By Andrew Starke
Bars and clubs throughout the US, Canada and Latin America will soon have access to beer pouring technology developed by South Australian firm Hoshizaki Lancer.
The specialist draught beer dispensing equipment includes glycol chiller plate technology and multi-tapped iced founts, which are unique to Australia.
The equipment will be officially launched on the American markets at the Nightclub and Bar Show at Las Vegas next month (March 7-9).
Hoshizaki Lancer managing director Joe Thorp said Australia led the world when it came to draught beer pouring technology and it had already attracted significant interest throughout the US, Canada and Latin America.
“Australia’s harsh climatic conditions with periods of extreme heat and our love of icy cold beer have provided a fertile market for innovation in this area,” he said.
“The design and presentation of our iced founts, with multiple taps and beautiful cold ice design is completely new to the American markets.
“Glycol chiller plate technology, which enables beer to be served at zero degrees in even the hottest ambient conditions, is also a major point of interest.”
Joe Thorp (pictured) said former Australian sales manager Bill Cadd would move from Adelaide to head up the operation, working out of the Lancer head office in San Antonio, Texas.
“We have done a lot of market research and developed products specifically for the American market,” Thorp said.
“We’ve also streamlined our manufacturing operations in Adelaide to ensure we can meet the anticipated demand from the American markets.”
Thorp added that Hoshizaki Lancer had received invaluable support from the State Government and Innovate SA to keep manufacturing in Adelaide, and strongly supported efforts to ensure the sector remained vibrant in South Australia.
Hoshizaki Lancer employs almost 100 people, including 39 in its Beverley factory and exports to a range of countries including New Zealand, Philippines, South Africa, United Kingdom, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, South Korea, India and Nepal.