Švyturys

Švyturys Brewery
Company type	Private limited company
Industry	Brewing
Founded	1784
Founder	J. W. Reincke
Headquarters	Klaipėda, Lithuania
Area served	Worldwide (over 20 countries including Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, Ukraine, United States)
Products	Beer
Owner	Carlsberg Group
Parent	Švyturys-Utenos alus (managed by Baltic Beverages Holding)
Website	www.svyturys.lt

The Švyturys Brewery, whose name translates to Lighthouse in English, holds the distinction of being Lithuania's second oldest brewery and is situated in Klaipėda. Established in 1784 by the Reincke family, who were merchants and seafarers, it operates under the umbrella of Švyturys-Utenos alus and is owned by the Carlsberg Group. The Carlsberg Group manages Švyturys-Utenos alus via Baltic Beverages Holding.

History

The brewery in Klaipėda was founded in 1784 by merchant J. W. Reincke, with its logo featuring a sea eagle derived from the Reincke family’s coat of arms. In the 19th century, it combined operations with Theodor Preuss’s brewery, emerging as the leading beer producer in the city. Its portfolio included traditional Bock beer, Bavarian styles, and award-winning Porter varieties.

During the Interwar years, the Klaipėda brewery operated as a shareholder-owned entity and earned a strong reputation across Lithuania. It managed its own yeast production facility alongside warehouses for wine and liqueurs. Its Audit and Caramel beers garnered accolades at the 1927 Agricultural Exhibition held in Klaipėda.

After World War II, the brewery was reconstructed and renamed Švyturys, resuming beer production in 1946. The recipe for its classic Baltijos beer originated in the 1960s and continues to be brewed today. By the time Lithuania regained independence, Švyturys had become one of the most advanced brewing establishments in the country.

Following independence, the brewery transitioned into a joint-stock company. In 1999, Denmark’s Carlsberg A/S acquired a majority stake and invested significantly in modernizing the facilities. In 2001, Švyturys merged with Utenos Alus, creating Švyturys-Utenos Alus AB, which was later reorganized into a private limited company in 2003.

Švyturys distinguishes itself by employing unique brewing techniques utilizing vintage German equipment featuring both vertical and horizontal vessels. This method contributes to the distinctive flavor and aroma of its beers—a practice not found among Lithuania’s other major breweries.

Statistics

In 2012, Švyturys Brewery aimed to produce approximately 34 million litres of beer, with Extra lager being its flagship product. This lager is Lithuania’s most decorated beer brand, having received the Gold Award at the World Beer Cup that same year.

The brewery exports its products to more than 20 countries globally, including markets such as Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, Ukraine, and the United States.

Beers brewed in Švyturys

„Švyturio Baltas“ (Hefeweizen)
„Švyturio Baltijos“ (Oktoberfest/Märzen)
„Švyturio Ekstra“ (Dortmunder/European Export)
„Švyturio Ekstra Draught“ (Dortmunder/European Export)
„Švyturio Gintarinis“ (Pilsner)
„Švyturio Memelbrau“ (special technology)
„Švyturys Švyturio“ (Pale Lager)
„Švyturio Stipriausias“ (German-Style Bock)
„Švyturio Nealkoholinis“ (Lager)
„Švyturio Old Port Ale“ (Scottish Ale)
„Švyturio Keltų“ (English Pale Ale)
„Švyturio 20 statinių“ (Stout)
„Švyturio J. W. Reincke“ (Lager)
„Švyturio Korio“ (Honey Lager, limited edition)
„Švyturio Tradicinis“ (MaiBock)

Key facts about Švyturys

Established in Klaipėda in 1784 by merchant J. W. Reincke.
In 1871, merged operations of Theodor Preuss’s brewery with Reincke family descendants’ brewery to create Memel brewery under shareholder ownership; became a regional leader.
First gold medal awarded at Klaipėda trade fair in 1883.
By 1927, recognized as one of Lithuania’s most popular beers with awards at Agricultural Exhibition.
Renamed Ostquell during wartime; rebuilt after near-total destruction in 1944.
Developed Baltijos Märzen-style beer in 1960 which gained market leadership.
Among Lithuania’s first breweries to introduce pasteurized beer in 1973.
In 1995, brewmaster Džuljeta Armonienė crafted Švyturys Ekstra beer; it earned international recognition within Dortmunder/European Export category.
Installed advanced filtering technology in 1996.
Began restructuring production processes to meet international quality standards starting in 1998.
Acquired by Danish company Carlsberg A/S in 1999.
Švyturys Ekstra secured silver medal at World Beer Cup USA in 2000.
Merged with Utenos Alus in December 2001 forming Švyturys-Utenos Alus AB.
Švyturys Ekstra won gold at World Beer Cup in 2001; Baltijos received bronze in 2002.
Launched Traditional Collection featuring Baltas wheat beer in 2003.
Švyturys Ekstra earned gold at Stockholm Beer Festival and began US exports in 2004.
Brewed Jubiliejinis 1784 premium lager using Krӓusening method for anniversary celebration.
Recognized as Lithuania’s top beer brand and national pride source according to a 2004 AC Nielsen survey.
Švyturys Ekstra Draught was sole gold winner at Lithuanian Product of the Year competition in 2005.
Opened brewery exhibition to public visitors starting from 2005.
Introduced Adler Bock beer variety in 2007.
Baltijos and Baltas beers won awards at Siberian Fair in 2008.
Garnered multiple medals at Australian International Beer Awards and World Beer Championships during 2009.
Released Traditional Collection classic beers for its 225th anniversary along with Nefiltruotas beer launch in 2009.
Baltijos and Adler Bock received highest three-star Superior Taste Awards from iTQi beginning in 2011 and following years.
Renewed Švyturys Ekstra won gold at World Beer Cup in 2012; Baltijos continued earning top taste distinctions through 2013.

Social responsibility

Švyturys Brewery directs its sponsorship efforts primarily toward Lithuania’s leading sports, cultural, and artistic initiatives. Since 2012, it has prioritized backing the Klaipėda region through the Švyturys Klaipėda Origin Fund, which supports activities in sports, culture, and community development. The brewery is a prominent sponsor of significant local events such as the Klaipėda Sea Festival, the Neptūnas basketball club, the Curonian Lagoon Regatta, and the Klaipėda Jazz Festival, while also contributing to the Meridian support fund. Additionally, Švyturys provides support for Švyturio Art Dock and Švyturio Arena and has committed resources to environmental endeavors including reforestation of Smiltynė forest and restoration of coastal dunes.

As a pioneer among Lithuanian brewers, Švyturys introduced beer and food pairing promotion through various channels such as events, educational programs, and publications aimed at both consumers and hospitality professionals.

Since 2004, Švyturys-Utenos Alus has been a steadfast partner of the Lithuanian National Olympic Committee. The company allocates the largest portion of its sponsorship budget to basketball, supporting both national squads and club teams like Lietuvos Rytas, Neptūnas, Juventus, along with amateur leagues in Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda. It also served as an official sponsor for EuroBasket 2011.

Every year, Švyturys organizes the ‘Operos Švyturiai’ (‘Lighthouses of the Opera’) awards ceremony to recognize exceptional soloists in opera and ballet.

The Brewery Museum

Together with the Klaipėda Tourism and Culture Information Centre, Švyturys Brewery manages an exhibition located at Kulių vartų street 7 in Klaipėda.

External links