A perfect example of this is the Hofstetten Brewery in the Mühlviertel region. Its history impressively demonstrates that longevity is no accident, but the result of responsibility, foresight and people who are prepared to carry on a legacy whilst at the same time shaping it anew.
From a trade route to a traditional brewery
Hofstetten’s roots stretch far back in time. The village was first mentioned in a document as early as 1229. Its location was anything but coincidental. Hofstetten lay on what was then known as the Salt Road, a major trade route linking the region’s economic centres. At that time, salt was one of the most valuable commodities of all. Those who lived and worked along this route were part of a far-reaching network of traders, travellers and craftsmen.
This location also offered ideal conditions for brewing. The Hofstetten Brewery itself is first mentioned in a document in 1449, making it one of the oldest breweries in Austria. However, a favourable location alone does not explain why a business can survive for centuries. The people who run it are the decisive factor.
One such turning point came in 1847, when the Krammer family took over the brewery. Since then, Hofstetten has been run as a family business without interruption. No changes of ownership, no takeovers by international corporations, no departure from its own values. Instead, knowledge has been passed down through the generations, experience gained and responsibility assumed.
Peter Krammer’s stamp
In the late 1990s, Peter Krammer, representing the fifth generation of the family, took the helm of the company. He took over the brewery from his father, Franz Krammer. As a qualified master brewer, he brought with him not only the craftsmanship but also the willingness to break new ground.
Even at a time when hardly anyone in Austria was talking about craft beer, Peter Krammer was experimenting with unusual beer styles and new recipes. Not because it was a trend, but because he was fascinated by the possibilities of brewing. His spirit of innovation was rooted in a deep understanding of the craft and in the conviction that tradition and progress need not be at odds with one another.
To this day, this ethos shapes the brewery. Growth is defined not by size, but by quality, integrity and the courage to be independent. Decisions are made with care and are guided by long-term goals rather than short-term successes.
A large family with close ties to the region
One of the most important strategic decisions of recent decades was the consistent expansion of direct sales. Today, around 40 per cent of the beer goes directly to consumers in the region. This ensures the brewery remains independent of large retail groups and close to the people who enjoy its products.
This closeness is also evident in the day-to-day running of the business. Hofstetten remains a family business in the truest sense of the word. Peter Krammer runs the brewery together with his family and a team of around 15 staff members. His brother supports the business as a reliable all-rounder, whilst his wife, Sabine Krammer, uses her organisational skills to coordinate many processes behind the scenes. The next generation, Jana and Erik, are already growing up with the brewery and experiencing the craft from a young age. At the same time, senior manager Olga Krammer embodies the continuity that has characterised family businesses for decades.
#schongenial, because Hofstetten is far more than just a brewery. It is a place where tradition is lived out, knowledge is passed on and responsibility is embraced.
