Skip to content

Contract brewing

German: Kontraktbrauer (Auftragsbrauerei) Also known as: Auftragsbrauerei, Lohnbrauer, Contract Brewing

A brewer or brand that has its beer produced under contract at another brewery.

With contract brewing, a brand has its beer brewed and bottled by another brewery and sells it under its own name. The brewery provides the plant and staff, while the client usually supplies recipe and brand.

The model allows small brands to start without investing in equipment and helps breweries to use up capacity. The label must correctly state the producer legally, in Germany for example via the bottler or producer declaration.

Related terms

Collab brewCraft beerGypsy brewing

More from Beer

Export lagerTap takeoverRadler (shandy)Schwarzbier (black lager)Brewer's yeastAltbier

← Back to the glossary