Countries and Brands
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History
HEINEKEN Today
Where we operate
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The Heineken story began almost 150 years ago in 1864 when
Gerard Adriaan Heineken acquired a small brewery in the heart
of Amsterdam. Since 1886, the unique Heineken A-yeast has
guaranteed the pure, premium taste of Heineken® beer. The
quality of Heineken® was recognised in Paris in 1889 when it
received the Grand-Prix prize for the world's best beer.
The journey to becoming the world's most international brewer
began in 1900 when its beer was sold first in Africa. In 1933,
Heineken® was the first imported beer to reach the shores of
America, marking the end of prohibition. In 1937, Heineken®
beer was brewed outside the Netherlands for the first time,
in what was then the Dutch East Indies.
Over the ensuing years, growth and acquisitions substantially
expanded the Company, firstly in Western Europe and Africa
followed by acquisitions in Central and Eastern Europe and Russia.
Since 2008, the Company has made a number of major acquisitions.
In 2008 it acquired Scottish Newcastle, consolidating its position
as Europe's largest brewer. In 2010 it acquired the beer operations
of FEMSA in Mexico (including its US and other export business)
and Brazil, strengthening its position in Latin America. And in 2012,
HEINEKEN acquired full control of Asia Pacific Breweries creating
a strong platform for growth across the region.
Four generations of the Heineken family have been passionately
involved in the expansion of Heineken® and the HEINEKEN
Company throughout the world.
Established in 1864 by the Heineken family, HEINEKEN has a long
and proud history and heritage as an independent global brewer.
We brew quality beers, build award-winning brands and are
committed to enthusing consumers everywhere.
Four key factors make us unique:
1Heineken® was the first and remains the only truly global beer
brand, enjoyed in 178 countries around the world
2. We have a unique, worldwide footprint with operations
in over 70 countries, which means we have a broader reach
for our brands than any other brewer
3. We have an internationally diverse, dynamic, committed and
entrepreneurial team of more than 85,000 employees
4. The passion of the Heineken family remains as strong today
as it was in 1864 when we first started brewing beer.
Today, HEINEKEN is the number one brewer in Europe and the
number three brewer by volume in the world. With recent acquisitions
in Africa, India, South East Asia and Latin America, we are continuing
to increase our presence within emerging markets, which will
contribute to our ongoing growth.
Wherever you are in the world, you are able to enjoy one of our
brands. We own, market and sell more than 250 of them. Our
principal global brand is Heineken®, the world's most valuable
international premium beer brand. Other international premium,
regional, local and specialty beers include Amstel®, Anchor®, Birra
Moretti®, Cruzcampo®, Desperados®, Dos Equis®, Foster's®, Newcastle
Brown Ale®, Ochota®, Primus®, Sagres®, Sol®, Star®, Tecate®, Tiger®,
Zlaty Bazant® and Zywiec®. Our leading joint venture brands include
Cristal® and Kingfisher®.
In addition to our global beer portfolio, HEINEKEN is also the
world's biggest cider maker with brands such as Strongbow®
and Bulmer's®.
HEINEKEN is the world's most international brewer, thanks to our global
network of distributors and more than 165 breweries in over 70 countries.
We achieve our global coverage through a combination of wholly-
owned companies, licence agreements, affiliates and strategic
partnerships and alliances. Some of our wholesalers also distribute
wine, spirits and soft drinks. In Europe, we are the largest brewer and
cider maker and our brands are well established in these profitable
markets. Due to our acquisitions and joint ventures in India, Africa,
Asia and Latin America we have a strong platform for current and
future growth from these emerging beer markets.
neken N.V.
ineken
