Gaffel Kölsch not to be sold
After years of family feuding, which almost put the famous Kölsch brewery Gaffel on the block, the family members announced on 29 April 2008 that the brewery was not for sale – for the time being, at least.
Cologne is famous for lots of things: eau de cologne, the dome, floods in spring, carnival and the feuds between the two brothers Becker, Heinrich (61) and Johannes (57), who own of the Gaffel brewery. Gaffel brewery is one of the few Kölsch breweries which also enjoys a cult following outside of Cologne. It is currently fourth-generation owned by Philipp Becker and his father Heinrich Becker. The two control the majority of the shares. But there are also Johannes Becker and Heinrich Philipp Becker to contend with. Last year Johannes Becker left the business – or was forced out of management by court order. However, his departure did nothing to solve the issue as to who is to run the brewery as Johannes controls a 38 percent stake in Gaffel.
Although a decision was taken not to sell the brewery, this did not end the dispute between the brothers, moreover as Johannes does not seem willing to sell his stake to his brother, which would help clear up the mess.
Over the past few weeks, those interested in buying Gaffel, the number two Kölsch brand, were invited to submit their offer. However, the offers received fell short of what the Beckers had expected.
Despite the public spat and low morale among 140 of staff, Gaffel brewery has continued to do well. While the market for Kölsch beers declined 2.5 percent during the first quarter 2008, Gaffel increased its sales 2.4 percent. Gaffel is a very profitable 500,000 hl brewery which sells most of its beer as draught beer.
