Werner Brombach, long-time owner of Erdinger Weißbräu, has officially transferred all shares of the brewery into a family foundation effective May 20, 2025. The newly established Werner Brombach-Familien-Stiftung now owns 100% of the company. Brombach, aged 85, serves as the foundation’s sole director, thereby ensuring that the brewery's future remains aligned with his personal values and long-term vision.
The decision had been subject to speculation for years and has now been formally communicated to the brewery’s employees. According to company sources, the foundation is committed to maintaining the uncompromising quality standards set by Brombach. Daily operations will remain unaffected, with the management team unchanged: Stefan Kreisz as CEO, Dr. Stefan Huckemann responsible for finance, and Wolfgang Kuffner continuing as head of marketing and sales.
While the ownership structure changes, the brewery’s business model and internal leadership remain stable. Brombach had already stepped back from operational management in 2023 after 48 years. The privately held brewery, employing around 530 people, currently produces 1.6 million hectoliters of beer annually. The foundation structure ensures Erdinger’s long-term independence and prevents ownership fragmentation. Brombach’s daughter and her husband, who recently married, will not be involved in the operational business, though future cooperation scenarios may be reconsidered by the foundation board.
Since 2008, Erdinger Weißbräu has worked closely with Carlsberg in a distribution partnership that covers northern and eastern Germany. This cooperation has now been renewed and expanded. Carlsberg’s sales team, led by gastro expert Marc Kemper, will continue managing key accounts and POS implementation, focusing on brands such as Carlsberg, Astra, and Erdinger. While Carlsberg handles logistics and shelf placements, Erdinger remains responsible for specialized retail and beverage store channels.
In parallel, Erdinger is strengthening its trade-focused team. Experienced managers from the beverage and energy drink sectors have recently joined to fill strategic gaps created by previous leadership departures. This includes roles in national key account management and retail marketing, with the goal of stabilizing Erdinger’s position in the increasingly competitive German beverage market.
The foundation transition also supports Erdinger’s long-term strategy, including the continued rollout of its “Lebensfreude2” brand initiative. With strong market recognition for Erdinger Weißbier and Erdinger Alkoholfrei, the brewery remains a leader in the wheat beer and alcohol-free segment both in Germany and internationally.
