E-Malt.com News article: Germany: Eichbaum Brewery enters planned insolvency

Mannheim’s Eichbaum Brewery, one of Germany’s largest beer exporters, has entered planned insolvency. The news comes just days after the sale of its iconic malt beverage brand Karamalz, which had already been seen as a last-minute lifeline. According to several sources, the insolvency filing has been submitted and is currently under court review, Inside.Beer reported on October 29.

The development became public during a turbulent staff meeting on October 28, where participants described the atmosphere as “highly charged.” Neither owner Andreas HibyDurst nor technical managing director Markus Lopsien attended the meeting, which further strained the mood among the roughly 280 employees present. The absence of leadership fueled speculation about internal disagreements between management, the works council, and the workforce.

Reports from Mannheimer Morgen indicate previous confusion surrounding a location and employment guarantee until 2030 for up to 300 employees—a document allegedly signed by staff representatives but not by company executives.

The Food, Beverages and Catering Union (NGG) expressed continued support for the site, emphasizing its confidence in the workforce’s commitment. “We expect full transparency and constructive cooperation from the management,” the union stated. “Unilateral decisions at the expense of employees will not be accepted.”

The brewery, which once exported to Russia and drew criticism for continuing shipments even after the outbreak of war, is now fighting for survival. The sale of Karamalz to Veltins appears to have come too late to avert the financial collapse. Under self-administered insolvency, Eichbaum aims to restructure under court supervision while maintaining production in Mannheim.

Whether the traditional brewery can secure its future will depend on successful cooperation between employees, creditors, and local authorities—an outcome that remains far from certain.


30 October, 2025