Grolsch, a subsidiary of the Japanese Asahi Group, has fully acquired Gulpener, an independent brewery located in the south of the Netherlands. The transaction involves purchasing the remaining 85% stake in the craft brewer, which has an annual capacity of approximately 100,000 hl of beer. This move gives the multinational beverage company complete ownership of the 200-year-old Limburg-based business.
According to the terms discussed, the brewing operations will continue at the original site in the town of Gulpen. Jan-Paul Rutten, director of Gulpener, addressed the transition, noting the strategic reasons behind selling the long-standing independent business to a major international player. The acquisition integrates a historically independent entity into a broader network and provides the local brand with the financial backing of a global parent company.
Prior to this full takeover, Grolsch already held a 15% minority share in the local brewery. Asahi Group had acquired Grolsch in 2016 as part of a larger divestment by AB InBev (inside.beer, 2016-10-11). Gulpener has built a strong reputation beyond its brewing heritage, particularly for its environmental initiatives. Recognized as a B-Corporation, the brewery is often cited as one of the most sustainable in Europe, utilizing regional resource sourcing and aiming for fossil-free production by 2030.
