End of legend. The iconic German brewery announces bankruptcy after 400 years!
The Rosenbrauerei brewery from Thuringia, with over 400 years of tradition, on February 21, 2025 officially declared bankruptcy.
The application was submitted to the District Court in Gera, and the bankruptcy estate was the lawyer from Efurt, Rolf Rombach. A financial audit is currently underway, after which the decision on possible restructuring measures and the fate of the plant will be made.
Causes of the bankruptcy of Rosenbrauerei
For a long time, the brewery has been struggling with growing financial problems. The main causes of falling are the growing costs of raw materials, especially malt, and high expenses for energy and production. Already at the end of January 2025, the plant in Weimar was closed, where the popular Ehringsdorfer beer was brewed. The production was transferred to Pößneck, but the decline in sales did not allow the financial stability to maintain.
Crisis in the brewing industry in Germany
The German brewing industry has been struggling with difficulties for years. Beer consumption decreases systematically – in 2015, the average inhabitant of Germany drank about 102 liters a year, and in 2023 only 88 liters. According to the German Brewery Association, in 2024 the sale of beer fell by another 2.1 percent, despite the European football European championships.
Christian Weber, president of Brewers Association, points out that high production costs and reduced beer consumption are a challenge for the entire industry, especially for local and craft breweries.
History of the Rosenbrauerei brewery
The history of brewing in Pößneck dates back to 1445, when 120 inhabitants obtained a license for brewing beer. Commercial production began in 1589 along with the construction of the municipal brewery. In the 20th century, Rosenbrauerei achieved an annual production of up to 115,000. hectoliters, and in 2002 he took over the Weimar-Ehringsdorf brewery.
What next with the brewery?
The Management Board of Rosenbrauerei has for a long time alerted about falling sales and the need to raise prices. In the autumn of 2022, beer prices were increased by 2 euros per box, explaining the decision by an increase in energy costs.
Currently, the fate of the brewery is uncertain. The temporary bankruptcy manager conducts a detailed financial analysis that will decide on possible restructuring possibilities. It is possible to find an investor or brand sales.
