Carlsberg, Brooklyn Brewery collaborate to open new craft brewery in Lithuania

UK – Carlsberg A/S, the Denmark based global brewer has collaborated with Brooklyn Brewery to open a new craft beer site at Svyturys Brewery set to begin production in Lithuania.

The site, located in Klaipeda port area in Lithuania features a modern craft beer line, beer museum, gastrobar and shop, and conference and degustation halls.

This builds on their craft beer collaboration on a three-year construction project, a joint investment by the Carlsberg Group and Brooklyn Brewery as they seek to expand their footprint in the European craft beer market.

The brewery will produce craft and specialty beers for Svyturys Brewery (part of the Carlsberg Group) and Raudonos Plytos brands, created together alongside brewers from Brooklyn Brewery.

“Today the Svyturys Brewery embarks on a new journey, changing a closed and outdated brewing space into a modern, open and social place – where it is all about brewing the perfect craft beer.

Our ambition is to nurture and support the rich beer culture in Lithuania and to make Svyturys Brewery the centre of this culture not only within Lithuania, but also in the entire Baltic region.

I am sure that this day also marks the beginning of a greater change within the brewing market of Lithuania,” said Rolandas Virsilas, Managing Director, Svyturys-Utenos Alus.

Joint cooperation

The joint investment between Carlsberg and Brooklyn was announced last year in July to create a range of small-batch classic and experimental beers.

This followed another joint venture in the UK where Carlsberg acquired craft brewery London Fields, operated in a joint venture with Brooklyn Brewery.

In June 2017, the two partnered on HK Yau – a new brand of beer exclusive to Hong Kong.

Svyturys Brewery is the third major joint project between the Brooklyn Brewery and the Carlsberg Group in Europe.

Carlsberg has also partnered with leaders in the craft beer market in the US by opening similar craft breweries in Stockholm (Sweden), London (UK) and Trondheim (Norway).

“In Klaipeda, we found a passionate group of brewers who wanted to introduce new styles and flavours to beer enthusiasts in Lithuania.

It was natural for us to partner with like-minded brewers, who also want to advance a good beer culture,” said Robin Ottaway, President of Brooklyn Brewery.