Kölsch under pressure: Gaffel takes over Mühlen - what does that mean for Cologne?

Kölsch under pressure: Gaffel takes over Mühlen - what does that mean for Cologne?

Köln-Porz, Deutschland - The Cologne beer landscape is changing! Growing challenges such as a falling paragraph and rising production costs increase the Kölsch breweries. From autumn 2025, the traditional Cologne Mühlen Kölsch brand will be incorporated into the Gaffel private brewery. The brand remains, but will be produced and expelled by Gaffel in the future. This merger is part of a strategic partnership that not only includes the organization of joint events, but also the purchase and logistics. Both breweries want to position themselves more in the market and further increase the popularity of the Kölsch. Heinrich Philipp Becker, managing partner of Gaffel, is enthusiastic about the positive response of Mühlen in the Kölschmarkt. Melanie Schwartz, managing director of the brewery on the malt mill, suspects that this cooperation is an important step for both sides and praises the experience and reach of Gaffel in the industry. About Drinks reports on this exciting development and the challenges that the breweries are currently facing.

The changes in the Kölsch scene reflect a trend that has become clear in recent decades: an ever increasing concentration of the brands. In love with Cologne has put together an overview of the most important Kölsch brands and their owners. The family -run companies include the breweries Reissdorf, early, Gaffel and Päffgen, while other brands such as Sester, Küppers and guilds under the roof of Dr. Oetker. Despite the challenges in the beer market, the breweries try to preserve and continue the tradition of Kölsch.

The variety of Kölsch

Kölsch, the light blonde, top -fermented full beer, is anything but just a drink for Cologne! With an alcohol content of 4.8 % and a temperature of 15 to 20 ° C during fermentation, Kölsch has developed into a symbol of the Rhenish attitude to life. According to the 1985 Kölsch Convention, it is only allowed in Cologne and the surrounding area to brew this beer. In the catering trade, Kölsch now has an impressive market share of 80 % in the Cologne city area and is traditionally served in special 0.2-liter glasses, the popular Kölschstagen. Historically, the Cologne brewery has a long tradition that goes back to 1250, which underlines the importance of beer in this region. Wikipedia offers a comprehensive overview of the eventful history of Kölsch.

whether Gaffel, mills or the other traditional brands - everyone stands together for the Cologne attitude to life and what makes the city and its people so unique. While the breweries are looking for creative ways to meet the challenges and strengthen their brands, it remains to be seen how the future of Kölsch will develop. However, one thing is certain: Cologne gastronomy remains a location of joie de vivre and conviviality!