HEINEKEN recently opened a new state-of-the-art brewery in Passos, Minas Gerais, Brazil. A strategic milestone that underscores the company’s commitment to further evolve its globally advantaged footprint. The facility represents one of HEINEKEN’s largest investments in the region, totalling more than EUR 400 million.
With an initial capacity of up to 5 million hectolitres per year, the plant will serve the growing market for Heineken and Amstel, both 100% pure malt brands, reflecting HEINEKEN’s continued investment in the premium beer category and higher-quality offerings. Strategically located in southern Minas Gerais, the brewery enhances the company’s supply chain by bringing production closer to key consumer hubs in Brazil’s Southeast region.
As HEINEKEN’s first Greenfield brewery in Brazil, the facility was designed from the ground up to integrate cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and operational excellence. It incorporates advanced water treatment systems, energy-efficient processes, and inclusive workforce practices—all aligned with HEINEKEN’s Brew a Better World ambitions.
“The opening of our new brewery in Passos marks an exciting milestone for HEINEKEN. It strengthens our global footprint and showcases our commitment to operational excellence and sustainability. Brazil is one of the most dynamic beer markets in the world, and this investment reflects our confidence in its growth potential and our dedication to delivering premium quality beers to consumers,” said Dolf van den Brink, Chairman of the Executive Board / CEO.
“Brazil is a dynamic and fast-evolving market, and this investment reflects our confidence in its long-term potential. Starting from scratch allowed us to build a facility that truly reflects our values—deliver superior and balanced growth, while future-proofing the company,” added Mauricio Giamellaro, Managing Director HEINEKEN Brazil.
Innovation and sustainability
Spanning an area equivalent to 140 football fields, the Passos brewery sets high standards for efficiency and environmental stewardship. It operates on renewable energy through a combination of renewable electricity and sustainable biomass boilers for thermal energy. In addition, it boasts a reduced Water Use Ratio (WUR) per hectolitre by up to 30% through reuse systems and comprehensive effluent treatment. This reduction is enabled by a Reverse Osmosis subprocess within the effluent treatment system, which allows for water recirculation and lowers overall water demand.
Beyond its environmental impact, the brewery contributes to the region’s socio-economic development. During construction, HEINEKEN expanded the city’s water infrastructure, improving access to better quality water for the local population.
The brewery’s construction and operation have generated significant employment opportunities, with 1,200 direct and 11,000 indirect jobs created during the building phase. The facility employs 350 people, 60% of whom are local residents. In partnership with the Passos City Hall and SENAI-MG, HEINEKEN has also invested in technical training programmes, including electromechanics apprenticeships, and will support the establishment of a permanent SENAI unit in the municipality—strengthening local talent pipelines and employability.