Brewing Global Success
Published in Smoke Signals
Brewing Global Success
Rome-based Hydro Dynamics Taps International Markets
When Rome-based Hydro Dynamics first applied its ShockWave Xtractor technology to brewing beer, it didn’t just shake up the process – it opened up a world of export opportunities. Originally designed for industrial uses, it’s now helping brewers like Terrapin, Anchor, and Witch’s Hat improve their craft, both in Georgia and around the globe.
Doug Mancosky, Chief Science Officer at Hydro Dynamics and a Georgia Tech graduate, has been with Hydro Dynamics for more than 20 years, with the last ten having been involved with breweries. As a lifelong beer enthusiast, making the leap into the beverage industry was exciting for him. “Think of all the complexities that a brewer is able to provide.”
Like many small Georgia businesses, Hydro Dynamics saw the potential for international sales through their customers. After pursuing a foothold in international markets for a number of years, Mankosky and Hydro Dynamics found the “cheat code” they needed to accelerate their business.
Reflecting on his introduction to GDEcD’s Trade team, Mankosky remarked, “In some ways I was both happy and also a little upset that I hadn’t heard about this sooner. There was all this free data the state had such as market analysis and trade reps in individual countries.”
“The first question from potential customers is ‘who else is using it in the U.K.? Or Sweden?’ Often the most difficult thing to do is getting the first install in any market. With the amount of resources and knowledge they have, GDEcD has been really helpful. The state has been able to introduce us into new markets and get us going with some pivotal customers.”
GDEcD helped the company identify promising markets, connect with in-country representatives, and land crucial first customers including Purity Brewing Company in the U.K. “Getting Purity gives us credibility, and you leverage that for future sales. It’s a marketing tool,” Mankosky explained.
Today, the ShockWave Xtractor is used on six continents. “In almost every continent there could be someone enjoying a beer right now using our technology,” says Mankosky. “That’s fun to think about.”
When asked if he would recommend connecting with GDEcD’s Trade team to other companies, Mankosky answered, “Absolutely. We’ve never gotten a bill from them.”
Mankosky expands that the team’s sole care seems to be their clients’ success. “It’s good to know that, if I have a question about something related to an export, I don’t have to just Google and hope.”
Interested in expanding your small- or medium-sized businesses international sales? Learn more about GDEcD’s services for Georgia companies at www.georgia.org/international/trade.