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Europe/Russia
Austria | In the antitrust proceedings against Brau Union, the presiding judge called on the brewing group to engage in settlement talks. The summer recess is to be used for this purpose until the trial resumes in the autumn. “I, too, would like to bring this to a close at some point,” said Judge Eva-Maria Vetter on 30 June.
Europe/Russia
Germany | More than 300 German beverage firms spoke out against the introduction of a sugar tax on beverages, as planned by the federal government and the German parliament. In their joint open letter (30 June) they appealed to policymakers to refrain from imposing additional burdens on businesses and consumers.
Europe/Russia
The Netherlands | No more leadership void at Heineken. The Dutch brewer appointed Rafael “Rafa” Oliveira, 52, as its new CEO, ending a months-long search for a successor to Dolf van den Brink, who had led the world's number two brewer since 2020 before he resigned in January. Mr Oliveira will join Heineken for a four-year term, starting 1 October, the company announced on 23 June.
Europe/Russia
The Netherlands | After more than 150 years of appearing side by side, Heinz and Heineken launched their first official collaboration on 10 June. They brought out a limited-edition Heinz x Heineken six-pack, which includes five bottles of Heineken beer and one bottle of Heinz Tomato Ketchup. The six-packs are available in a strictly limited run this summer.
Europe/Russia
Belgium | Belgian beer consumption and exports declined again in 2025, while the number of breweries fell below 400, media reported on 17 June. Domestic beer consumption has been falling for years, reflecting broader changes in consumption habits. While sales of non-alcoholic and low-alcoholic beers continue to grow, they have not been enough to offset the overall decline.
Europe/Russia
Belgium | AB-InBev appointed Dirk Van de Put, CEO of the Cadbury and Oreo snacks giant Mondelez International, as its new chairman. The change, which took effect on 16 June, will see Mr Van de Put replace Martin Barrington, who retired from the brewer’s board. Mr Van de Put, 66, has been an AB-InBev director since April 2023.
Europe/Russia
United Kingdom | Not the opening Lidl must have hoped for. There was a brawl at the discount retailer’s first ever pub in Dundonald near Belfast on its opening night (17 June). One man was taken to hospital with non-serious injuries. Lidl said an altercation broke out inside its “The Middle Ale” premises when a group of customers were “politely asked to leave” after last orders. Security personnel were involved in the “prompt removal” of the group.
Europe/Russia
Belgium | A long simmering family feud may lead to the sale of Haacht Brewery, located in Boortmerbeek, Flemish Brabant, media reported on 5 June. According to the newspaper De Tijd, prospective buyers have already received the prospectus. Apart from its beer business, which stood at 700,000 hl in 2019 (the latest available figure) but has since declined, Haacht owns an extensive real estate portfolio, comprising approximately 270 hospitality properties in Belgium, the Netherlands, and France.
Europe/Russia
Austria/Netherlands | While Heineken’s Austrian subsidiary Brau Union faces heightened media interest over its alleged market dominance abuses, the firm has lost its board member for communications and corporate affairs – the second in only two years. In Amsterdam, meanwhile, Heineken investors openly push the brewer to speed up the search for a new CEO and consider hiring an outsider.
Europe/Russia
Austria | In the pending antitrust proceedings against the Austrian beer market leader Brau Union, there have not been any settlement talks yet with the Federal Competition Authority (BWB). Brau Union first signalled its openness to such talks during a court hearing in December 2025. But none have taken place so far, a Brau Union legal representative said on 11 June.
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BRAUWELT on tour
Most Read
BRAUWELT on tour
