Germany: Mannheim-based brewer Eichbaum to cut around 100 jobs in the coming months

The insolvent Mannheim-based brewery Eichbaum will cut around 100 jobs in the coming months, reducing its workforce by roughly one third. Currently employing just under 290 people, the company plans to reduce headcount to fewer than 200 in an effort to stabilize operations and attract investors.

Co-managing director Uwe Aichele described the step as painful but unavoidable, emphasizing that the downsizing is necessary to secure the remaining business. His fellow managing director, Frank Reifel, a restructuring specialist who joined the company in October as part of a turnaround management team, is leading ongoing discussions with potential buyers. According to Reifel, both financial investors and strategic investors have expressed interest. The formal insolvency proceedings were officially opened on January 1, 2026.

The works council, represented by Umut As, characterized the situation as a fight for survival. Due to persistent underutilization of brewing capacity, the company sees no alternative but to scale down in order to improve its appeal to investors. Employees were informed about the planned redundancies at a staff meeting at the end of January. Production staff is expected to be most affected, although administrative roles and technical personnel may also face cuts.

Eichbaum has struggled with declining volumes for some time, primarily due to collapsing export markets in Russia and China amid the current geopolitical tensions. In October 2025, the brewery sold its traditional malt beverage brand Karamalz to Veltins, reducing its production base further.

The sale of its family silver to stay afloat was unable to prevent the brewery from entering restructuring insolvency proceedings just one week later.

The management is now exploring diversification strategies beyond traditional beer, including alcohol-free cider and functional beverage concepts, as it seeks to reposition itself from a pure beer producer to a broader beverage manufacturer.

A decision on a potential investor is expected in the coming weeks.

18 February, 2026