Mr Giacobini, Omnia Technologies is quite a large group. Can you illustrate how it is positioned in the beer sector?

Omnia Technologies is a project launched at the end of 2020 that brings together leading companies in the beverage and pharmaceutical sectors to create a global service and technical-commercial support platform. Our strength is being the single point of contact for the customer, covering the entire production cycle, from the raw material to the packaged product. Our uniqueness lies in the holistic approach. We do not sell single machines, but tailor-made solutions that are created by listening to the customer. We have master brewers in the company, so we speak the brewers' language, not the language of the tank builders or software developers. This allows us to translate the brewers' requirements into systems that respond exactly to their needs.

As regards bottling and packaging, how do you respond to the needs for versatility, for example for cans, which are increasingly in demand?

Versatility is crucial, especially for craft brewers who want to switch from bottles to cans without changing the line. We design monoblocs that can handle multiple formats, even kegs, with quick and intuitive format changes. In terms of packaging, we have presented innovative solutions, such as a palletising system that uses recycled paper instead of plastic film, thereby reducing the environmental impact.

Speaking of innovation: how do you address issues such as sustainability and energy efficiency supported by the Transition Plan 5.0?

Sustainability is key for us. We have drastically reduced water consumption, a historical problem in beer production. If the industry average is 6-8 litres of water per litre of beer, in our last plants we have fallen below 2.2 litres. This is thanks to advanced sensors and software that monitor and optimise the use of water, energy and steam at every stage. We measure the electrical absorption, the amount of water reused, the steam consumed, even the opening times of the valves, because 30 seconds of extra steam is an avoidable waste. In addition, we recover thermal energy. Calories and refrigerating calories generated in one phase are used to heat or cool other parts of the process, thereby creating a thermal balance that reduces costs and emissions.

After-sales service is often a sticking point for breweries. How do you organise your customer support?

After-sales is a pillar for us. Our technicians, often the same ones who installed the system, follow the customer over time. We offer advanced remote assistance, with software that enables operators to monitor and diagnose systems remotely, reducing downtime. For craft breweries, often operating at unconventional times since beer is also a "passion", this reactivity is fundamental.