The Eichbaum Brewery, established in 1679, has officially closed its doors, marking the end of a significant chapter in the brewing industry. Approximately 240 employees are losing their jobs as the famous German brand faces bankruptcy.
The brewery’s owners filed for bankruptcy at the Mannheim District Court in Baden-Württemberg in late October 2025, citing insolvency after nearly 350 years of operation. Initial hopes for a rescue were dashed as the company lacked the funds to continue negotiations or repay debts.
Eichbaum had previously sold its popular Karamalz brand to the Veltins group, but the financial struggles continued, leading to a reduction in staff from 290 to around 240 employees. Unfortunately, these measures were insufficient to save the brewery.
The demand for Eichbaum’s beers has been declining, with exports falling as the company distributed its products to over 60 countries. In Germany, beer consumption has been on a steady decline for years, severely impacting revenue.
Eichbaum Brewery Closes Its Doors, Employees to Receive Termination Notices
On Monday, remaining staff received the devastating news that the brewery could not be saved. The company announced it would cease operations as further continuation was no longer viable.
This sudden closure means all employees will receive termination notices, including around 30 individuals who had agreed to transition to a transfer company, which will ultimately not materialize. Stephanie Albicker from the NGG (Nahrung-Genuss-Gaststätten) union has called for swift negotiations regarding a social package and support for the affected workers.
