Jever BreweryHistory

Our History


The Jever story

Find out more about the long tradition that makes our beer so representative of the Frisian way of life. And has done so since its beginnings over 160 years ago.

1848 IT STARTED WITH A KÖNIG
A man in a white suit and straw hat is sitting, holding a cigar. He appears relaxed and is looking toward the viewer.

The story of the Friesisches Brauhaus zu Jever begins in 1848. On 10 November, innkeeper Diedrich König announces that he is selling a bottled beer. At the time, the brewery was one of many in the region.

1848 GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES
An antique document in German script dated November 10, 1848, is displayed, possibly relating to beer sales.

A certificate from 1848. At this time there are more than 20 small breweries in the region. But Diedrich König is firmly convinced that his beer is something special. And he will be proven right.

1867 A LIFE DEVOTED TO THE BEST QUALITY BEER
A historical document in Gothic script is displayed on aged paper with German text.

Following the death of Diedrich König, the brewery was purchased by Theodor Fetköter on 27 July 1867. Diligently and conscientiously, he brews an excellent beer.

1870 THE GREEN JEVER BOTTLE
A green glass bottle stands upright with embossed text and designs.

While others delivered their beer in standard pitchers, Theodor Fetköter insisted on special bottles in 1870. The small brewery grows into a larger brewing facility.

1894 A FRISIAN VISIONARY
A man with a beard is seated, wearing a dark jacket and a white shirt. He appears serious and is looking directly at the camera.

Theodor Fetköter Senior’s ideas were ahead of their time. He began to advertise and produced special bottles. From a modern viewpoint, these were the first steps towards creating a strong brand.

1900 THE FETKÖTER BREWERY
An old aerial sketch depicts a small village with several buildings and distinct roads. Smoke rises from a chimney in the pastoral landscape.

The drawing shows the company site around 1900 – over time, the small brewery has grown into a major operation. That growth was one of the reasons Theodor Fetköter made a significant contribution to the first water pipeline for the city of Jever.

1912 THE STAFF
A group of 20 individuals in historical attire poses in front of a brick building with large beer barrels.

The staff from 1912 can be seen in this photo. 35 people worked for the brewery at the time.

1914 FIRST WORLD WAR AND NEW START
An early 20th-century photo depicts three men by an old delivery truck. They wear vintage clothing, standing confidently with the vehicle.

World War One breaks out. This is the start of one of the most serious crises in the history of the brewery. Theodor Fetköter Jr, who took over from his father, dies on the front line. Gerhard Arends takes over as manager. Hops and barley are in short supply, inflation is rising rapidly. The brewery is not expanded until the Golden Twenties.

1923 EXCERPT FROM THE REGISTER
A faded historical document features handwritten and printed text in German, detailing official records.

The First World War is over and big changes are also taking place at Jever. In 1923, the brewery was sold again, this time to Bavaria-St. Pauli-Brauerei in Hamburg-Altona.

1934 A PIONEERING RECIPE
A monochrome illustration of a smiling man wearing a bowler hat and smoking a pipe.

Master brewer Ernst Böhme has an idea: he adds a touch more hops to the especially pure and soft water. This creates the unique Frisian flavour that makes Jever Pilsener what it is.

1937 JEVER PILSENER BECOMES KNOWN
A vintage beer label depicts a knight on horseback, surrounded by heraldic symbols and floral decorations.

This is a label and beer mat from 1937. At this stage, the beer from Jever has become known in other regions. Jever Pilsener has been on the market under the same name since 1937.

1949 POST-WAR PERIOD AND REBUILDING
A circular green and gold logo features an ornate bell and hops against a red background.

The Second World War leaves its mark. Due to fuel shortages, beer was only sold for collection at the brewery. The head of sales at the time would drive personally from farm to farm to purchase or trade barley.

1950 THE EXPORT HIT FROM JEVER
A round, vintage-style beer label features text and a crest, primarily in orange and blue.

In the 1950s, things take off. Bottle sales grow continuously. Shown above: a Bavaria-St. Pauli-Brauerei label from 1950.

1951 THINGS ARE TAKING OFF
An old beer label features a nun holding a beer with the words Bavaria and St. Pauli-Brauerei.

In 1951, the brewery can already fill up to 1,200 bottles an hour. In comparison: the figure today is up to 60,000 bottles per hour.

1958 THE WORLD DRINKS JEVER
A red and gold circular beer label features a shield and text related to a brewery.

Jever Export is a global sales success brewed until 1990. This is an Export label from 1958.

1965 THE PILS WAVE AND NEW VARIETIES
A circular beer label features green and beige colors with stylized text.

The ‘Pils Wave’ of the 1960s brings boosted sales for Jever Pilsener. The beer establishes itself as a national Pilsener.

1970 THE GOLDEN SEVENTIES
A green and gold beer label features the name of a German pilsner in bold lettering.

A label from the 1970s with gold printing. A new filling plant with stainless-steel barrels allows up to 50,000 bottles to be filled per hour.

1975 A TRADEMARK FROM JEVER
A vintage style beer label features bold text and a graphic of a building at the center.

The first Jever Pilsener label featuring Jever Palace appears around 1975. Since then, Jever Palace has been the trademark of all Jever products.

1980 ANOTHER CHANGE OF OWNER
A green and red beer label displays intricate patterns and text, emphasizing a traditional design.

The 1980s begin with acquisition of the majority share in the Reemtsma Group (owner of the Bavaria-St. Pauli-Brauerei, incl. Jever) by the Herz brothers (Tchibo). Shown is a Maibock label from the 1980s.

1983 JEVER IS GREEN
A green beer bottle stands on a black base with gold foil on its neck.

Alongside the palace in the logo, the colour and shape of the Jever bottle remain trademarks of the entire product range to this day. This is a bottle from 1983.

1991 THE FUN GENERATION
A half-liter bottle of non-alcoholic pilsner beer with a green and white label is shown.

A new beer in the product range: Jever Fun. Sales increase and one of the first keg fillings in Germany and the construction of the reflective fermentation towers cause a stir.

1994 A CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP
Three tall blue glass towers rise above a brick base under a clear sky.

Brau and Brunnen AG takes over the Bavaria St. Pauli brewery and thus the Jever brand. On the picture you can see the very modern Frisian Brewing House in Jever.

1998 A BIRTHDAY FOR A BEER
A green beer bottle next to a glass filled with beer, both covered in condensation.

The Jever brand turns 150 and celebrates the milestone with numerous events throughout the year. Shown is the current international bottle with glass.

2004 JEVER PILSENER BELONGS TO THE RADEBERGER GRUPPE KG
A yellow and green circular beer label displays the name of a German pilsener with a crisp and hoppy flavor.

The Radeberger Gruppe KG takes over the Brau and Brunnen GmbH and hence the Frisian Brewing House in Jever. Shown are the current Jever Pilsener labels (German and international version): as seen, the Jever label is puristic and modern.