The Mauritius Brauerei in Zwickau has filed for insolvency, as confirmed by the local court in Chemnitz, which has initiated preliminary proceedings and appointed Henry Girbig as insolvency administrator. The brewery, which most recently produced around 250,000 hectoliters of beer annually, will continue operations for the time being while restructuring options are being explored.
The company employs around 51 people, whose wages are secured through insolvency benefits for the coming months. Girbig emphasized that efforts are underway to stabilize the business and develop a sustainable restructuring plan, noting that the brewery still has a fundamentally viable core and support from key customers and suppliers.
The financial difficulties are attributed to a combination of macroeconomic and structural challenges. Rising costs for energy and raw materials have significantly increased pressure, while declining beer consumption has further weakened revenues. In Saxony alone, beer sales dropped by approximately 6.9% in the past year, reflecting a broader national decline of around 6%, the steepest since German reunification.
Industry representatives warn that breweries without a strong ownership structure are particularly vulnerable, as rising costs and declining consumption are eroding margins and putting increasing pressure on their financial stability. Other prominent examples of financial difficulties include Eichbaum, which has been undergoing restructuring under financial strain (inside.beer, 18.2.2026) and is expected to present a new investor next week, while Leikeim recently filed for insolvency proceedings but continues operations under administration as it seeks a sustainable turnaround (inside.beer, 23.1.2026).
According to the Saxon Brewers’ Association, additional burdens such as minimum wage increases, regulatory requirements, and administrative costs are intensifying the pressure on the sector.
In 2018, Dinkelacker-Schwaben Bräu acquired a majority stake in Mauritius, while Jörg Dierig joined as minority shareholder and managing director. However, Dinkelacker later sold its shares with retroactive effect from 1 January 2023 to Dierig, who has since been the sole shareholder of the company.
The brewery produces a range of beers, including private-label products for major retailers such as REWE, for which it brews the brand Kosmonaut, as well as other regional and discount brands.
Despite the insolvency, the administrator sees realistic prospects for a turnaround, underlining that the brewery remains an important regional employer and brand with established market presence.
