, the news about malting barley also reaches an audience outside the circle of participants. Last but not least, the debate is also accompanied by food and drink, with local cuisine and beverages, including a selection of (free) beer.
What do I need to know to take part in a crop tour?
In principle, anyone interested can take part in a crop tour. Apart from a reasonable participation fee of 20 – 30 euros including the bus trip, there are no other costs. Quite the opposite, there is often free lunch and free drinks, paid for by friendly sponsors.
Check the weather forecast: Because either the sun is blazing down from the firmament or you need wellies and an umbrella.
Sweet potato pellets are becoming increasingly popular in the pet food industry and other sectors. As experts in plant-based raw materials, we aim to provide you with detailed insights into the harvesting, production, and application possibilities of sweet potato pellets in this blog post.
Origins and Source Countries
Sweet potatoes originally come from the tropical regions of Central and South America, but they are now cultivated worldwide. The largest growing regions are in China, USA and Africa. The climatic conditions in these areas ensure that sweet potatoes have a high quality and nutrient concentration. These countries have optimal climates and soils which are ideal for growing high-quality sweet potatoes. Grainli® sources its raw materials exclusively from trusted suppliers to guarantee the highest quality.
Harvest
The harvest of sweet potatoes usually begins in late summer to early autumn, depending on the growing region. Harvesting occurs when the roots are fully mature, typically between 90 and 150 days after planting. To ensure the best quality, sweet potatoes are harvested at their optimal time. They are carefully lifted from the ground to avoid damage. Only the best tubers are selected for further processing into pellets. Careful harvesting is crucial to ensure the quality of the final products.
Production and Processing
After harvesting, the sweet potatoes are thoroughly cleaned and sorted. At the production facility, they are peeled, sliced and dried. The drying process is crucial to reduce moisture and extend shelf life. The dried sweet potatoes are then ground into a fine powder and processed into pellets under high pressure in pellet presses. This process ensures that valuable nutrients are retained and that the pellets have a uniform size and shape.
Texture & Taste
Sweet potato pellets are characterized by their fine yet firm texture, which can be well integrated into both dry and wet food. The uniform texture ensures easy handling and dosing in production. They dissolve easily and are highly digestible, a trait especially valued in the pet food industry.
The natural, slightly sweet taste of sweet potatoes makes them particularly appealing to pets. It enhances the flavor of the food without the addition of artificial flavorings. This natural sweetness also helps ensure that the food is well accepted by the animals. The pleasant taste of sweet potato pellets is also appreciated in other industries, such as snack and bakery product manufacturing.
Application possibilities
Sweet potato pellets have now established a firm place in the food industry. In the pet food sector, sweet potato pellets have become a versatile and nutritious addition. They are valued primarily for their high fiber and vitamin content. The pellets are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body and contributes to healthy eyes and a robust immune system. They also contain essential minerals like potassium and manganese. Furthermore, they are hypoallergenic, making them particularly suitable for animals and humans with food intolerances.
They are already used in the following sectors:
Pet food industry: Due to their nutrient density and digestibility, sweet potato pellets are an excellent addition to dry and wet pet food. They provide important vitamins, minerals, and fiber that contribute to the health and vitality of the animals.
Food industry: For human consumption, sweet potato pellets are used as additives in snacks or baked goods to increase nutritional value and improve taste.
Agriculture and livestock feed: Sweet potato pellets can also serve as a supplementary feed for livestock, as they are a good source of energy and nutrients.
For many years, Grainli® has been one of the major and reliable suppliers of high-quality agricultural products, such as sweet potato pellets. We offer various qualities and packaging sizes tailored to the individual needs of our customers. You have a choice of delivery options. We can deliver the pellets by container, break bulk or traditionally on a pallet by truck, according to your wishes and needs. Our products are manufactured under strict quality controls, free from additives, artificial preservatives and meet the highest standards. With sweet potato pellets from Grainli®, you invest in the health and well-being of the animals while offering attractive and high-quality products.
As experts in plant-based raw materials, we support you in selecting the best ingredients for your feed formulations and provide you with expert advice.
Brewer’s yeast, an unassuming by-product of beer production, is much more than a simple ingredient in the brewing process. These tiny microorganisms, responsible for the fermentation of beer, hold a fascinating variety of health benefits and applications that go far beyond brewing. Whether as a dietary supplement or an additive in pet food, we take a closer look at the amazing properties of brewer’s yeast and discover why it deserves a place in our diet.
What is brewer’s yeast?
Brewer’s yeast, scientifically known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is a type of yeast used for the fermentation of beer. It converts sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide, which contributes to alcoholic fermentation. Once the fermentation process is complete, the brewer’s yeast is skimmed off to extend the shelf life of the beer. The remaining microorganisms are rich in proteins, B vitamins and minerals.
Different types of brewer’s yeast
Brewer’s yeast comes in different strains, each of which works under different conditions and influences the taste of the beer. The types differ in their chemical structure. However, brewers tend to categorize yeast according to its brewing-relevant properties in order to ensure the quality and taste of the beer.
A distinction is also made between active and inactive brewer’s yeast. While the yeast cells in active brewer’s yeast are still alive and able to multiply and carry out fermentation processes, the microorganisms in inactive brewer’s yeast are deactivated or killed by heat. Despite the heating of the brewer’s yeast, the vitamins and minerals remain intact. This means that inactive brewer’s yeast can be used as a food supplement. Due to the properties of active brewer’s yeast, it is used in the brewing process.
Brewer’s yeast in pet food
Brewer’s yeast is used in dog, cat and horse feed to provide various health benefits, including improved digestion thanks to probiotic properties, healthy skin and shiny coat due to B vitamins it contains, as well as strengthening the immune system and possible regulation of blood sugar levels.
Brewer’s yeast and environmental compatibility
Brewer’s yeast is environmentally friendly as it is a by-product of beer production and would otherwise be disposed of as waste. It is biodegradable and requires less energy to produce than other foods. It is also used as a fertilizer in agriculture, which can reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers.
Brewer’s yeast @Grainli®
At Grainli®, we recognize the full potential of brewer’s yeast not only as an essential element of the art of brewing, but also as a valuable resource with multiple health benefits and sustainable applications. As brewing product experts, we want to promote the reuse of this seemingly waste product and have integrated inactive brewer’s yeast into our pet food portfolio.
Whether spray-dried brewer’s yeast with protein contents from 38 % or drum-dried products with protein contents from 42 %, Grainli® is the expert for your individual enquiry.
Inactive brewer’s yeast is rich in nutrients and offers positive health effects for pets. It not only supports improved digestion and a healthy skin and coat, but also strengthens the immune system and promotes vitality in dogs, cats and horses.
By integrating brewer’s yeast into our pet food portfolio, we are focusing on sustainability and helping to reduce food waste and environmental impact. Brewer’s yeast, a by-product of beer production, is thus put to good use and becomes a valuable component of our environmentally conscious product line.
The historical background of brewer’s yeast dates back to the earliest civilizations, where it was used to ferment beer thousands of years ago. From the ancient Sumerians to ancient Egypt and medieval monasteries, brewer’s yeast played a crucial role in the art of brewing and was also valued as a remedy. Although the understanding of microorganisms came later, pioneers such as Louis Pasteur and Emil Christian Hansen laid the foundations for the modern brewing industry in the 19th century by researching the role of yeast in fermentation and isolating pure yeast strains. Today, brewer’s yeast is indispensable for the art of brewing worldwide.
Brewer’s yeast is undoubtedly more than just an ingredient for beer. It is a true superfood with a wealth of nutrients and health benefits. From improving digestion and promoting skin health to increasing energy and vitality, the product offers numerous reasons to include it in the daily diet or as a supplement to pet food.
Malt flour is a fascinating product that is used both in pet food and in the baking industry. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at this exciting product.
Malt flour is obtained from various types of grain such as barley, wheat, rye or spelt. We supply barley malt flour or, on request, wheat malt flour to our B2B partners. During the malting process, the grain germinates under precisely defined conditions (humidity, temperature and time). The kiln-dried grain is degerminated to produce malt. It is then roasted and processed. The degree of roasting determines the colour of the resulting flour, which can vary from light to dark. This also influences the colour of the animal feed or the baked bread.
After roasting, the malt is ground into malt flour. It has a high content of activated starch-splitting alpha-amylase. The alpha-amylase enzyme breaks down the storage carbohydrate starch into its components. It makes starch usable for the organism. This process begins in the mouth – it symbolises the start of the digestive process.
Grainli® offers malt flour in various packaging sizes and transport types.
Why malt flour for cats?
Malt flour is a particularly popular dietary supplement for cats. The main benefit is hairball reduction: cats are known to groom themselves extensively. In doing so, they often swallow loose hair, which can clump together in the stomach to form unpleasant hairballs. The malt flour in the food helps to bind these hairs and support the digestive tract.
The malt flour also gives the food a special flavour thanks to its delicate taste. Many cats love the malty flavour.
Cat food variants
Malt paste for cats: This paste contains malt flour and helps to reduce hairballs.
Dry food with malt: Some special types of dry cat food contain malt flour to aid digestion.
However, the malted grain should be used in moderation as it can have a laxative effect. For cats, one teaspoon per day is often sufficient. It is important to note that the dosage and use of malt flour can vary depending on the animal species and individual requirements.
Malt flour for other pet food products:
In dog food
Malt biscuits for dogs: Malt flour can also be found in dog biscuits. These biscuits are often tasty and also serve to aid digestion.
Supplementary food: Supplements that promote digestion utilise the functionality of malt.
For small animals and birds: Malt flour can also be included in special feed mixtures for rodents such as rabbits or guinea pigs, as well as for birds, to aid digestion.
If required, we can supply all large animal feed companies.
Malt flour for the baking industry
Malt flour has a long and varied history from traditional bakeries to modern trends – malt flour plays an important role in the world of baking.
In dough, malt flour provides some remarkable effects
Leavening and loosening: The starch broken down in the dough serves as food for the yeast. This makes the dough rise better and looser. When baking, the malt flour gives the baked goods a typical malty flavour and a beautiful crust colour. It is an insider tip for anyone who wants to enhance the flavour of their baked goods.
Malt flour is mainly used in baked goods because of its aromatic flavour. Whether in sourdough bread, baguettes or sweet pastries, malt flour is a versatile flavouring for every baker.
Tradition and trend
The flour was used in baked goods as early as the 19th century. Today, it is making a comeback and has become a real trend product, so much so that it is now also used in pet food.
Grainli® GmbH & Co. KG expands its product portfolio to include raw materials for pet food and appoints Guido Sandberg as Head of Pet Food Ingredients
Grainli® GmbH & Co. KG, a global supplier of brewing and food raw materials, announces that it will expand its range to include raw materials for pet food from 2024. This strategic decision represents an important step in the company’s development and will allow Grainli® to diversify its product offering and enter new markets. To support this new direction, Grainli® has hired Guido Sandberg as a pet food expert.
Guido Sandberg, a business economist with many years of experience in trading feed raw materials, will enrich the company with his knowledge and skills in the areas of international trade, quality management and logistics planning. His specialisation in purely plant-based raw materials and his commitment to first-class quality make him a valuable addition to the team.
‘We have already been active for some time with our range of raw materials for pet food. We are pleased to take the strategy even further with Guido Sandberg and are convinced that Guido’s expertise will contribute significantly to the success of this new business area,’ says Andries de Groen, Managing Director of Grainli®. ‘The demand for high-quality plant-based feed is growing steadily and we are committed to offering our customers innovative and sustainable solutions.’
Andries de Groen
As part of this realignment, Grainli® will also be represented at industry trade fairs such as Interzoo in Nuremberg in 2024 to present the expanded product portfolio and expand its network in the industry.
About Grainli® GmbH & Co. KG
Grainli® GmbH & Co. KG in Hamburg has been a global supplier of brewing and food raw materials since 2008. Formerly known as a pure brewing grain trader under the name Evergrain, the company expanded its product portfolio in 2022 under the new name Grainli® to include vegetable proteins and other food ingredients and plans to further expand the range. Since 2016, BayWa AG has been providing tailwind for growth in new markets as a wholly-owned shareholder.
Malt extract, derived from malted barley, plays a crucial role in various industries, providing unique flavors, aromas, and essential nutrients. This article delves into the use and functionality of liquid and dried malt extract, exploring their applications across diverse sectors.
The main difference between liquid and dried malt extract has to do with the shelf life of the products. Dried malt extract is easier to handle and has a much longer shelf life as liquid malt extract.
When you tell someone about malt extract, the first reaction will be that it has something to do with beer. That is true, but malt extract is an ingredient with many functionalities in as many different industries as well.
Within the (home) brewing industry liquid malt extract is used as a replacement for malted barley. It shortens the production time for the brewer. Another application with the brewery is when the wort doesn’t have enough body to ferment, they add malt extract. The fermentation needs the sugar to create the alcohol. With both liquid malt extract and dried malt extract you influence the flavor profile and alcohol content of the final product.
Another market that utilizes malt extract is the beverage industry. In many countries malt drinks are very popular. They are produced in the original version but there are also many varieties with fruit flavors. The other part of this industry are the non-alcohol beer types which are producedin countries where the brewing of beer is not allowed.
One of the biggest markets for malt extract is the food industry, especially in the baking sector, but also in the following industries:
Confectionary
Breakfast Cereals
Instant Soup and Sauces
Ice Cream
Readymade meals
Savory food items
Dairy
Food supplements
Meat replacers
The functionality of malt extract in these markets is very diverse. The main functionalities are:
Texture
Appearance
Taste
Texture
When malt extract is used the texture of the baked products will improve. It homogenizes all ingredients and improves the layering of the final product. It also helps the yeast to add more air to the final product. Beside this, it helps to improve the shelf life of the product. It is a good humectant which make sure that the baked products stay longer fresh.
Appearance
Malt extract is giving the final product it’s best appearance possible. With baked goods it will give a very nice golden color. If you have malt extracts that are rich in colour, this will give the final application a better appearance, otherwise the taste of the applications will change.
Taste
The taste of the final applications with the inclusion of malt extract will have a rich malty flavor, but it will also improve the taste of the other ingredients. It will pronounce all flavors well without the overwhelming sweet taste when you are using other natural sweeteners.
Beyond these functionalities, malt extract serves as a natural source of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants. In the pharmaceutical industry, malt extract is used as a nutrient source in the production of liquid medications and dietary supplements. It also helps mask the bitter taste of many active ingredients in tablets and capsules, acting as a binding agent in pharmaceutical formulations.
One of the most surprise markets who are using malt extract is the cosmetic and skincare industry. As malt extract is a product which can hold moisture very well, it is seen as a humectant. In lipstick it will keep the lip moist, but also in other cosmetic products it will add moisture to the skin.
The last but more well know market for malt extract is the petfood industry. It has proteins and carbo hydrates which are used in pet food for small animals and fishes. Especially in cat food and treats, malt extract is a common ingredient. It helps the cat to digest the hairballs better. Even in horse feed malt extract is used. Besides the nutricial values, malt extract improves the palatability of animal feed. The sweet taste makes sure that many animals like the products which are made with malt extract.
Strong points of liquid and dried malt extract:
Versatility: Both liquid and dried malt extract can be used across various industries, demonstrating their adaptability.
Nutritional Value: Both forms offer a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Shelf Stability: Dried malt extract, in particular, has a longer shelf life and is easy to store and transport.
Flavor Enhancement: Liquid malt extract enhances the flavor and aroma of food and beverages, making it a preferred choice in the culinary world.
Ease of Use: Dried malt extract simplifies the brewing process, making it accessible to both homebrewers and commercial breweries.
In conclusion, liquid and dried malt extract stand as indispensable ingredients with diverse functionalities and widespread usability. From the brewing kettle to the kitchen pantry and beyond, these extracts continue to leave their mark on various industries, contributing distinctive flavors, nutritional benefits, and ease of use to an array of consumer products.
Grainli® is your expert for liquid and dried malt extract: Let’s get in touch!
Oats have experienced a renaissance in cultivation and consumption in recent years. Until the 1950s, oats were very important in cultivation, mainly as fodder for draught horses. With the mechanisation of agriculture, draught animals and thus oats lost their importance and the area under cultivation declined sharply.
Today, oats are grown for the production of flakes, cereal mixtures and plant drinks and have regained importance. However, the focus is on the production of food and no longer on feed, although oats are still grown for horse feed today.
Oats must fulfil certain quality characteristics depending on their intended use. On the one hand, this is the hl weight, which provides information about the size of the grains. This is essential for the production of flakes. Large grains = large flakes. Oats for flake production should have hl weights of over 54 kg, but at least 52 kg.
The fat content is another parameter that varies depending on the growing region and variety. Oats from Ireland and the United Kingdom, for example, have a higher fat content than oats from Scandinavian countries and northern Germany. The hullability of the oats also plays a role for the mills.
In Europe, oats are a summer crop, sown in spring and harvested in summer. This means that oats fit into the crop rotations that have now been extended again in arable farming. This simplifies weed control and enables the integration of catch crops.
In the Scandinavian countries, oats have always been very important due to the short growing season (summer harvest). To this day, high-quality oats are imported from Finland and Sweden for processing in Western Europe and Germany. Stable, dry weather in the weeks before harvest is favourable for the quality of the oats and reduces the risk for the farmer. A continental climate is therefore suitable for growing oats. In addition to Finland and Sweden, the Baltic states and Poland are therefore also origins for oats. The growing market for “oat drinks” as a milk substitute has given oats a boost in recent years, in addition to the trend towards a healthy diet. The factories process hulled and flaked oats, which is why the mills process additional oats for this industry.
Grainli® is active in all European oat-growing regions and offer customised qualities and logistics from the regions.
New Group HR Manager at Grainli® GmbH & Co. KG and Heinrich Brüning GmbH
Hamburg, 12.12.2023 – Since 16 October 2023, Jana Lena Groß has been the new Group HR Manager at Grainli® GmbH & Co. KG and Heinrich Brüning GmbH in Hamburg. She is responsible for the HR departments of both companies.
Jana Lena Groß will be part of the management team of both Brüning and Grainli® and will report directly to Andries de Groen, Managing Director of both companies. With her extensive experience as an HR manager and systemic coach and her expertise, Jana will be a valuable asset to the Brüning and Grainli® teams. The companies are convinced that her skills will help to further develop HR strategies and strengthen employee retention. Jana will work part-time, four days a week, splitting her time equally between the two companies.
“With Jana as the newest member of our management team, we are taking a decisive step in our ‘Equally Amazing’ strategy,” says Andries de Groen. “At both Grainli® and Brüning, we are committed to equal opportunities and diversity of ideas. Our team at Grainli® currently consists of 54 per cent women and 46 per cent men, while at Brüning 45 per cent of our employees are female and 55 per cent male. We are also particularly proud of the fact that around 35 per cent of our colleagues at Grainli® have international roots and therefore bring new ideas and perspectives to our company. I am delighted that Jana is part of our management team and I am convinced that she will make an important contribution to our continued success.”
Andries de Groen
Jana’s responsibilities will include the development and implementation of tools to achieve the company’s goals. She will also be involved in the recruitment of new staff. She will also advise on employee development, performance and retention. HR management, HR strategy and HR budgets are also part of her remit.
As a Hamburg native, Jana has remained loyal to the west of Hamburg. She lives here with her husband and two children (aged 1.5 and 3). When the family is not travelling (preferably to faraway places, but Denmark is a must once a year!), Jana enjoys cooking and keeps fit with Zumba, yoga and skiing.
Press contact Grainli® GmbH & Co. KG and Heinrich Brüning GmbH Jennifer Bortchen
Don’t worry darling, the supergrains have it all under control! We’ll fill it back up for you.
These tiny powerhouses are not just for health-conscious humans; they’re now making a splash in the food & pet food industry too! Let’s explore why chia seeds are becoming a go-to ingredient for both our meals and our pets’ treats.
First off, chia seeds are a total nutritional bomb! They’re loaded with omega-3s, protein, fiber, and all those good-for-you minerals. Adding chia seeds to your smoothies, salads, or granola bars gives them an extra kick of nutrients and a nice crunch.
But here’s the cool part – our pets can benefit too! Pet food companies are hopping on the chia bandwagon, using these little wonders to keep our furry friends healthy and happy. The omega-3s in chia seeds are great for pets’ skin, coats, and overall well-being. Plus, the fiber keeps their tummy happy and running smoothly.
The best part? Chia seeds are gluten-free and hypoallergenic for pets, so they’re safe for our four-legged buddies with food sensitivities. And hey, they’re eco-friendly too! Chia plants need way less water and land than other crops, making them a sustainable choice.
So next time you’re looking for a nutritious boost, don’t forget about chia seeds. Whether you’re whipping up something yummy for yourself or treating your pet, these tiny seeds pack a powerful punch. Let’s embrace the chia craze and make our meals and our pets’ meals a whole lot healthier!
Please contact us if you would like to buy larger quantities of chia or require further information.
These tiny powerhouses are not just for health-conscious people, but are also on the rise in the food and pet food industry! Let’s find out why chia seeds are becoming a favourite ingredient for both our meals and our pets’ treats.
First of all, chia seeds are a real nutrient bomb! They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fibre and all the good minerals you could wish for. Adding chia seeds to your smoothies, salads or muesli bars will give them an extra nutritional boost and add a crunch to your meal.
But here’s the kicker: our pets can benefit from it too! Pet food manufacturers have jumped on the chia bandwagon and are using these little wonders to keep our furry friends healthy and happy. The omega-3 fatty acids in chia seeds are good for pets’ skin, fur and general wellbeing. Plus, the fibre keeps the stomach happy and running smoothly.
And the best thing about it? Chia seeds are gluten-free and hypoallergenic for pets, so they’re also suitable for our four-legged friends with food intolerances. And hey, they’re environmentally friendly too! Chia plants require much less water and land than other crops, making them a sustainable choice.
So the next time you’re looking for a nutritious boost, don’t forget chia seeds. Whether you’re making something tasty for yourself or treating your pet, these tiny seeds pack a punch. Let’s embrace the chia craze and make our meals and those of our pets much healthier!
Contact us if you would like to buy chia in bulk or require further product information.