Dreher launches the largest ever investment program in the Hungarian beer industry
Marking its 170th anniversary, the Kőbánya-based company rolls out a HUF 100 Billion development program
A groundbreaking HUF 100 billion development program, spearheaded by Asahi Group Holdings and Asahi Europe & International, promises to fortify the longevity of Dreher Breweries. Building on previous years’ investments, this newly unveiled multi-year initiative will elevate the entire beer production process. It aims not only to augment capacity and efficiency but also to fulfill the company’s rigorous sustainability objectives.
The change in ownership and management in Hungary in 2017 marked a pivotal point in the brewery’s evolution. Aligning with Asahi’s international and European strategy, the “Dreher to Dreher” philosophy was cultivated, emphasizing premiumization and harmonizing tradition with modernity in operations, product development, and corporate culture, reminiscent of the nationalization in Hungary’s communist era in 1948. Six years of meticulous developmental efforts have solidified market positions, increased employee well-being and satisfaction, optimized corporate operations, and bolstered profitability, thereby setting the stage for future investments.
“Next year, as we celebrate the 170th anniversary of the establishment of Dreher Breweries, we are reminded that our rich historical tradition, and being a four-generation workplace is not merely a source of pride, but also a testament to the responsibility, for all a responsibility for all of us, who work for the present and future of the company,” stated Gábor Békefi, CEO of Dreher Breweries. “The confidence placed in us by Asahi Group Holdings and Asahi Europe & International, manifested through our professional and business accomplishments, enables us to undertake the most substantial investment in the Hungarian beer industry to date. If we can continue to meet the Group’s business expectations and deliver on the milestones we have set, we can use this HUF 100 billion to truly build a long-term future for the factory and our employees.”
Like its predecessors, the new program will remain true to the “Dreher to Dreher” philosophy, intertwining innovation with the preservation of Hungarian beer production traditions. The 170th-anniversary celebrations next year will run concurrently with the construction and modernization projects, featuring special events at the brewery’s iconic sites and its museum. The management remains dedicated to the enduring preservation of historic buildings and unique industrial assets, paralleling their commitment to preserving the Dreher museum’s brewery relics.
The first milestone: HUF 30 billion for a sustainable manufacturing chain
Beer production traditionally involves six major steps: brewing, fermentation, conditioning, filtration, pasteurization, and bottling. The investments made over the last two years, coupled with those recently announced, span several processes. Last year, as part of a HUF 4.6 billion modernization series, compressors and filtration equipment were replaced. This spring, the efficiency of pasteurization and decanting increased with the installation of one of the most advanced aluminum can lines available, at a total cost of HUF 7 billion.
From 2023 to 2026, the company’s experts will focus on the first milestone of the HUF 100 billion investment planned for the next decade, allocating a budget of around HUF 30 billion. One of the inaugural projects is the construction of a part of the new energy center to serve all departments of the plant. This center will support not only capacity growth, but also the company’s ambitious sustainability goals. During this period, the fermentation and conditioning stages in the cellars will undergo a complete renewal, involving the replacement of tanks and the introduction of new technologies, which involves the continuous development of the skills and knowledge of the company’s employees.
