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Habesha Breweries

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Industrial site
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Habesha Breweries (Ethiopia)

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Habesha Breweries, located in Debre Birhan about 130 kilometers northeast of Addis Ababa, is one of the most successful modern industrial ventures in Ethiopia's beverage sector. The company officially commenced operations in 2015 and is best known for its flagship beer brand, Habesha, marketed under the slogan 'Cold Gold.' Its founding was based on a unique investment model involving thousands of Ethiopian smallholder shareholders and the Dutch company Swinkels Family Brewers. With an annual production capacity of over 1.5 million hectoliters, the brewery employs state-of-the-art processing technology. A key feature of its business model is the commitment to local sourcing, purchasing barley from thousands of regional farmers through outgrower schemes. This initiative has significantly boosted local agricultural productivity and incomes. Debre Birhan has evolved into a major industrial hub partly due to this facility. The brewery represents more than just economic output; it is a symbol of modern Ethiopian cultural identity and entrepreneurship.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, May, Jun.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C131415151616151414131212
Rain mm134068104585914115391312013

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
Habesha Breweries is a modern brewery in Debre Birhan, Ethiopia, that quickly captured a significant market share in the country. It plays a central role in the Ethiopian beverage industry and creates employment in the region.
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Visiting
The brewery is an active production facility and typically not open for public tours. Guided tours for groups may be arranged upon request, but the exterior is visible from the road at any time.
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Where to view it
A good viewpoint of the brewery is the main road in front of the plant, where the large production halls and company signage are visible. The nearby hill also provides an overview of the entire facility.
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Local products
In Ethiopia, visitors can buy Habesha beers as well as other local brewery products in supermarkets and bars. Typical varieties include pale and dark beers, often brewed according to traditional recipes.
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Active season
The brewery produces year-round, but demand increases during Ethiopian holidays such as New Year (Enkutatash) and Thanksgiving (Meskel). During these times, production lines operate at full capacity.
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Nearby
A visit to the brewery in Debre Birhan can be combined with exploring the town and the nearby mountain massif of the Ethiopian highlands. Historic churches in the area are also worthwhile destinations.

Geography

Coordinates
9.68330, 39.51670

Facts

  • Production began in 2015
  • Located in Debre Birhan, Amhara Region
  • Annual capacity of 1.5 million hectoliters
  • Founded by a collective of over 8,000 local shareholders
  • Strategic partner: Swinkels Family Brewers from the Netherlands
  • Sources barley from approximately 10,000 local farmers

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Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What makes Habesha beer special?
It is often promoted as the 'beer of the community' and has a strong cultural focus.
Where is the Habesha brewery located?
The brewery is located in Debre Birhan, about 130 kilometers north of Addis Ababa.
Who owns Habesha Breweries?
The company is owned by thousands of Ethiopian shareholders in partnership with the Dutch brewer Swinkels Family Brewers.
Can the brewery be visited?
Sometimes events or tours are offered; it's best to contact the brewery in advance.
What other products does Habesha produce?
In addition to beer, the company also produces non-alcoholic malt drinks such as 'Negus Malt'.
Habesha Breweries: where is it located?
Habesha Breweries is located in Ethiopia.
Habesha Breweries: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, May, Jun.
Habesha Breweries: why is it worth visiting?
Habesha Breweries, located in Debre Birhan about 130 kilometers northeast of Addis Ababa, is one of the most successful modern industrial ventures in Ethiopia's beverage sector.
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Nearby cities

Gondar — Habesha Breweries (Ethiopia)
Gondar
The former capital of the Ethiopian Empire, famous for its medieval castles.
Bahir Dar — Habesha Breweries (Ethiopia)
Bahir Dar
A port city on the southern shore of Lake Tana and capital of the Amhara region.
Dessie — Habesha Breweries (Ethiopia)
Dessie
A major market town and transportation hub in the north-central Amhara region.
Debre Birhan — Habesha Breweries (Ethiopia)
Debre Birhan
A historic town in the central highlands, known for its former role as the capital of Ethiopia.
Debre Markos — Habesha Breweries (Ethiopia)
Debre Markos
A city in the Amhara region, historically the capital of the Gojjam province.
Kombolcha — Habesha Breweries (Ethiopia)
Kombolcha
A growing industrial city near Dessie in the Amhara region.
Weldiya — Habesha Breweries (Ethiopia)
Weldiya
A transportation hub in the northern Amhara region with a growing economic influence.
Kobo — Habesha Breweries (Ethiopia)
Kobo
A town in the northern Amhara region, known for its agricultural surroundings.

History & landmarks

Biete Amanuel — Habesha Breweries (Ethiopia)
Biete Amanuel
An elaborately carved monolithic church in Lalibela, considered an architectural masterpiece.
Biete Medhane Alem — Habesha Breweries (Ethiopia)
Biete Medhane Alem
Believed to be the largest monolithic rock-hewn church in the world, located in Lalibela.
Church of St. George Lalibela — Habesha Breweries (Ethiopia)
Church of St. George Lalibela
The most famous and iconic of the rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, carved in the shape of a cross.
Debre Berhan Selassie Church — Habesha Breweries (Ethiopia)
Debre Berhan Selassie Church
A historic church in Gondar, famous for its magnificent interior paintings of angelic faces on the ceiling.

Nature

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Lake Hayq
A beautiful mountain lake.
Blue Nile Falls — Habesha Breweries (Ethiopia)
Blue Nile Falls
A massive waterfall on the Blue Nile.
Lake Tana — Habesha Breweries (Ethiopia)
Lake Tana
Ethiopia's largest lake and source of the Blue Nile.

More places

Guassa Conservation Area — Habesha Breweries (Ethiopia)
Guassa Conservation Area
One of the oldest community-based conservation areas in Africa.
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Borena Saynt National Park
A highland park known for its alpine flora and rare mammals.
Kombolcha Industrial Park — Habesha Breweries (Ethiopia)
Kombolcha Industrial Park
Located in the Amhara region, this park boosts the regional economy with export-oriented textile and garment production.
Kombolcha Dry Port — Habesha Breweries (Ethiopia)
Kombolcha Dry Port
A logistics hub in the Amhara region serving importers and exporters along the northern corridor.
Magdala (Amba Mariam) — Habesha Breweries (Ethiopia)
Magdala (Amba Mariam)
A historic mountain fortress of Emperor Tewodros II, captured in 1868 following the British Expedition to Abyssinia.
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Mount Amara
An important peak in the historic Amhara region.
Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela — Habesha Breweries (Ethiopia)
Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela
Eleven medieval monolithic cave churches carved out of rock in the 13th century.
Church of St. George (Bete Giyorgis) — Habesha Breweries (Ethiopia)
Church of St. George (Bete Giyorgis)
The most famous of the Lalibela churches, it is carved in the shape of a cross into the volcanic tuff.