A pioneer of sustainable brewing: Michael Krieger awarded the Bavarian Beer Order 2024
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A visionary master brewer on a mission: over 30 years ago, Michael Krieger realized that brewing had to be much more than just the production of a luxury beverage and demanded responsibility for a sustainable future. In the midst of the picturesque landscape of the Altmühltal, he began to put his vision of ecological brewing into practice. This pioneering spirit has now been honored with the Bavarian Beer Order 2024 at the BrauBeviale trade fair in Nuremberg.
Brewing in harmony with nature
Michael Krieger set the course for the future of the brewery back in the 1980s. He was one of the first to consistently convert the business to organic production. Partnerships with organic farmers from the region and the Plankstetten monastery are still at the heart of the Riedenburg brewery today. His vision of brewing beer sustainably and at the same time strengthening the cultural identity of the region made him a pioneer of the organic beer movement in Germany.
“Innovative, trend-setting, ahead of his time, progressive, unconventional, revolutionary. These were the attributes used by Stefan Stang, Managing Director of Private Brauereien Bayern e.V., to describe Michael Krieger. “For him, organic is a way of life, not just a business concept. For his pioneering achievements, his life's work and also for his loyalty to the Bavarian Association of Private Breweries, we honor Mr. Krieger with the Bavarian Beer Order.”
With perseverance and courage, Krieger prevailed against initial skepticism and created a company that is now considered a role model for sustainability and regional business. His work is not only a contribution to the medium-sized brewing industry, but also a sign of how responsible entrepreneurship can shape the future.
An award for special services
The Bavarian Beer Order, one of the highest honors in the medium-sized brewing industry, is awarded annually by the Verband Private Brauereien Bayern e.V. (Bavarian Association of Private Breweries). It recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves through their passion, innovation and promotion of beer culture. In 2024, Michael Krieger, Robert Widmann (South Tyrol) and Peter Ottmann (NürnbergMesse) also received this award - all of them role models for sustainability and entrepreneurial vision.
