Royal Swinkels remains on track in a challenging beer market
16-04-2026Lieshout – Rising costs, changing consumer behavior, and geopolitical uncertainty continued to shape the international beer market in 2025. In this challenging environment, Royal Swinkels kept moving forward. The family-owned company achieved a slight increase in revenue and improved profitability. These results were driven by strict cost control and clear choices in portfolio and operations.
Growth requires focus and agility
Market conditions for breweries and malthouses have changed in recent years. In particular, market volumes in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom are under pressure due to changing consumer behavior. At the same time, energy and raw material prices remain high, while international developments continue to create uncertainty. Growth is therefore no longer a given. It requires focus, resilience, and the willingness to make choices.
Solid results in a difficult year
Under these conditions, Royal Swinkels reported a revenue of €1,118.5 million in 2025 (2024: €1,113.5 million). EBIT increased to €70.2 million, up from €65.6 million the year before. Free operating cashflow also improved, supported by further optimization of working capital.
The broad portfolio and continued internationalization made an important contribution. Strategic brands such as Bavaria 0.0, Bavaria Smalt, Swinckels, La Trappe, 8.6, Uiltje, and Cornet delivered strong growth in the so‑called home markets and in emerging markets. The ongoing growth of non‑alcoholic beverages strengthens the portfolio mix and aligns well with changing consumer preferences.
Beyond the portfolio, Royal Swinkels also made deliberate choices. By continuing to invest in a more efficient and sustainable operation, the company is increasing its resilience in a market characterized by structurally high costs and growing uncertainty.
Always moving forward
CEO Peer Swinkels reflects on a year defined by adaptability:
“2025 was not an easy year for our sector, and we felt the impact as well. In times like these, it is essential to keep looking ahead and to remain sharp in the choices we make. As a result, our market position has clearly improved. As a family business, we show that we can adapt and continue building for the future. I am proud of how our people are working together to achieve this.”
Steady investment in sustainability
Royal Swinkels’ long‑term perspective is also reflected in its actions on sustainability and circularity. The Swinkels Circularity Index increased to 65.2 percent (2024: 64.3 percent). Significant progress was made in the energy transition. Brewery Habesha in Ethiopia commissioned an e‑boiler, and the emissions‑free malthouse in Eemshaven completed a full year of operation. In Lieshout, a large hot water buffer was installed to function as a thermal battery for the brewery, largely built using recycled steel.
With these targeted choices and investments, Royal Swinkels continues to build a future‑proof and resilient organization, with a clear focus on passing on a healthy business to future generations.