On 6 October MCAST, in collaboration with The Brew, a key industry stakeholder and Valletta 2018 launched a limited edition craft beer called Gallery. This beer will be marketed as the official craft beer for the Valletta 2018 European Capital of Culture. 

Through this ambitious project MCAST students following the Advanced Diploma in Food Technology programme offered at the MCAST Institute for Applied Sciences connected with local key players within the beverage local industry to create the production and promotion of this craft beer. The formulation and production of the craft beer was done in close collaboration with key industry stakeholder The Brew.

Together, MCAST and The Brew collaborated to produce this high quality craft beer and to ensure that the official craft beer for 2018 can reach local and foreign customers. The Brew brought on board their vast brewing expertise and knowledge in addition to the resources required to be able to produce the beer. Together four MCAST students who just finished their degree in graphic design and The Brew identified and produced the high-quality branding and launched the product on both the local and international markets. This project was undoubtedly a positive learning experience for MCAST students.

The idea of the production of this craft beer originated from the MCAST Institute of Applied Sciences through the course entitled Advanced Diploma in Food Technology. This multidisciplinary two-year programme is offered across four MCAST institutes and includes topics on food analysis, product manufacturing, food safety, cost accounting and product design. The programme provides learners with the opportunity to gain knowledge about the industry and insight to the relevant tools and skills through work-based elements and practical based modules. It prepares learners for employment within SMEs as well as medium to large organisations that produce a range of food and drink products.

During the first year of the running of the Advanced Diploma in Food Technology programme, first year MCAST students also participated in an intensive two-week work placement in Leeuwarden, Netherlands. Leeuwarden is Valletta's twin European Capital of Culture for 2018. During these two weeks MCAST students worked in the "food factory" under the guidance of highly experienced food technologists at MBO life sciences. They prepared a large range of food products, including beer, using industrial processes. They have also carried out a series of investigations to understand the principles of given food production processes. This experience gave students the opportunity to appreciate aspects of food safety, food engineering and manufacturing processes; efficiency in food production and create innovative food products and helped them in the production of Gallery.

The official craft beer Gallery will be distributed in various establishments across Malta.