Celebrating beer in Munich

The Munich Oktoberfest started in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration and has evolved into the world's premier beer festival, attracting millions of visitors each year. However, beyond the fun and revelry, Oktoberfest represents something far greater: beer's ability to bring people together from all backgrounds and nationalities.

Although it is called Oktoberfest, it mostly takes place in September, which is why I was in Munich this week, taking in the experience together with my team and colleagues from the national brewing associations across Europe.

At its core, beer has a deep-rooted connection to our culture, with the Oktoberfest showcasing the beer culture of Bavaria, or to be more specific, Munich. At the Oktoberfest, only beers brewed within the city limits of Munich can be served, and there are two distinct beer styles: a traditional Märzen lager and a paler Festbier. Whilst typically served in the famous one-litre glasses, many guests also opted for the half-litre, whilst Radlers and non-alcoholic beers are also popular.

German brewing is renowned for its adherence to strict rules. In addition to being brewed within Munich, beers must also comply with the Reinheitsgebot or German purity law, laid down by Duke Wilhelm IV in 1516, which sets strict rules on the ingredients the brewers may use. In fact, more than five centuries old, the Reinheitsgebot is the oldest currently valid consumer protection law in the world - and is living proof of how serious brewers are about preserving quality.

Whilst in Munich, we were also kindly hosted by Spaten, the brewery which each year provides the beer for the grand opening of the Oktoberfest. Taking the tour around the brewery, one couldn't help but be reminded of how brewing in Europe combines innovation and tradition. One moment we were learning about the steps taken to cut the litres of water required to brew a litre of beer, the next moment we had the privilege of seeing the horses departing to deliver the beer by cart to the Oktoberfest.

And of course we don't bring all the national associations of The Brewers of Europe together without also taking the time for a meeting to discuss our strategy for the next five years, with a new European Parliament recently elected and a College of Commissioners scheduled to take office before the end of the year. We touched upon the issues at all stages of the beer value chain, from the farmers growing our raw materials, to the challenges faced in the bars, cafés, restaurants and festivals serving our members' beers.

It's on these occasions that the beer industry grows stronger together, visiting breweries, experiencing the local beer cultures, sharing ideas across our membership, embracing both tradition and innovation.

I'll finish by returning to why we chose to meet in Munich and why now - the Oktoberfest of course! The festival embodies the spirit of camaraderie that defines the beer sector. It's heartwarming to see people from all walks of life - brewers, beer enthusiasts, inquisitive tourists, local Bavarians, work colleagues, friends, families - all coming together at long tables, clinking glasses in celebration of what we love.

The Munich Oktoberfest reminds us that while beer may be brewed in different styles and flavours, the passion behind it is universal. In an increasingly globalised world, Oktoberfest serves as a symbol of how we can celebrate our differences while remaining united by a common bond.

So, whether you're in Munich this year or raising a glass in your hometown, here's to beer - the drink that brings us all together. Prost!

Julia Leferman
Secretary General
[email protected]

ABOUT THE BREWERS OF EUROPE:

Based in Brussels, The Brewers of Europe brings together national brewers' associations and companies from 28 European countries to support the united interests of Europe's 10,000+ breweries. Our vision is to ensure a competitive, responsible and sustainable European brewing sector, creating shared value across the entire value chain and enriching European culture.