System and method for preparing a liquid product

A system for preparing a liquid product, comprising:

• (a) a product preparation assembly, comprising:
• (i) a concentrate holder for holding product concentrate,
• (ii) a product feedthrough channel, and
• (iii) a concentrate supply channel for feeding a flow of product concentrate from the holder to the product feedthrough channel, wherein the concentrate supply channel is provided with a valve member for regulating the flow of product concentrate, the valve member being movable with respect to the concentrate supply channel between a first position in which the flow of concentrate is blocked and a second position in which the flow of concentrate is enabled;
• and
• (b) a product preparation apparatus configured to cooperate with the product preparation assembly, the apparatus comprising a liquid injector for supplying a flow of liquid into the product feedthrough channel, optionally via the valve member, wherein the liquid injector is configured to engage the valve member for moving the valve member, and
• (c) a controller configured for automatically controlling a movement of the valve member along a range of positions via actuation of the liquid injector, the range of positions extending between the first position and the second position, wherein controlling the movement of the valve member comprises positioning the valve member at an intermediate position between the first position and the second position.