(Press Release)

PORTLAND, Maine—The University of Southern Maine (USM) and Maine Brewers’ Guild (MBG) announced today an innovative – if not first in the nation – partnership linking the University’s research and development facilities with a growing economic sector; the craft brewing industry.

USM President Glenn Cummings and MBG Executive Director Sean Sullivan shared the details of the agreement whereby USM will open their Quality Assurance/Quality Control and Research Laboratory located on the Portland campus to members of Maine’s and New England’s craft brewing industry. USM undergraduate students will staff the lab, overseeing equipment use and brewer training, thus gaining real-world experience. Once qualified, brewers will be able to expedite sample testing, reducing costs and wait-time while ensuring the quality of their product.

“Maine’s craft beer industry employed 1,500 people and generated an estimated $432 million in sales in 2014,” said Sullivan. “The economic impact of Maine’s craft beer industry ranks seventh in the nation per capita, yet our brewers are dependent on West Coast QA facilities. This is about supporting a growing industry and ensuring local brewers can craft the highest quality products.”

USM Professor of Chemistry Lucille Benedict, Ph.D., who will oversee lab management, received a three-year, $488,514 seed grant from the USM Maine Economic Improvement Fund to build the infrastructure for a Quality Assurance/Quality Control and Research Laboratory for the Maine and craft brewing industry. The lab will help brewers deliver a consistent, quality product to their consumers, ensure contamination has not been introduced during the brewing process, and develop new varieties and products as demand increases.

The laboratory will also increase the number of undergraduate students working on STEM projects at USM, and attract funding for faculty, students and independent research.

“We are proud to be working with Maine Brewers’ Guild and local breweries to help strengthen and grow their industry,” said USM President Glenn Cummings. “It’s another great example of the type of work our Metropolitan University undertakes to benefit our economy while at the same time providing our students with skills and experience that will enhance their career opportunities.”

Maine Sen. Susan Collins remarked about the craft beer sector as a substantial and growing component of the state’s economy and how Maine’s breweries are earning national recognition for their award‐winning products.

“I am proud to support the dozens of unique craft breweries and brewpubs in Maine that invigorate our economy, provide hundreds of jobs, and draw countless tourists into our state.” said Senator Collins.

“This partnership granting the Maine Brewers’ Guild access to the University of Southern Maine’s quality assurance lab will enhance craft brewers’ ability to offer consistent, quality products and strengthen this important sector of Maine’s small businesses community.”

Maine Sen. Angus King remarked on the brewing industry as a growing industry, provider of quality jobs and the University’s support of the industry.

“Maine is home to an impressive array of small, independent craft brewers and an industry that continues to deliver world-class products and quality jobs,” said Senator King. “I applaud the vision and commitment of the University of Southern Maine and its partners to establish an innovative quality assurance lab that will provide Maine brewers across our state with the support and resources they need to continue developing some of the best products in the country.”

Maine Rep. Chellie Pingree commented on the rising role of the brewing industry for Maine, its status nationally and how the partnership will impact the industry.

“I love that this is a public-private partnership between USM and the beer industry in Maine and is a sign of how significant Maine has become as a home for high quality, craft brewed beer,” said Rep. Pingree. “This lab is going to help Maine brewers—and the entire industry—continue to grow and expand.  Maine is already on the map for craft brewing but this lab and partnership will go a long way toward making Maine beer the gold standard for the entire country. “

Once the lab is fully functional and all equipment is in place, brewers and attendees of the inaugural New England Brew Summit on April 1 will have the opportunity to view the lab and learn more about the certifications and capability. The New England Brew Summit is being organized by the Maine Brewers’ Guild as a business to business conference covering both the technical aspects of brewing and running a brewery. The conference will be held at USM April 1, 2015 and registration and sponsor information can be found at http://www.nebrewsummit.com/

About the University of Southern Maine

Situated in Maine’s economic and cultural center, the University of Southern Maine (USM) is a public university with 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students taking courses campuses in Portland, Gorham and Lewiston-Auburn, and online. Known for its engagement with regional businesses, agencies and organizations, USM provides students with hands-on experience that complements classroom learning and leads to employment opportunities in one of the nation’s most desirable places to live. www.usm.maine.edu

About Maine Brewers’ Guild

Maine Brewers’ Guild is a nonprofit, 501(c)(6) organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the craft beer industry in Maine. Since 1986, Maine has been at the forefront of the craft beer movement. Maine is home to over 60 breweries producing more than 200 different ongoing varieties. Learn more at www.mainebrewersguild.org