GEA Brewery Systems, a leading provider of brewing technology, celebrated its 150th anniversary last Friday. During the festive event, the company honored its century-and-a-half-long legacy of brewing innovations while looking forward to the future.
Among the guests of honor were high-ranking political representatives, including District Administrator Tamara Bischof (left) and Member of the Bundestag Dr. Anja Weisgerber (right) as well as Member of the State Parliament Barbara Becker (4th from left) and the Mayor of Kitzingen, Stefan Güntner (3rd from left), who paid tribute to GEA’s role for the region and the brewing industry worldwide. The picture also shows Dr. Matthias Finking (2nd from left) and Ralf Kamisek (5th from left), both Managing Directors of GEA Brewery Systems. Source: GEA/Tim Simon
Current challenges and market developments in the brewing industry
The global beer market is currently navigating significant challenges. After decades of steady growth, the industry is experiencing a downturn. In Germany, one of the world’s most traditional brewing nations, beer consumption has been declining for 40 years, dropping 3.3% in 2023 alone. Globally, the situation is similar: since peaking in 2015, worldwide beer production has decreased by around 4%, falling to 1.88 billion hectoliters in 2023.
Several factors contribute to these trends: rising energy costs, fluctuating raw material prices, and a shortage of skilled labor are all placing pressure on the industry. Meanwhile, consumer habits are shifting, with growing demand for low- and non-alcoholic beverages driven by healthier lifestyle choices. Craft beers and innovative flavor combinations are also gaining in popularity.
In his speech, Dr. Matthias Finking, Managing Director of GEA Brewery Systems, said:
“The challenges we face today offer us the chance to reinvent ourselves. Through our partnerships with breweries worldwide, we’ve been able to drive technological innovations that enhance flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability in beer production – and this will guide our future progress.”
Christening of the brew kettle: a symbol of sustainability and innovation
One of the event’s highlights was the christening of a new brewhouse kettle by District Administrator Tamara Bischof. This impressive kettle will become part of the world’s first CO₂-neutral large-scale brewery, symbolizing GEA’s commitment to innovation. In her address, Bischof praised GEA’s contribution as one of Franconia’s top 15 economic players: “GEA stands not only for innovation but also for responsibility towards the environment and the community. Its dedication to sustainable solutions and regional development deserves the highest recognition.”
Dr. Reimar Gutte, Senior Vice President of the Liquid, Fermentation, and Filling Technology Business Unit, also underscored the importance of collaboration within GEA: “Our strength lies in combining expertise across disciplines – from heating technology to beverage plants, from separation to purification. This synergy positions breweries for the future. Technologies developed in other sectors, like alternative protein production, directly benefit from our fermentation expertise.”
The event featured an expert panel discussion on the latest innovations in brewing technology and the global market’s climate challenges. GEA has pioneered key technologies that support breweries in transitioning to climate-friendly processes, with a future focus on optimizing energy and resource use.
A blessing for innovation and tradition: District Administrator Tamara Bischof and Dr. Matthias Finking, Managing Director of GEA Brewery Systems, christened a brewing vessel, which then embarked on its journey to the world’s first CO2-neutral brewery. Source: GEA/Tim Simon
Profile GEA Brewery Systems:
GEA Brewery Systems, a part of GEA Group, is a global leader in brewing technology. Founded in 1874 by the Huppmann brothers in Kitzingen, the company evolved from a local locksmith and coppersmith shop into a market leader in brewing innovations. With groundbreaking solutions like the MILLSTAR® milling system and the LAUTERSTAR® lauter tun, GEA has continuously enhanced beer production efficiency and quality.
Today, GEA represents a perfect balance of innovation and tradition, supporting breweries with cutting-edge technology. With a strong emphasis on circular economy practices and resource-efficient solutions, GEA is steering the brewing industry toward a sustainable future.
Locations: Kitzingen (Bavaria), Büchen (Lower Saxony)
Employees in Kitzingen: around 300, including trainees (as of June 30, 2024)
Employees in Büchen: over 100, including trainees and students (as of June 30, 2024)
Aerial view of the GEA site in Kitzingen. Source: GEA/Moritz Braun
SOURCE: GEA (Press Release)
PHOTOS CREDIT: GEA / Tim Simon, Moritz Braun