History of B.B.N.P.

The founding years

Founded in 1895 by Czech privileged brewers - owners of local brewing rights and Czech businessmen, Český akciový pivovar (joint-stock company) was the direct predecessor of B.B.N.P. The new brewery has therefore upheld a direct historical tradition of brewing in České Budějovice that dates back to the 13th century, when brewing started in the town.

Český akciový pivovar came out on top in fierce competition with the local German Burgess Brewery and two Schwarzenberg breweries in Třeboň and Protivín mainly thanks to the high quality and exceptional taste of its beer, which was appreciated as early as 1896 at the Industrial Exposition in Prague when it won its first medal to be followed by a gold medal in Stuttgart the following year.

World renown

The total output of Český akciový pivovar was 200,140 hectolitres in 1913 and its premium lager was famous just about all over the world. The company’s highly developed export activities helped it regain its feet again very quickly after the First World War.

The brewery underwent extensive modernization and conversion to the use of electricity in the period between the two world wars. It even built its own water power station. The first artesian well (196.7m deep) was drilled in 1922. Two more wells (300m deep) were added later. This way the brewery acquired a source of high quality water which still helps create the excellent taste of the original lager.

The brewery steadily conquered markets on all continents from the 1920s. In line with this expansion, it registered its trademarks followed in 1930 and became a synonym of high quality.

The post-war years

The brewery was under Nazi management during the Second World War and was nationalized soon after the war. Its tradition, valuable trademarks, and quality beer made B.B.N.P. a prime company for exports. The company experienced further development on both domestic and foreign markets after 1989 when the current management succeeded in almost tripling the brewery’s annual output more than 1 100 000 hectolitres.