On 29 August Campden BRI opened the doors to a new, world-class wine services laboratory and testing centre in Guildford. A facility that sets the benchmark for the delivery of grape and wine-related analytical services, advice and targeted training in the UK.
The state-of-the-art facility, based at the Surrey Research Park, is equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by a team of seasoned experts with comprehensive knowledge of the needs of national and international wine sectors. This investment demonstrates Campden BRI’s dedication to driving progress and innovation across all sectors of the wine industry in the UK.
The day also marked Campden BRI’s new partnership with the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI), the world’s leading wine research institute, a partnership that enables Campden BRI Wine Services to access the latest international developments and innovations in grape and wine research.
Grape growers, winemakers, wine retailers, wine importers and technical specialists from across the UK were welcomed into the facility by the Wine Services team. Robert Pride, Senior Analytical Chemist at Campden BRI Wine Services, guided visitors through the new laboratory, showcasing the impressive investment in equipment and highlighting the excellent qualifications and skills of the analytical staff. A notable addition is the Gallery Plus Discrete Analyser, allowing rapid, highly accurate measurements of glucose, fructose, sucrose, malic acid, acetic acid, yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN), and free and total sulphur dioxide.
Following the laboratory tour, guests made their way to the Surrey Research Park Hub, where Industry Development and Technical Manager Dr Gregory Dunn conducted a hands-on, competitive exercise focused on identifying and understanding wine taints. Among other things, Campden BRI Wine Services offers services related to detecting, measuring understanding and managing wine faults. In addition to this, they offer bespoke training for all sectors of the industry.
Peter Headridge, CEO of Campden BRI, and Dr Eric Wilkes from AWRI then delivered a series of interactive presentations showcasing Campden BRI’s and AWRI’s extensive capabilities. These highlighted how the Wine Services team is uniquely positioned to foster improvement and growth within all sectors of the wine industry in the UK through a distinctive range of analytical services, support, and expert advice.
“Our partnership with AWRI and investments in this facility will be transformative for the UK industry and will future proof our technical services and capabilities, demonstrating a strong vote of confidence in the domestic wine sector. We are committed to providing the industry with the advanced tools and expertise it needs to thrive in both local and international markets.”
Peter added: “The domestic UK wine industry has experienced steady growth and now requires top-quality technical support and consultancy to remain competitive globally. According to data from WineGB, the 2023 grape harvest exceeded the 2018 record by 68%, with enough grapes to produce 22 million bottles of wine.” Furthermore, in 2022 UK wine imports totalled £4.67 billion, making it the second largest importer of Wine in the world. Around 1.7 billion bottles of wine are consumed in the UK annually.
Finally, Peter outlined the broader capabilities of Campden BRI, based in Chipping Campden, which also can be harnessed to drive the wine industry forward. These include solutions based on new approaches in material science, analytical chemistry, sensory science, consumer preference and packaging backed by a thorough knowledge of regulatory and labelling requirements. “Packaging, labelling, international regulations, exports, sensory panelling as an analytical tool, consumer preference and foreign body analysis are all areas with which we have published expertise available. We provide the technical evidence for companies to make informed decisions. It’s not just about providing analytical results but also adding the value of interpretation and consultancy to our clients.”
With over 2,500 member companies in 80 countries, Campden BRI works closely with industry to ensure the industrial relevance of everything they do. This includes a wide range of analysis and testing services and operational support underpinned by a vigorous programme of research and innovation and promoted through extensive knowledge management activities. Many of the technical services are accredited in accordance with the recognised International Standard ISO17025:2017 by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). The accreditation demonstrates technical competence for a defined scope of methods, specific to each site, as detailed in the schedules of accreditation bearing the testing laboratory number. Campden BRI (Chipping Campden) Limited is a UKAS accredited testing laboratory No. 1079.
Sam Linter, Director of Wine at Plumpton College and Chair of WineGB, was among the guests on the day and commented: “It is fantastic to have a facility that provides the ability for winery owners and winemakers to bring bottles with them and sit and talk about what problems they have and to then discuss and understand the results of analyses; what they may need to change or what they have done well and the subsequent results. This is not just about chemical analysis but sensory as well which is extremely valuable for further understanding and developing winemaking across the industry.”
A small investment in wine analysis can save a fortune in foregone revenue and ensure product quality. Campden BRI Wine Services offers a broad range of individual analyses and analysis packages, as well as several more bespoke analyses and bespoke training and advice. Many customers set up regular routine due diligence testing for analyses such as quality and shelf-life tests, and Wine Services will happily to advise and provide quotes for these services (Wine analysis at Campden BRI). If the analysis that you require is not listed on their website, please contact then directly for advice, availability and price.
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