This year marks the first appearance of brewery 'De Kerkdijk' in our archives.
History
Royal Swinkels started out as an independent business over 350 years ago, and we are equally independent as a large global company today. Being a family business, one of our core characteristics is that long-term thinking is anchored within our company culture. We think in terms of generations rather than years.
That is why we make well-considered choices when growing sustainably through expansion and acquisition, using our pioneering spirit as a compass. The craftsmanship and intuition required to brew authentic beers of the highest quality have been passed down through seven generations. All of our people are still inspired by the same passion: to pass a flourishing business on to the next generation.
Our original brewery opens its doors
1680
Founding year
1719
For a long time now, we have used 1719 as the year in which we were founded. This is the year in which the oldest excise papers were found, and we mention this date on some of our labels. But a municipal archivist who researched our origins last century remarked that the origins of the brewery probably go back much further, to 1680.
The first Swinkels make their mark
1773
From this moment on, the brewery and the Swinkels family are inextricably connected.
Opening of new brewery
1924
A year after opening our new brewery in 1924, the three brothers Frans, Piet and Jan Swinkels found the company 'Gebroeders Swinkels'. They then introduce a new low-fermentation brewing method for brewing pilsner.
Opening of first brew house
1935
The three brothers Jan, Piet and Frans Swinkels open a new brew house, which is still operational today.
Our own malt house
1940
Johannes Swinkels opens our own malt house in Lieshout (the Netherlands). This gives us more control over the quality of this important raw material for our beer.
Our first exports to Italy
1973
We export Bavaria beers to Italy for the very first time.
Introduction of alcohol-free beer
1978
We introduce Bavaria Malt: Bavaria's first alcohol-free beer. Brewed according to a unique brewing method that never produces alcohol.
Partnership with de Koningshoeven
1999
Our company starts working together with the De Koningshoeven brewery, where Trappist monks dedicate themselves to brewing La Trappe.
Opening of the malt house in Eemshaven
2004
We expand our number of malt houses by opening a location at Eemshaven. It is now one of the largest malt houses in Europe.
Introduction of Swinckels' and farewell to the 6th generation
2007
The 6th generation of Swinkels pass the baton to the 7th generation. In honor of this, we introduce the new superior pilsner Swinckels'.
Opening of Brewery Habesha
2015
In Ethiopia, we open the Habesha brewery, supported by 8,000 local shareholders. A brewery for and of the local population.
Acquisition of Palm Belgian Crafts Brewers
2016
We expand our portfolio of specialty beers through the acquisition of Palm Belgian Crafts Brewers.
Swinkels Family Brewers
2018
We change our trade name to Swinkels Family Brewers.
300 years of Brewery Bavaria, Royal designation & takeover of De Molen brewery
2019
Bavaria Brewery celebrates its 300-year anniversary. We also receive the Royal designation, and therefore changed our name to Royal Swinkels Family Brewers. In addition, we expand our minority interest in the De Molen brewery to 100%.
Takeover of Uiltje Brewing Company
2021
Our family of breweries welcomes a newcomer: Uiltje Brewing Company, known for its fantastic beers and the playful can illustrations. The takeover adds a distinctive modern craft beer market player to our own brand range.
The Cervecería Cubana brewery opens in Cuba
2022
This is where we start brewing our new brand ‘Parranda’. A ‘parranda’ means a celebration, for and by Cubans.
Our name changes to ‘Royal Swinkels’
2023
From now on, ‘Royal Swinkels Family Brewers’ will be known simply as ‘Royal Swinkels’.