Celebrating Women in Science

Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science
11^th February 2022

Ever wondered how our food and drinks look and taste so good? It's not magic. It's science. Well, with a little help from the magic ingredient of malt. We talked to Ebony-Rose Grant-Knox, who works for Muntons as a Laboratory Quality Control Analyst. She told us a little about why she chose a career in science.

Ebony-Rose Grant-Knox, Laboratory Quality Control Analyst

“I first got into science at school as I really enjoyed the practical side of it. Laboratories never felt intimidating to me and they presented an opportunity to answer questions with clear and categorical results.

Just like in my job at Muntons; every single malt extract is tested by me at several stages in our production process. Ensuring it has the ideal colour and qualities specific to the requirements of each of our customers. It’s amazing how very small variations in colour and concentration can lead to a dramatic change of colour and flavour in the finished product. I’m proud to say that it doesn’t leave our site unless it is cleared as the best quality by our lab.

I’m really enjoying my role in the lab, especially the social side of working here - as part of a strong team. It is also pretty varied as our customers are ordering bespoke variations to suit new innovations all the time.

There is no set route for a career in science. I followed my love of science at ‘A’ level, to a BSc in Bio Medical Science and then onto a Masters in Applied Bio Science.

I don’t believe you ever stop learning and, here at Muntons, I hope to be supported further in my career. Perhaps even to do a PhD.”

To understand more about what malt can do in food and drink visit our ingredients pages. Click here

If you are interested in becoming a women in science with Muntons, have a look at our careers pages. Click here

Muntons Launches Alcohol Free Malt Extract

Muntons, one of the country’s leading suppliers of brewing and distilling malts and malted ingredients, has officially launched its new Premium Alcohol Free Malt Extract.

Originally revealed at this year’s SIBA BeerX Online, the alcohol-free liquid extract is now available to commercial brewers both in the UK and abroad.

The maltster, which is based in Stowmarket and has sites in Bridlington, the USA and Thailand, has been developing the malt extract for two years, with the mindset of creating great tasting alcohol-free beer that is more accessible to all brewers. Versatile and easy to use, it designed the extract to give body, mouthfeel, and taste. Muntons’ latest innovation allows the brewer to include alcohol-free options in their range without the need to invest in expensive equipment.

Made by Muntons’ signature process of combining the heating and modifying of the wort sugars, it replicated the typical characteristics of beer. This then creates a malt extract with low sweetness and a mild fermentation aroma, which is an ideal versatile base that brewers can use to build on and create an alcohol-free version of their trademark brewing styles, ranging from hop forward IPAs to a hearty stout.

Vanessa Makings, Marketing Manager at Muntons, said: “With a quarter of adults saying they’re semi-regular drinkers of no or low alcohol,[1] we know that alcohol free is no longer a niche market. Consumers expect more choices and therefore we want to remove barriers for breweries that want to add alcohol free to their range.

"Muntons Premium Alcohol Free Malt Extract makes the brewing of low or no alcohol beers simple and fuss-free. We’re delighted to bring our product to fruition.”

Famous for being one of the greenest maltsters in the country, Muntons’ Premium Alcohol Free Malt Extract is made from 100% sustainable malt, sourced from farms local to the maltings in Suffolk and Bridlington.

To find out more or request a sample of Muntons Premium Alcohol Free Malt Extract, click here or email hello@muntons.com

[1] https://www.portmangroup.org.uk/65504-2/

Learning at Work Week 2021 - Kickstart Scheme at Muntons

New Team Members Join Muntons Thanks to Government Kickstart Scheme The Kickstart Scheme

Muntons, one of the country’s leading suppliers of brewing and distilling malts and malted ingredients, has joined forces with the Department for Work and Pensions, as a Kickstart Scheme Employer.

The scheme supports 16 to 24-year-olds who've been in long-term unemployment and are ordinarily reliant on Universal Credit, gain valuable work experience. Working 25 hours a week, they receive skills training while earning at least the National Minimum Wage for their age group.

Muntons' cohort of five new team members joined its Flamborough Maltings in Bridlington in May. Joining the 100-year business are: Jonathan Cocking, Production Cleaner; Jack Hewitson Engineering Storeman; Robbie McLoone, COVID Security Operator; Conar Miles, Production Cleaner; and Jamie Milner, COVID Security Operator.

Jack Hewitson, 19

Jack had been unemployed since he graduated from the Scarborough University Technical College in 2020, with qualifications in manufacturing engineering. Working with his Job Centre Plus Work Coach, they introduced him to the vacancies that Muntons offered. “I was excited when I saw the roles and I actually applied for one of the other positions. However, Muntons gave me some positive feedback and offered me the Engineering Storeman role. Which, thinking about it, is better suited to my qualifications and career plans.

“I was nervous on my first day Muntons, but everybody has made me feel comfortable and part of the team. They’re all helping me get a better understanding of the business and the malt industry. I’m making some wonderful friendships, being well looked after and feeling part of the team."

“I’d definitely recommend the Kickstart Scheme to those who are in the position I was in. I'm so excited each day to clock onto my shift and learn new skills. It’s brilliant working for an international company right on our doorstep in Bridlington.”

Jamie Milner, 24

Jamie's a COVID Security Operator and was unemployed for a year. “This last year was tough, and it’s hard to find a job when you haven’t got the hands-on experience or there are more people searching for jobs than there are the vacancies.

"Working in an office doesn’t appeal to me; the role excited me because I like the idea of a physical job in a factory and being more hands-on.

“Everybody I talk to here has been incredibly supportive and even though I’ve only been here a few weeks, I feel like I’m settling in well. I’m enjoying myself and glad to be working again.”

Jamie continues: “Each week, we get together and take part in the employability course, which sets a good foundation for the next step of the scheme of job hunting. We don’t like to think about it because we’re enjoying our time here, but everybody needs to understand how to use LinkedIn, keep our CVs updated and get used to the experience of applying for new roles. It’s a great help.”

Conar Miles, 19

Also introduced to the Kickstart Scheme by his Job Centre Plus Work Coach, was Conar, who'd been out of work for a year following an injury. Having completed his plumbing and motor vehicle qualifications at college, he was keen to use some of those transferable skills at Muntons and joined as a COVID Security Operator. “I’m excited to come to the site; it doesn’t feel like I’m at work because I’m enjoying myself. Everybody’s great to work with and so supportive.

“On Fridays, we are learning skills for life. Things like how to behave in the workplace, keep our CVs updated and how to handle interviews may sound basic, but when you haven’t got the experience, it’s a great help to be guided through these things.

“I’d love to stay at Muntons once the programme ends. It has a great reputation of being a place you can work for life, and it’s great I’ve got this opportunity to show what I’m capable of.”

Conar says he’d recommend the Kickstart Scheme to those who are in a similar position as he was: “Having been out of work for so long, the Scheme is a great way to ease people like me back into work after so long. It’s not an overwhelming number of hours to work and I’m building my confidence up. In a few months, I know I’m going to be ready to progress to full time and permanent employment.”

Why Muntons Signed Up to the Kickstart Scheme

Ed Woodmansey, Compliance Operations Manager at the Muntons Flamborough Maltings in Bridlington, heads up the Kickstart Scheme.

“The job market has always been extremely competitive. With so many people facing job losses because of COVID-19 pressures, it’s harder than ever. It’s especially tough right now for young people and we’re keen to help where we can. We're always keen for the younger generation to join our industry and so we're pleased to encourage that. We hope the experience and teachings our new recruits receive will help them build their careers in these most challenging of times.”

Find out how Andrew's been learning on the job

Message about 2020 events

The Coronavirus Pandemic has made 2020 an exceptionally difficult year for all of us, our families, our friends and for our businesses. We, and others in our industry, have had to make some difficult decisions to ensure that we are all protected from the covid-19 virus. Amongst the precautions which have proved necessary has been the cancellation of some historically important exhibitions and trade fairs. Events that have decided to remain open will inevitably suffer from dramatically reduced footfall as social distancing requirements are enforced.

It is with regret that we must share with you our decision not to attend or exhibit at this year’s Brau, FI Asia or FI Europe. These events have always proved to be enjoyable and fruitful, providing an excellent opportunity to enjoy spending time with our business partners, perhaps over a drink, where the benefits that working together can bring. We are hopeful that things will return to normal soon but in the meantime we will ensure that we remain in contact with our customers, suppliers and trade partners through virtual meetings. Please do let us know if you would like us to schedule such a meeting.

If you would like to know more about Muntons, our products or just want to know what we are doing, please follow us through social media, on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram or twitter or visit our website where you will find our latest news