In 1895, a pivotal moment in Czech brewing history unfolded when a distinctly Czech brewery was founded in response to the dominance of the German Měšt’anský Pivovar and the ongoing Czech-German rivalry in Budějovice. Spearheaded by Czech national brewers, including August Zátka, the brewery was established to continue the rich tradition of beer production in the region. On October 7, 1895, the Czech Joint Stock Brewery’s first brewmaster brewed the inaugural batch of beer, setting the stage for the iconic Budějovice brewery’s future.
Budvar: A Global Beer Brand with Czech Roots
The Budvar brand was officially registered in 1930 and quickly became a symbol of quality lager, gaining recognition on international markets. The name “Budvar” is derived from the town of České Budějovice (known as Budweis in German), which has been a brewing center since the 13th century. The brewery’s growing reputation led to its renaming in 1936 to Budvar – Czech Joint Stock Brewery.
Litigation and International Recognition
Since 1907, Budvar has fought legal battles over the use of the name “Budweiser,” particularly against the American brewing giant Anheuser-Busch InBev. Despite these challenges, Budvar has succeeded in both the courtroom and on the global stage, with its beers now available in over 70 countries.
From Poland to Germany and Slovakia, Budvar enjoys widespread popularity. The brand’s reach extends to remote corners of the world, from the ancient temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia to New Zealand’s Lord of the Rings landscapes, and even the vast plains of Mongolia.
Record Production and Czech Pride
In 2024, Budweiser Budvar reached a significant milestone, brewing a record 1.927 million hectoliters of beer—equivalent to 77 Olympic swimming pools. Export sales represented more than 70% of total production, while the Czech domestic market also experienced notable growth. Over the past three years, Budvar contributed a remarkable CZK 1.35 billion to the Czech state budget.
“We are very happy that we are succeeding in our long-term mission—to spread the glory of Czech beer far beyond the borders of the country,” said Budvar’s director, Petr Dvořák. He emphasized that the brewery’s success paves the way for other Czech breweries to follow suit.
Blending Tradition with Innovation
Budweiser Budvar has not only preserved the traditional craft of Czech brewing but has also embraced modern creativity. In 2024, the brewery collaborated with Czech microbreweries such as Zlatá Kráva, Dva Kohouti, Cobolis, and Lucky Bastard to create unique beer specials. Additionally, the brewery partnered with graphic designer TMBK to produce a limited-edition can for Budvar 33, blending the timeless tradition of Czech beer with contemporary artistic flair.
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