Question: Ever wondered where one of France’s most popular beers is made? That’s the Brasserie Heineken. It stands proudly in Marseille. Let’s uncover its story.
The Brasserie Heineken has a rich history. It contributes significantly to the region. It is more than just a brewery.
Originally, it was called Brasserie du Phénix. That was back in 1886. The Valentine site has been brewing beer for a long time. The Phoenix emblem is still visible. It is at the entrance of the administrative building. You can also see it in the brewing hall.
Heineken acquired the site in 1986. It became their third production unit in France. Today, the Brasserie Heineken is the largest brewery in southern France. It produces about 1.7 million hectoliters of beer each year. One in two Heineken beers sold in France is made right here in Marseille. That fact is pretty amazing.
The Brasserie Heineken makes several famous brands. These include Heineken, Desperados, and Affligem. They also produce the local Phénicienne. Panach’, the first bottled shandy, was invented here in 1979. Monaco de Panach’, the first bottled monaco, followed in 1995.
Quality is a top priority at the Brasserie Heineken. The brewery was certified ISO 9002 in 1993. The staff is very involved in maintaining high standards. They conduct controls directly on the production floor. This allows for quicker responses to any quality variations.
The brewery uses advanced technology. They manage quality with specialized software. This system monitors analytical control results. It alerts production services to implement immediate corrective actions.
The Brasserie Heineken cares about the environment. A wastewater treatment plant is in operation since 1997. The brewery also focuses on energy efficiency. They recover energy from the boiling phase of beer production.
The ingredients for the beer are carefully selected. The water comes from the city’s supply. It is considered of excellent quality. The malted barley comes from the best French malt producers.
Brasserie Heineken continues to innovate. They created easily opened caps. They also launched new blonde beers. They even make a whisky malt beer.
So, as you enjoy your next Heineken, remember its journey. It started in Amsterdam. It continues here at the Brasserie Heineken in Marseille. It is a story of tradition, innovation, and a commitment to quality. The Brasserie Heineken is a point of pride for Marseille. It is a key player in the French brewing industry. Cheers to that.