Thermo Fisher and CCEP present ‘industry-first’ rapid beverage spoilage detection solution

Thermo Fisher Scientific has unveiled a new all-in-one quantitative PCR (qPCR) solution for rapid beverage spoilage detection, developed in collaboration with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP).

Integrated into the Thermo Scientific SureTect PCR System, the new assay is designed to identify spoilage organisms much earlier in the production cycle, offering broad application across the global beverage industry.

Microbial contamination continues to pose significant risks for beverage producers, leading to costly recalls, compromised batch quality and reputational damage. According to Thermo Fisher, conventional culture-based testing can take several days and may fail to detect certain preservative-resistant microorganisms.

The new SureTect Beverage Spoilage Multiplex qPCR Assay detects more than 100 strains of key spoilage organisms—including preservative-resistant yeasts, moulds, lactic acid bacteria and acetic acid bacteria—in a single PCR reaction. Thermo Fisher describes this multiplex capability as a first for the industry.

The company says the solution can cut testing times by up to 50%, enabling manufacturers to release batches with greater confidence while improving quality-control efficiency.

Chris Armstrong, president of microbiology at Thermo Fisher Scientific, said:

“Product recalls don’t just impact the consumer – brands face both financial and reputational harm, making the true cost of a recall much more expensive than the product lost. This qPCR-based assay helps brands avoid risk, protect their customers and keep their products on shelves by providing a faster and more accurate result on their batch tests.”

Demand for faster, higher-confidence testing has grown across beverage categories, particularly for limited-edition and seasonal SKUs where production windows are tight.

Raul Mesa, senior manager QESH at CCEP, added:

“Staying ahead of spoilage is key for us. Working with Thermo Fisher lets us use the best science to make sure every bottle that reaches a customer meets our high standards. High-throughput, reliable and secure testing solutions are essential as we look to always ensure the perfect product for our consumers.”