Erdinger Weißbräu

When speaking of traditional wheat beer from Bavaria, Germany, produced using the “top-fermenting” method (a fermentation process in which yeast rises to the top of the conditioning tank and ferments at temperatures between 15–24°C) and known as “Weizen Beer,” the brewery named “The Privatbrauerei Erdinger Weißbräu Werner Brombach GmbH,” commonly known as “Erdinger Weißbräu,” is often the first to be mentioned. In addition to its long history, it is currently the largest wheat beer producer in the world.

 

The Founding of Weisse Bräuhaus in 1886

The origins of this brewery date back to 1886, when Johann Kienle founded a small Weizen Beer brewery with the simple name “Weisse Bräuhaus” (White Brewery) in the town of Erding, Bavaria, Germany. Within less than 50 years, the brewery changed ownership several times, including the Stadlmaier family from the major city of Munich and the malt factory FW Otto. The most significant turning point came when Franz Brombach, who was one of the managing directors of the brewery, successfully purchased the business in 1935. At that time, Weisse Bräuhaus was producing approximately 3,500 hectoliters per year and distributing its beer only within the Erding area.

 

World War II and the Renaming to Erdinger Weißbräu

Franz’s acquisition coincided with the period of World War II (1939–1945). Naturally, businesses faced the impact of wartime conditions, but through his entrepreneurial capability, he was able to guide the brewery through those difficult times. After the war ended, in 1949 Franz decided to formally establish the brewery as a company, beginning by renaming it Erdinger Weißbräu, the name it still carries today.

 

Expansion of Production and Modernization

Franz invested in modern production equipment and constructed a larger brewhouse. Through these strategies, the annual production of Erdinger Weißbräu rose dramatically to 40,000 hectoliters per year within approximately 18 years, before his son Werner Brombach joined the management team in 1965.

 

Werner Brombach’s Vision for a National Wheat Beer Brand

From the past through the early period of Werner’s leadership, Weizen Beer production in Germany remained largely a Bavarian local product, typically produced by small, scattered breweries throughout the region. Werner, who had formally studied business administration, set his sights on building a national wheat beer brand. He began by exporting the beer beyond Bavaria, then expanded distribution across Germany and into neighboring markets such as Austria.

 

Modern Marketing and Global Expansion

In 1971, Werner implemented modern marketing strategies, launching advertising campaigns that combined the traditional identity of Bavarian beer with premium standards. As a result, Erdinger Weißbräu became widely recognized and was acknowledged as a pioneer in transforming Weizen Beer into a large-scale industry. After Werner became the sole owner of the company, wheat beer began gaining increasing popularity in other European countries from the 1980s onward. He seized this opportunity to begin exporting beyond Europe to major global markets such as China and Russia. Within ten years, Erdinger Weißbräu became the first wheat beer brewery in the world to surpass production of 1 million hectoliters per year.

 

Current Sub-Brands and Product Portfolio

Today, Erdinger beers are marketed under three sub-brands. The first is Erdinger Weißbräu, the origin of everything, which produces not only Weizen Beer but also several wheat-based varieties such as Dunkel, Oktoberfest, and Pikantus. In addition, there is “Erdinger Brauhaus Bayern,” which produces beer styles other than Weizen Beer, particularly “Helles,” a traditional Bavarian lager. Unlike Weizen, Helles is primarily made from barley, uses bottom fermentation at lower temperatures, and contains a higher proportion of hops.

 

Erdinger Alkoholfrei and the Non-Alcoholic Beer Market

Another successful modern brand from Erdinger is “Erdinger Alkoholfrei,” launched in 2001. It became a pioneer in the non-alcoholic beer market. Beyond providing refreshment, Erdinger targeted athletes and health-conscious consumers by emphasizing the nutritional content of this beer, particularly vitamins B6 and B12, which help support immune function and reduce fatigue. Due to the concentration of Erdinger’s proprietary formula, these nutrients are absorbed into the body quickly, making it especially suitable for consumption during exercise. It also contains 40% fewer calories than regular beer.

 

Family-Owned Heritage and Commitment to Quality

Despite its tremendous success and global brand status, Erdinger Weißbräu remains a family-owned business and has not joined any large corporate group. It continues to produce beer rooted in Bavarian heritage and does not dilute its recipes for mass production. This reflects a commitment to identity and quality over cost and profit, allowing Erdinger Weißbräu to maintain a loyal customer base that truly appreciates its beer.