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Traditional brewery Carl Betz in Celle: after 132 years on the verge of closure!
The Carl Betz brewery from Celle files for bankruptcy. The reasons are falling beer consumption and rising costs.
Traditional brewery Carl Betz in Celle: after 132 years on the verge of closure!
In a sad turn of events, the traditional Carl Betz brewery in Celle has to file for bankruptcy. After 132 years in business, the end is in sight for Germany's oldest roasted malt beer brewery. How Picture reports, the continuous decline in beer consumption is the main reason for the financial difficulties of the company, which convinced consumers with its genuine “Celler Beer”.
The brewery was founded in 1893 and over the years has expanded its product range with Celler Pilsner, Celler Dunkel and Celler Weissbier. Despite this diversification, the decline in sales could not be stopped. The latest trend is a plunge in sales that has been reported for two decades. The company's own events did not help to minimize the continuous losses Mercury determines.
The reasons for the crisis
Beer consumption in Germany has fallen to a historically low level, which is not only affecting the business of the Carl Betz brewery. Per capita consumption, which was 100 liters in 2017, has fallen to just 88 liters by 2022. In a year that is considered one of the most difficult for the industry, over 90 breweries in Germany have canceled their sails and the brewery association is sounding the alarm. The high costs of production and the necessary adaptation to climate-neutral standards by 2045 also place an enormous burden on companies, warns chip.
In addition, demographic changes and the sharp rise in energy costs are contributing to the precariousness of the industry. Smaller breweries in particular, like Carl Betz, find it difficult to assert themselves on the market. After the bankruptcy of the Oettinger brewery in Lower Saxony, the case of Carl Betz is another bitter blow for the region.
A look into the future
Bankruptcy is expected to open on February 1, 2026, but there is a glimmer of hope. The insolvency administrator, Prof. Dr. Volker Römermann is optimistic and is planning a new marketing strategy to possibly save the brewery after all. Until the procedure is opened, the employees will be guaranteed full pay from the employment agency.
The managing partner, Frauke Betz, the great-granddaughter of the company founder, is facing a huge challenge. Finding a future for the brewery is now the goal, even if the signs of the times are not easy to read. The pressure is growing and the fluctuations in the beer market will redefine the everyday work of many in the region.