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About us
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A green graphic image displays a stylized map of the world with grid lines and a slogan in German.

Our history

Our history isn’t written, it’s brewed.

The growing popularity of DAB beer was no accident but the logical consequence of its high quality, the result of the best possible ingredients and advanced production processes.

1868

1868 is a milestone in German brewing history: The coal and steel boom is in full swing in Dortmund. A new era has started. Businessmen Laurenz Fischer and Heinrich and Friedrich Mauritz establish a highly advanced steam brewery, Bier-Brauerei Herberz & Cie., together with master brewer Heinrich Herberz.

1872

Business is good. The brewery is steadily expanded and a malthouse is added. The brewery becomes a joint stock company under the name of “Dortmunder Actien-Brauerei formerly Herberz & Co.”

1879

DAB enters the export market, filling its first casks for overseas destinations. Customers in Africa, India, Japan and Australia come to appreciate the outstanding quality of DAB beer.

1881

Prof. Carl Linde in person supervises the installation of a refrigeration machine of the type he had pioneered. In the cellar, permanent cooling is now available. This lays the foundation for the predominance of bottom fermentation.

1885

Annual production exceeds 100,000 hectolitres, a tremendous achievement for the time.

1900

DAB’s “Dortmunder” beer wins the highest international honours. DAB is awarded a Gold Medal at the Paris World’s Fair

1913

For special achievements in brewing, DAB is awarded the Prussian State Medal, the highest honour available, at Düsseldorf Trade Fair.

1914-17

The First World War interrupts decades of steady growth. Many employees are conscripted. Beer quality suffers as a result of the low brewing barley quotas. Civilians can only obtain beer if they work in industries essential to the war effort. Beer production, which had reached 250,000 hectolitres in 1913, slumps.

1917

DAB receives its own railway sidings, allowing goods trains to be loaded directly from the factory ramp.

1930

After years of recession, currency reform ends one of the blackest chapters in German economic history in the mid-1920s. Once again, good beer is available for good money. By 1930, production at DAB reaches about 770,000 hectolitres.

1937

Dortmunder Actien-Brauerei is awarded the “Grand Prix” for the high quality of its beers at the Paris World’s Fair.

1939

DAB presents its products at the World’s Fair in New York.

1939-45

In the Second World War, Dortmund, the centre of the German coal industry, is almost completely destroyed.

1949

Thanks to tireless activity, a new DAB brewery reaches completion by 1949.

1958

DAB presents its products at the World’s Fair in Brussels. The DAB Terrassen is one of the favourite meeting points.

1959

Ten years after completion of the new brewery, DAB becomes the second German brewer to celebrate annual production of a million hectolitres.

1963

In 1959, DAB starts to replace wooden casks by aluminium casks which are lighter and easier to handle. By 1963, the changeover is complete. DAB once again demonstrates its leading role in the brewing industry.

1966

In 1966/67, DAB invests DM 9 million in lightweight plastic crates and European standard bottles, which become the standard for returnable bottles in Germany. DAB is also one of the first breweries to replace the swing-top seals and steinie bottles previously used.

1968

DAB celebrates its 100th anniversary and produces 1.6 million hectolitres of beer.

1971

DAB acquires a controlling stake in Hansa-Brauerei, also based in Dortmund.

1983

After three years of building, a new brewery is commissioned on the 100,000 sq. m site of the former Hansa brewery, the scene of many milestones in Dortmund’s brewing history. The new plant is one of the most advanced in Europe. In 1984, the new DAB plant is the largest brewery in the Ruhr area, producing 2.8 million hectolitres of beer per year.

1990

A new bottling unit designed to fill 80,000 returnable bottles per hour is completed.

1991

Binding-Brauerei AG acquires the DAB shares of Dr. August Oetker KG with effect from 30 September 1991.

1996

Establishment of the Dortmund brewing alliance in October 1996. DAB takes over the brands and distribution rights of the Kronen brewery, Dortmund.

1997

DAB boosts its brewing capacity from 3.4 million to 4 million hectolitres. The expansion is necessary as a result of market growth and the acquisitions of the previous years.

1999

DAB commissions a new high-capacity cask filling plant.

2003

The domestic brands and products of Dortmunder Actien-Brauerei receive a new design reminiscent of historic models. They are adapted to the international brands in 2004

2020

A green beer can and a filled glass of DAB Export are placed side by side. White text with red highlights is set against a green background.

Design relaunch of the DAB packaging range.

A green beer can and a filled glass of DAB Export are placed side by side. White text with red highlights is set against a green background.

2025

A green beer can and a filled glass of DAB Lager stand side by side. Bold white and red text is set on a green background with light graphics.

Design Relaunch
A fresh, bold look of our beer brand with our exciting design relaunch, reflecting our commitment to quality and innovation. With a modern aesthetic that honors our heritage, we're ready to bring a new experience to every sip.

2025

Introduction of Dortmunder Ur-Bock
Discover our bold new strong beer – a premium strong lager that blends tradition with unmatched strength and taste.

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