Grolsch Brewery

Koninklijke Grolsch N.V. ( Dutch pronunciation: [ ɣrɔls ] ) is a Dutch brewery based in Boekelo in Enschede. Originally, however, the company came from Groenlo ( grolle / Grol ) and therefore its name. Due to increasing demand, a second brewery was opened in Enschede. After an explosion in the vicinity of the brewery but was moved to its present location and the brewery in Groenlo was closed. Since 1615 brewed beer in Grolsch. Company founder was Willem Neerfeldt. Since 2008, Grolsch belongs to the global SABMiller Group and is distributed in Germany by the Pilsner Urquell Germany GmbH.

Product spectrum

The current varieties for the Dutch market are:

• Premium Pilsner ( Pils )
• Het Kanon ( strong beer, 11.6 % alcohol)
• Lentebok ( Spring Bock beer)
• Herfstbok ( Autumn Bock beer)
• Wheat ( brewed by Bavarian wheat beer kind )
• Premium Blond ( Mild )
• Stender (0.5 % alcohol)

Wheat, Pilsner and Stender are brewed according to the German purity law.

Distribution area

Grolsch is available worldwide in over 160 countries. Apart from the main market in the Benelux countries Grolsch focuses in particular on the markets in the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. 2008, the launch of Grolsch in Africa.

In Germany Grolsch is widespread especially in Münster and the Ruhr Area. Here in particular the Premium Pilsner is sold in 0.45 liter bottles with swing top. Since the takeover by SABMiller, the importance of Grolsch has grown strongly in the German market.

Breach of competition law

In April 2007, against Grolsch - in addition to the other participating Dutch brewers or subsidiaries of Heineken, Bavaria and InBev - imposed in a competition investigation by the European Commission for collusion in the Dutch beer market in the years 1996 to 1999, a fine of 32 million euros. Against this decision before the Commission on July 3, 2007 Grolsch action for annulment before the then Court of First Instance. By judgment of 15 September 2011 the Court of the European Union ruled that the action of Grolsch and upheld the Commission's decision is declared null and void due to a lack of reasoning.