Erdinger Weissbräu has announced the death of Werner Brombach, owner of the independent German brewery, at the age of 86. His death followed a short illness.
Werner Brombach with a glass of the unmistakeable Erdinger Weissbier
As the second-generation owner of the brewery, founded in 1886, he transformed it into a brand known and loved around the world, while always remaining deeply connected to his home town of Erding.
“Werner Brombach was far more than one of Germany’s most influential brewery owners,” said a spokesperson for the brewery. “He was a visionary, a pioneer, and a passionate ambassador for the Bavarian way of life.
In a statement, the German brewer said “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our owner, Werner Brombach, who died on Saturday at the age of 86, surrounded by his family, following a short illness.
“Werner Brombach dedicated his life to the art of Bavarian brewing. As the second-generation owner of our brewery, founded in 1886, he transformed Erdinger Weissbier into a brand known and loved around the world – while always remaining deeply connected to his hometown of Erding. Werner Brombach was far more than one of Germany’s most influential brewery owners. He was a visionary, a pioneer and a passionate ambassador for the Bavarian way of life.
“’My purpose in life is to be a brewer, heart and soul,’ he once said. And he lived by those words every single day. His foresight also ensured that his life’s work will endure.
“In 2025, he transferred his shares in Privatbrauerei Erdinger Weissbräu Werner Brombach GmbH to the Werner Brombach Family Foundation, safeguarding the values that meant so much to him: uncompromising quality, a strong and independent Erdinger brand, and a deep commitment to Bavarian brewing culture.
“His legacy will live on, in Erding, in Erdinger, and in the passion for Bavarian brewing that defined his life. We mourn the loss of an extraordinary entrepreneur, a true brewer driven by passion, and one of the greatest ambassadors of the Bavarian joy for life.”
