Siebel Institute and Lallemand Brewing explain their roles in creating Tom Holland’s BERO brand

Interesting NA news continues to fill our collective inbox. An example: We’ve just heard that the creation of actor Tom Holland’s BERO brand was a bigger collaboration that we initially realized. The Siebel Institute of Technology and Lallemand Brewing were involved. The Siebel Institute of Technology leverages deep technical knowledge. Lallemand Brewing supplies decades of yeast expertise. Together, they refine brewing processes, including helping with the BERO brand.

Lallemand Brewing specifically developed a new yeast strain for the BERO products, hoping to boost interesting flavor and fermentation control. The LalBrew LoNa yeast, developed by Lallemand Brewing, plays a big role in creating BERO’s distinctive non-alcoholic beers. This yeast allows for the production of flavorful and clean beers with less than 0.5% alcohol by volume, maintaining the rich taste and complexity. Pilot batches of BERO were brewed at the Siebel Institute of Technology — a renowned brewing school based in Chicago. Grant Wood, BERO’s chief brewmaster, chose Siebel for these trials due to his long-standing connection with the institute. From the press release:

“The project challenged us positively on a number of levels while working closely with Grant, from arriving at the proper mashing regime needed through to the end packaging stage to ensure product stability. It was a great learning experience for all involved, especially in utilizing LalBrew LoNa to arrive at the outcomes that pleased Grant and the Bero team’s expectations.” — John Hannafan, General Manager of the Siebel Institute.

Three distinct beer styles

The collaboration birthed three standout beers:

• Kingston Golden Pils: A classic European-style pilsner with a bright, crisp finish. Its name nods to Tom Holland’s hometown.
• Edge Hill Hazy IPA: A juicy New England-style IPA bursting with tropical character. It pays homage to Holland’s alma mater.
• Noon Wheat: A cloudy wheat beer with a smooth citrus finish. Its name honors Holland’s schnauzer.

Riding the NA beer growth wave

We recently reported on how BERO made a significant move in expanding its reach by landing on Target shelves. BERO is now available in single-flavor six-packs and a Target-exclusive variety 12-pack. This partnership allows BERO to connect with a broader audience, as Target has a reputation for curating products that resonate with its customers. The availability of BERO at such a widely recognized retailer underscores the brand’s appeal to the growing number of consumers embracing mindful drinking. It also positions BERO as a serious contender in an increasingly competitive non-alcoholic beer market.

Looking Ahead

The collaboration between Siebel Institute, Lallemand Brewing and BERO sets up an interesting backstory to this emerging celebrity brand. It also highlights the value of technical precision and innovative yeast development. As the NA beer category grows, brands that combine expertise with creative brewing will lead the way. Independent brewers can draw inspiration from this partnership and refine their own approaches in a rapidly evolving market.