The German Industrial Example
To better understand the rapid technological advances taking place within the brewing industry, Heineken’s legal and industrial representative Huet travelled through Germany and Austria to study both breweries and machine manufacturers.
His journey proved transformative. German breweries were rapidly adopting advanced machinery and scientific brewing techniques that the Dutch brewing industry could not yet match. Huet returned convinced that Heineken would need to adopt German brewing technology in order to remain competitive.
His findings also exposed a difficult reality: Dutch machine manufacturers were not yet able to supply the specialised equipment required for modern lager brewing. As a result, Heineken increasingly placed orders with German suppliers, accelerating the brewery’s technical modernization.
Recruitment Through International Contacts
Huet’s travels also helped establish professional connections that would shape the future of Heineken’s brewing expertise. Through these contacts, the brewery recruited Wilhelm Feltmann, a highly skilled brewmaster from the German brewing tradition.
Feltmann brought not only technical knowledge but also the determination required to implement large-scale operational change. Contemporary correspondence describes him as both demanding and deeply committed to quality, a combination that proved essential during the brewery’s transition toward bottom-fermented brewing.
His influence would shape production standards, technical modernization, and eventually the scientific brewing culture that defined Heineken’s global reputation.
“What seems impossible today will be common practice in only a matter of years”.
