Craving insight into the world of fermentation and biotechnology? We are standing before the Institut für Gärungsgewerbe und Biotechnologie in Berlin. It is a place with a rich history dating back to 1874.
The Institut für Gärungsgewerbe und Biotechnologie zu Berlin or IfGB has been at the forefront of researching fermentation. For many years it was the umbrella organization for various institutes. These institutes were from starch-processing industries.
Originally located outside of Berlin in the Plötzensee district, the IfGB found its home on a science campus in 1897. This was at Seestraße 13. The location is its current address.
Initially, the Institut für Gärungsgewerbe und Biotechnologie also focused on starch production. This is reflected in its former name which included Stärkefabrikation. Over time, its emphasis shifted to biotechnology.
Until the early 21st century, the IfGB was structured as a BGB society. In 2002, it became part of the Versuchs- und Lehranstalt für Brauerei or VLB. Since 2017, the IfGB facilities have been in the VLB’s new building. The TU Berlin now uses the historic building complex on Seestraße.
Max Delbrück, head of the Versuchsstation der Spiritusfabrikanten, founded the Institut in 1874. It began in rented rooms at the Gewerbeakademie Berlin.
A distillery school opened in 1875. It trained future distillery managers. A glassblowing workshop followed in 1876. The workshop produced laboratory equipment for the Institut.
In 1879, the Institut leased a distillery in Biesdorf. It was expanded for experimental purposes. The main focus was improving ethyl alcohol production from agricultural sources.
The Institut gained space in the new Landwirtschaftlichen Hochschule Berlin in 1883. The VLB joined as a partner in 1882. Laboratories expanded in 1884. A potato cultivation station opened in 1888. A pure yeast culture facility was founded in 1892.
From 1897 to 1898, a grain storage facility was built on the Berlin-Spandauer Schiffahrtskanal. It connected to waterways and the railway. This Kornversuchsspeicher aided research into grain storage. In 1907, it became part of the Versuchsanstalt für Getreideverarbeitung.
New buildings were constructed in Plötzensee in 1897. They were designed for the Institut and its supporting associations. These included facilities for agricultural machinery testing and starch production.
A trial distillery was erected. There was also a brewery and an vinegar factory. An exhibition building followed in 1901. Further facilities for spirits and liqueur production were added between 1907 and 1909.
The department for spirits and liqueur production was founded in 1909. The Preussische Spirituosen Manufaktur, established in 1874, became part of it.
By 1913, the Institut had 120 scientific and technical staff. This made it one of Germany’s largest research institutions. There were also 30 administrative staff and 80 factory workers.
The Versuchsanstalt der Hefeindustrie e. V. was founded at the IfGB in 1924. This occurred during a shift from small-scale to industrial yeast production.
Today, the IfGB continues its work under the VLB umbrella. It offers services for the spirits industry and biotechnology. The Spirituosen und Brennerei division provides training courses and analysis. The BioProScale Symposium is a joint event with TU Berlin.
The Institut für Gärungsgewerbe und Biotechnologie has played a vital role. It has advanced brewing, distilling, and biotechnology for over 150 years. Its legacy continues to shape these industries today.