Belarus Begins Production of Iconic French Beer Brand
Belarus Launches Production of Renowned French Beer Brand
Alivaria, a key player in the international Carlsberg Group, has commenced the production of the esteemed French beer brand, Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc, in Belarus. This significant milestone marks a new chapter in the country’s brewing industry.
The Localization Journey
The localization project for 1664 Blanc spanned nearly a year, with meticulous oversight from international colleagues at the Carlsberg Group’s innovation and research center. This center, located at the Kronenbourg brewery in Obernai, France, is the birthplace of the renowned French beer brand and continues to uphold the highest standards of brewing excellence.
“Before initiating the localization process, we meticulously coordinated every production stage of the 1664 Blanc variety with our international counterparts,” shared Natalia Orlova, the head brewer at Alivaria. “We maintained constant communication throughout the intermediate stages. Every detail mattered – from the raw materials and recipe to the technological parameters of production. Our goal was to achieve a high-quality product that mirrors the original.”
Investments and Quality Assurance
To meet all localization requirements, significant investments were made in installing new equipment, including a dosing system and an additional yeast tank. The production of 1664 Blanc necessitates the use of special “named” Kronenbourg yeasts, which must be of the first generation or higher. These yeasts, like those used for other varieties produced at the Alivaria plant, were sourced from Denmark’s central Carlsberg Group laboratory.
The taste of the beer is directly influenced by the quality of each ingredient. To achieve the distinctive notes characteristic of 1664 Blanc, natural orange peel and ground coriander are essential additions to the boiling wort.
Testing and Approval
Upon completion of the test production, samples were sent to the Kronenbourg brewery in Obernai. There, specialists conducted a thorough analysis of the beer’s composition and performed a tasting. The final assessment was “excellent,” confirming the readiness of the Belarusian facility for industrial-scale production of the 1664 Blanc variety. To maintain this high standard, the beer will be sent monthly for tasting in Copenhagen, at the Carlsberg Group headquarters.
“The localization process for a new variety is lengthy and energy-intensive, but it is also incredibly rewarding and educational,” admitted Natalia Orlova, the head brewer at Alivaria. “This process allows us to refine our skills and reaffirm our commitment to high-quality standards.”
About Kronenbourg 1664
Kronenbourg 1664 is a premium French beer brand and one of the key brands of the Carlsberg Group. The date in the name commemorates the year the brewery was founded, when Jérôme IV Hatt officially became a master brewer and laid the first stone of the family brewery, La Brasserie Le Canon. This historic fact makes it the oldest brewery in France. Today, Kronenbourg 1664 is sold in over 20 countries worldwide.
Alivaria’s Portfolio
Alivaria holds the exclusive rights to represent international beer brands in Belarus. The company’s portfolio includes beer varieties that are popular in many countries, such as Seth & Riley’s Garage, Tuborg, Carlsberg, and Grimbergen. The first two brands have already been localized and are currently produced in Minsk at the Alivaria brewery.
For more information, visit the official Carlsberg Group website.
