The Carinthian private brewery Hirt will celebrate a significant historical anniversary in 2026. While the brewery itself looks back on a history of over 755 years, dating back to 1270, the company has been continuously owned by the family for 180 years.
Since 1846, family continuity and independence from international brewing corporations have shaped the company's strategic direction. In an industry increasingly dominated by consolidation and global structures, the company distinguishes itself through long-term decision-making cycles and deep roots in its Hirt location.
The brewery is currently managed by its owners and managing directors, Niki Riegler and Klaus Möller. A decisive turning point in the company's recent history was the era of Astrid Matchett-Krenn, who took over as managing director in 1990 and spearheaded internationalization. Under her leadership, export markets in Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, and the USA were developed. This global presence complements the regional base, with the brewery continuing to be an important economic factor in Carinthia and keeping added value within the region through collaborations with local farmers for raw materials.
The product range has expanded continuously over the decades and currently comprises 15 different types of beer. Technically, the brewery relies on a combination of traditional brewing methods and modern infrastructure. A key feature of its production philosophy is the extended lagering and maturation period for the beers, which serves as a central quality promise to the retail food trade and the hospitality industry. Investments in the site and the modernization of the bottling facilities ensure that the brewery meets market demands without compromising the artisanal character of its products.
In addition to brewing, the Hirt private brewery's corporate structure traditionally includes agricultural land and restaurants. This diversification enables a closed value chain and strengthens the independence of the family business. Looking ahead, management plans further investments in the brewery and securing local jobs. The anniversary year of 2026 thus serves the company not only as a look back at a long tradition, but also as a starting point for further consolidating its role as an independent player in the Austrian economic landscape.