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Heineken has opened a new brewery in Passos, Minas Gerais, Brazil, supported by an investment of more than €400 million.

The facility represents one of the brewing giant’s largest investments in the region as the company aims to further evolve its global footprint.

Located in Southern Minas Gerais, the brewery aims to enhance the company’s supply chain by bringing production closer to key consumer hubs in Brazil’s Southeast region. With an initial capacity of up to five hectolitres per year, the plant will produce Heineken and Amstel products – both 100% pure malt brands.

The site reflects Heineken’s continued investment in the premium beer category. It has been designed to integrate cutting-edge technology and sustainability, incorporating advanced water treatment systems, energy-efficient processes and inclusive workforce practices.

Spanning an area equivalent to 150 football fields, the Passos brewery operates on renewable energy and sustainable biomass boilers for thermal energy.

Additionally, reuse systems and effluent treatment enable the site to reduce its water use ratio by up to 30%, Heineken said. This reduction is enabled by a reverse osmosis subprocess within the effluent treatment system, which allows for water recirculation and lowers overall water demand.

According to Heineken, the brewery’s construction generated 1,200 direct and 11,000 indirect jobs created during the building phase. The facility employs 350 people currently, 60% of whom are local residents.

Dolf van den Brink, chairman of the executive board and CEO of Heineken, said: “The opening of our new brewery in Passos marks an exciting milestone for Heineken”.

“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.”