In Northern Italy lies a brewery considered the country’s oldest still in operation since 1846. This article introduces the historic Birra Menabrea, based in Biella, Piedmont.
Its long-standing journey reflects the evolution of Italy itself, from the pre-unification period through two world wars and into the modern era while significantly influencing the country’s brewing sector and expanding its global export activities.
The brewery was found, prior to Italy’s unification in 1861, by Mr. Welf of Gressoney, alongside brothers Antonio and Gian Battista Caraccio, who took advantage of Biella’s pure alpine water and natural cave systems, ideal for beer maturation. In 1854, Giuseppe Menabrea and Antonio Zimmermann leased the facilities and purchased them in 1864. In 1872, Giuseppe founded “G. Menabrea and Sons” following Antonio Zimmermann’s departure, laying the foundation of a family business that still operates today.
After Giuseppe Menabrea’s death in 1881, his heirs began to promote the brewery throughout Italy and received prestigious honors from the country’s rulers at the time. The choice of bottom-fermentation yeast, uncommon at the time high-quality water from Biella’s springs, and superior raw materials led to its success.
In 1991, the company joined the Birra Forst Group, based in South Tyrol, known for its environmental stewardship. The agreement, signed by Paolo Thedy, allowed Birra Menabrea to retain its identity and independence. In 2005, Franco Thedy, the fifth generation of the family, took the helm. Under his leadership, the current “La 150°” product line was developed and expanded.
Visionary Franco Thedy invested with, the goal of establishing a sustainable development model both economically and environmentally. A new bottling plant (15,000 bottles/hour) and new keg lines were completed. The enhancement of infrastructure, technological evolution, and growing demand from Italian and international markets led to a record-breaking year in 2017, with significant increases in production and turnover the highest growth rate in the company’s history.
In the same year, Franco Thedy gave the green light for the expansion of the brewery, introducing advanced capabilities and impressive architectural features. At the same time, construction began on a major logistics hub.
The brewery’s resilience through two world wars and its commitment to traditional methods contributed to its recognition as a producer of authentic, high-quality beer. In the postwar period, Menabrea weathered phases of market consolidation, during which multinationals dominated. However, since the 1980s, a resurgence of microbreweries has taken place, and Menabrea has maintained its position by combining tradition with innovation.
Today, Birra Menabrea produces approximately 25 million liters of beer annually, about 20% of which is exported to over 20 countries. In 2020, the company reported revenues of €800 million, highlighting its importance in Italy’s beer export sector.
To meet modern challenges, Menabrea underwent a digital transformation, adopting cloud-based infrastructure to improve efficiency and customer service. Additionally, it is expanding its facilities with a new filtration and storage plant, as well as the creation of a three-story museum, Casa Menabrea, dedicated to the brewery’s history. Housed in a 19th-century historic building next to the brewery, the museum showcases authentic artifacts, vintage machinery, period advertising, and documents on Italian industrial design and marketing.
Birra Menabrea offers two product lines: “La 150°”, featuring Bionda, Strong, Weiss, Rossa, and Ambrata; and “Arte Da Bere”, which includes Arte in Lattina Non Filtrada, Pils, and Arte in Bottiglia Non Filtrada. The beers are also available in kegs, and for the holiday season, the brewery produces a Christmas beer — a red ale with 5.2% ABV.
Menabrea Bionda
The brewery’s classic blonde label, with an unchanged recipe since 1846. A bottom-fermented beer with excellent carbonation, aromas of cereals, and a balanced mouthfeel between malt and hops, featuring notes of bread, grass, and lemongrass. Light-bodied with a slightly dry finish. Delightful and refreshing to the last drop.
Style: Pale Lager | Alcohol: 4,8% abv | Serving Temperature: 4-6οC | Bottle: 330ml | Glass: Pint, Footed Pilsner, Wine
BIRRA MENABREA S.P.A. Address: Via Ramella Germanin N.4 13900 Biella, Italy Url: www.birramenabrea.com Founded: 1846 Facebook
First publication: Beer & Bar Magazine, Issue 22 (buy issue)
