On 28 November 2025, the 105th meeting of MEBAK took place in Linz, hosted by Helmut Klein, the long-standing laboratory manager of Brau Union Österreich AG, who retired this year after an impressive 47 years of service. Since 2010, he has actively contributed to MEBAK’s work and was unanimously appointed Honorary Member during the meeting. On the evening prior to the session, the members had the opportunity to visit the new central laboratory of Brau Union Österreich AG. Dipl.-Ing. Fabian Webersinke, the new laboratory manager at the Linz site, presented the state-of-the-art facilities, where around 130,000 analyses on raw materials and beers from the Austrian brewery locations are performed each year. In total, more than 750,000 analytical results are managed across the group – supported by a highly connected system that ensures efficient sample logistics and rapid data exchange.
The working groups reported substantial progress in their respective fields. In the chapters “Wort, Beer and Beer-Based Mixed Drinks”, numerous method updates have been implemented in recent months, including improvements in the determination of nitrosamines (GC), 4-vinylguaiacol and 4-vinylphenol (HPLC), methanol (GC), and high-molecular-weight β-glucan. The rapid introduction of new enzymatic test kits remains a challenge; therefore, MEBAK aims to enhance coordination with manufacturers in the future to ensure that current test kit availability is reflected promptly in the analytical methods. A significant milestone was also achieved in the field of microbiology: since drinktec, the full scope of microbiological analytical methods has been available online in English. MEBAK’s online subscription base remains stable, primarily consisting of annual subscriptions from breweries as well as academic and vocational training institutions.
Constructive exchange with the EBC was continued. John Brauer provided updates on personnel changes within EBC-Analytica and the working groups, as well as on current and newly developed analytical methods. Ahead of the EBC Congress 2026 in Rotterdam, an international consultation forum between EBC, ASBC, BCOJ and MEBAK is planned. Additionally, Dr. Volker Ribitsch of TecSense GmbH presented a newly developed headspace analyzer for measuring oxygen, foreign gases, headspace volume and CO₂ in bottles and cans – designed specifically for filling processes and developed in cooperation with Brau Union Österreich AG.
Five guests followed the invitation to join the meeting as observers. MEBAK plans to further expand its active expert team next year – among other things, in preparation for the revision and timely publication of the former volume Packaging and Product Presentation Materials.
A special highlight of the meeting was the appointment of Helmut Klein as an Honorary Member. Since 2010, he has initiated numerous developments, validated methods, and contributed significantly to their practical implementation. His expertise, sound judgement and many years of hands-on experience continue to be held in the highest regard within MEBAK. The Commission would like to express its sincere gratitude to him for his outstanding commitment over the years. With his dedication to analytical precision and his collegial spirit, he has made a lasting impact on MEBAK’s work and the cooperative culture within the organisation. We wish him all the very best for the next chapter in his life and are delighted that he will remain connected to MEBAK as an Honorary Member.
