Amsterdam, 22 March 2011 - Heineken is starring in the first episode of the new European season of Mega Factories, the successful documentary series on National Geographic Channel. Mega Factories Heineken will be broadcasted in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden and Denmark on Thursday night, March 24; in Turkey on March 25 and in France on March 26.
The 45-minute documentary shows how Heineken beer is brewed in the Dutch cities of Zoeterwoude and Den Bosch following an almost 150-year old recipe. The National Geographic filmmakers follow the various steps of the brewing process; selecting the right barley and hops, using top-quality water, malting, brewing, fermenting, lagering, and of course packaging the beer in the iconic green Heineken bottles.
In addition to the brewing process, the documentary provides great insights in the many other aspects that make Heineken the leader in the international premium beer segment. Topics such as the rich history and tradition of the company and the marketing of the Heineken brand around the world. The film pays special attention to how the company has incorporated sustainability in all of its business processes, most notably in the efficient use of water and energy. Above all, the documentary shows the great expertise and passion of the Heineken employees; from the brew master to the sponsoring manager, from the water technologist to the bar tender and from the stable master to the Chairman of the Executive Board, it's clear that everyone has green Heineken blood running through its veins.
Jean-François van Boxmeer, Chairman of the Executive Board/CEO Heineken N.V., about the documentary:
"It's a huge honour for us that National Geographic has made this film about Heineken. It provides unique insights in the Heineken beer, brand and company, and shows the great people behind every glass and bottle of Heineken beer. It really illustrates that quality, entrepreneurship and passion are at the center of everything we do. When I recently saw a preview of the documentary, it filled me with pride that I work for Heineken and that I am part of the success of this company."
Previews of Mega Factories Heineken can be seen on the National Geographic website through the link below. Check your local listings for the time and channel of the broadcast in your country.
www.natgeotv.com/nl/mega-factories-2/videos/mega-brewery
Press enquiries:
Heineken International
John-Paul Schuirink
Tel: +31 20 523 9355
Email: john-paul.schuirink@heineken.com
About Heineken:
Heineken is one of the world's great brewers and is committed to growth and remaining independent. The brand that bears the founder's family name - Heineken - is available in almost every country on the globe and is the world's most valuable international premium beer brand. The Company's aim is to be a leading brewer in each of the markets in which it operates and to have the world's most valuable brand portfolio. The Company operates 140 breweries in more than 70 countries and sold 205 million hectolitres of beer on a 2010 pro-forma basis. Heineken is Europe's largest brewer and the world's third largest by volume. Heineken is committed to the responsible marketing and consumption of its more than 200 international premium, regional, local and specialty beers and ciders. These include Amstel, Birra Moretti, Cruzcampo, Dos Equis, Foster's, Kingfisher, Newcastle Brown Ale, Ochota, Primus, Sagres, Sol, Star, Strongbow, Tecate, Tiger and Zywiec. On a 2010 pro-forma basis, including FEMSA Cerveza, revenue totalled €17 billion and EBIT (beia) was €2.7 billion. The average number of people employed is more than 70,000. Heineken N.V. and Heineken Holding N.V. shares are listed on the Amsterdam stock exchange. Prices for the ordinary shares may be accessed on Bloomberg under the symbols HEIA NA and HEIO NA and on the Reuter Equities 2000 Service under HEIN.AS and HEIO.AS. Most recent information is available on Heineken's website: www.heinekeninternational.com.
About National Geographic:
The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 400 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,600 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com
