HEINEKEN opens new brewery in Brazil, further evolving its advantaged global footprint

HEINEKEN celebrates the opening of a new state-of-the-art brewery in Passos, Minas Gerais, Brazil. A strategic milestone that underscores the company’s commitment to further evolve its globally advantaged footprint. The facility represents one of HEINEKEN’s largest investments in the region, totaling more than EUR 400 million.

With an initial capacity of up to 5 million hectoliters per year, the plant will serve the growing market for Heineken® and Amstel, both 100% pure malt brands, reflecting HEINEKEN’s continued investment in the premium beer category and higher-quality offerings. Strategically located in southern Minas Gerais, the brewery enhances the company’s supply chain by bringing production closer to key consumer hubs in Brazil’s Southeast region. 
As HEINEKEN’s first Greenfield brewery in Brazil, the facility was designed from the ground up to integrate cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and operational excellence. It incorporates advanced water treatment systems, energy-efficient processes, and inclusive workforce practices – all aligned with HEINEKEN’s Brew a Better World ambitions.

The opening of our new brewery in Passos marks an exciting milestone for HEINEKEN. It strengthens our global footprint and showcases our commitment to operational excellence and sustainability. Brazil is one of the most dynamic beer markets in the world, and this investment reflects our confidence in its growth potential and our dedication to delivering premium quality beers to consumers.

Dolf van den Brink, Chairman of the Executive Board / CEO 

“Brazil is a dynamic and fast-evolving market, and this investment reflects our confidence in its long-term potential. Starting from scratch allowed us to build a facility that truly reflects our values – deliver superior and balanced growth, while future-proofing the company

Mauricio Giamellaro, Managing Director HEINEKEN Brazil

A new step forward in industrial innovation and sustainability 
Spanning an area equivalent to 140 football fields, the Passos brewery sets high standards for efficiency and environmental stewardship. It operates on renewable energy through a combination of renewable electricity and sustainable biomass boilers for thermal energy. In addition, it boasts a reduced Water Use Ratio (WUR) per hectoliter by up to 30% through reuse systems and comprehensive effluent treatment. This reduction is enabled by a Reverse Osmosis subprocess within the effluent treatment system, which allows for water recirculation and lowers overall water demand. 
Beyond its environmental impact, the brewery contributes to the region’s socioeconomic development. During construction, HEINEKEN expanded the city’s water infrastructure, improving access to better quality water for the local population.

Driving inclusive growth and talent development 
The brewery’s construction and operation have generated significant employment opportunities, with 1,200 direct and 11,000 indirect jobs created during the building phase. Today, the facility employs 350 people, 60% of whom are local residents. In partnership with the Passos City Hall and SENAI-MG, HEINEKEN has also invested in technical training programs, including electromechanics apprenticeships, and will support the establishment of a permanent SENAI unit in the municipality — strengthening local talent pipelines and employability.

ABOUT HEINEKEN 
HEINEKEN is the world’s pioneering beer company. It is the leading developer and marketer of premium and non-alcoholic beer and cider brands. Led by the Heineken® brand, the Group has a portfolio of more than 340 international, regional, local and specialty beers and ciders. With HEINEKEN’s over 85,000 employees, we brew the joy of true togetherness to inspire a better world. Our dream is to shape the future of beer and beyond to win the hearts of consumers. We are committed to innovation, long-term brand investment, disciplined sales execution and focused cost management. Through "Brew a Better World", sustainability is embedded in the business. HEINEKEN has a well-balanced geographic footprint with leadership positions in both developed and developing markets. We operate breweries, malteries, cider plants and other production facilities in more than 70 countries. Most recent information is available on our Company’s website and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Note to editors 
For more information and background on the opening of our brewery in Passos, we are happy to offer interview opportunities with Mauricio Giamellaro, CEO of HEINEKEN Brazil on a first come, first serve basis.