Anmol Kaw 

Discover how Anmol's love of beer started his journey into the brewing industry. His progression in his career has been facilitated by his dedication to continue learning, all underpinned by a solid technical knowledge acquired with the IBD qualifications.    

Tell us about your professional journey: your background and main responsibilities in your current job.

I was born and brought up in Jammu and Kashmir, India. I completed my undergraduate degree in food technology from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology which is in Hisar, Haryana. 

I am currently working as a Junior Executive in Brewing and Process in Alwar plant at Carlsberg India Pvt Ltd since a year and half ago. My primary responsibility includes: overseeing the brewing and filtration process and troubleshooting deviations, maintaining hygiene and 5S in our process area and ensuring all work is done while keeping safety in mind as safety is paramount and it is an integral part of our organisation.

Why did you join the drinks industry and what would you like to achieve in your career in the sector?

I joined this industry due to my love of beer. I got introduced to beer through my roommate in college and since then I had great memories with it. Since I enjoyed drinking beer, I wondered what it was like to brew beer so I started finding internships at breweries and that's how it started. 

Why did you choose the IBD to take your brewing/distilling qualification?

In 2019, during my summer internship in Dharuhera plant at Carlsberg India my mentor and manager at Alwar plant introduced me to the IBD. He told me that obtaining the IBD General Certificate in Brewing qualification will be an asset for anyone seeking to progress in their career in the beer industry as it will enhance their knowledge, skills, and credibility, and open opportunities for career advancement, both locally and internationally.

What did it mean for you to win the IBD award?

Winning the IBD General Certificate in Brewing award meant a lot to me - it is a significant achievement for individuals in the brewing industry or those interested in pursuing a career in brewing. It indicates a solid understanding of the principles and practices of brewing and demonstrates a level of knowledge that is recognised by employers and industry professionals.

Overall, winning the award has been a positive recognition of my commitment and dedication towards this industry and it has also helped me to kickstart my professional journey. I am honored and grateful to have received this award. 

What is the most important lesson you have learnt during the preparation of your IBD technical qualification/s and how have you been able to apply it to your daily job?

The most important lesson I learned during the preparation is the importance of continuous learning and keeping up with the latest advancements and trends in the field. By constantly updating our skills and knowledge, we can enhance our problem-solving abilities, adapt to changes in the workplace, and remain an effective contributor to the organization.

One of the ways to apply this lesson in our daily job is by investing time and effort in continued learning, such as attending industry conferences, taking courses and certifications, or even reading industry publications. Keeping yourself informed and up to date with the latest developments in the field will help you remain competitive and valuable to your organisation, thus making you an asset to the company.

How have your company benefited from the technical knowledge you acquired with the IBD qualification?

I think that for companies in the drinks industry, having employees with IBD qualifications can be beneficial in several ways:

• It helps to ensure the quality and consistency of the products they produce
• It helps to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs, as employees with technical knowledge will identify and solve production issues more quickly
• It enhances the company's reputation and brand image, as having employees with industry-recognised qualifications demonstrates a commitment to quality and professionalism.

How has this qualification helped you progress in your career?

IBD General Certificate in Brewing has given me a comprehensive understanding of the brewing process, from raw materials to finished products, and covers a range of topics, including brewing science, quality control, and packaging. It has provide a solid foundation of knowledge that can be applied in this industry.

This qualification has also helped to start my journey in this industry.

From your personal point of view, which are the main challenges and opportunities that you are facing?

I think the challenges faced are as follows: 

1. Ensuring consistent quality across batches and brands is challenging as it requires monitoring and adjusting various parameters throughout the brewing process
2. Raw material costs, production costs, and distribution costs can all impact a brewery's profitability, so managing costs while maintaining quality is a critical challenge
3. Brewing equipment is expensive and requires regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure it operates efficiently and effectively. Brewers must stay on top of maintenance schedules and invest in equipment upgradation when necessary
4. The brewing industry is highly competitive, with new breweries popping up all the time. Brewers must stay ahead of the competition by offering unique products, developing a strong brand, and build a loyal customer base

And opportunities: 

1. The craft brewing industry is known for its creativity and experimentation, with new flavors, styles, and brewing techniques being developed all the time. Brewers who embrace innovation and experimentation can stand out from the competition and attract new customers
2.  Building a strong brand is critical in the brewing industry, as it helps to differentiate a brewery's products from the competition
3. Continuing education and training are important for brewers to stay up to date with industry trends, brewing techniques, and new technologies. Brewers who invest in education and training can improve their skills and advance their careers
4.  Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the brewing industry, with consumers seeking out environmentally responsible products. By adopting sustainable practices, such as water conservation, energy efficiency, and waste reduction, will attract environmentally conscious consumers and reduce costs

Overall, the brewing industry presents both challenges and opportunities for brewers. By addressing the challenges and leveraging the opportunities, brewers can succeed in the industry and build successful careers. 

Would you recommend to your peers to take an IBD qualification? If yes, why?

Yes, I would recommend the IBD General Certificate in Brewing qualification to my peers who wants to develop a deeper understanding of the brewing process and advance their career in the beer industry.

The qualification is recognised and respected worldwide and having this qualification can enhance your credibility and career prospects, both locally and internationally. Finally, the qualification provides opportunities to connect with other professionals in the industry and build relationships that can be valuable for career advancement. 

It is popular choice for brewing and distilling qualifications due to its reputation, comprehensive curriculum, flexibility, networking opportunities, and career advancement opportunity 

Which piece of advice would you like to give to any professional starting now in the industry?

It takes passion to stand out. You need to be passionate about the craft of brewing, the industry, and the product. 

This industry is constantly evolving, and you need to keep learning to stay ahead. Attend brewing courses, read industry publications, and stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies. 

 Brewing is a time-consuming process, and it takes patience to produce quality beer. You need to be patient with the brewing process and take the time to learn from your mistakes. 

Feedback is essential for improving your brewing skills and creating better products. Embrace constructive feedback from customers, colleagues, and other professionals in the industry. 

This industry has a responsibility to the environment, the community, and its customers. As a professional in the industry, it is essential to adopt sustainable practices, be mindful of the impact of your products on society and prioritize the safety and health of your customers.