Nordbrand Nordhausen

History

• 1948: Establishment as VEB Nordbrand Nordhausen in Nordhausen/Harz, Thuringia.

• 1990: Withdrawal from Kombinat Spirituosen, Wein und Sekt and formation of Nordbrand Nordhausen GmbH.

• 1991: Acquisition of Nordbrand Nordhausen GmbH by Eckes AG, which also included sale of Echter Nordhäuser.

• 2007: Acquisition of Eckes Spirituosen & Wein GmbH and thus Nordbrand Nordhausen GmbH by Rotkäppchen-Mumm Sektkellereien GmbH, Freyburg.

• 2013: Integration of the Echter Nordhäuser brand into Nordbrand Nordhausen's sales and marketing.

• 2015: Integration of Chantré, Mariacron, Eckes Edelkirsch and Zinn 40 into Nordbrand Nordhausen's sales and marketing.

• 2015: Acquisition of the brands Fläminger Jagd and Asmussen.

• 2019: Acquisition of Berliner Bärensiegel GmbH and integration of Wurzelpeter Berlin into Nordbrand Nordhausen.

Production and Manufacturing

• The production areas include: grain distillery, rectification/counterflow distillation, production of Kornedelbrände, liqueurs and spirits of all types, as well as bottling and service.

• Nordbrand Nordhausen is one of Germany's largest spirits producers by volume; 2024: market share 8.7% (source: Circana); employees ≈ 167, including about 12 in apprenticeships.

• A balance between tradition and modernity: Korn distillates are produced in their own distilleries/rectifications; Goldbrand and Goldkrone wine distillate come from France and Spain; Altmeister contains extracts of at least 45 herbs and spices; fruit concentrates contribute to the flavors of fruit liqueurs; eggs for Eierlikör are of A-quality and come from suppliers that meet strict requirements; rye and wheat are sourced from selected producers.

• Quality management: An in-house modern laboratory and independent institutes perform chemical, microbiological and sensory tests; a proven quality management system is used.

• A long history and expertise: The distilling tradition in Nordhausen dates back to 1507; modern facilities and machinery are up-to-date and automated; storage conditions are optimized to preserve flavor.

• Sustainability and research: The MemvBeg project (Membrane process for bioethanol production) collaborates with Fraunhofer IKTS Hermsdorf and WTA UNISOL GmbH on energy-efficient bioethanol technologies; the project is supported by the state of Thuringia and the EU ERDF, focusing on resource conservation.

Range and Taste

• The production ranges from classic clear spirits following traditional recipes to varied liqueur specialties.

• The core range includes Kornedelbrände and a variety of liqueurs as well as spirits of all kinds.

• The brands Echter Nordhäuser, Chantré, Mariacron, Eckes Edelkirsch and Zinn 40 are central to the range, with production in Nordhausen and marketing/sales handled by Rotkäppchen-Mumm Sektkellereien.

• Noted quality ingredients and techniques include: Altmeister with herbs and spices, fruit concentrates in liqueurs, and Eierlikör eggs of high quality sourced from suppliers meeting strict standards.

• Since the mergers, Nordbrand Nordhausen has focused on preserving traditions while implementing modern technologies and processes across the entire value chain.

Quality and Certification

• Quality promise is built on internal and external tests: chemical, microbiological and sensory assessments through a stable QM system.

• Certifications: IFS (International Featured Standard) and the QS seal (Quality and Safety) attest to food safety and quality across the supply chain.

• The HACCP concept is implemented as a preventive system for food safety and EU regulations.

• Quality management and laboratory activities are supported by in-house laboratories and external partners for constant monitoring of product quality.

• The vision includes sustainable manufacturing methods, including bioethanol projects that reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

Innovation and Sustainability

• Membrane-based processes for bioethanol production (MemvBeg) are being studied in collaboration with Fraunhofer IKTS Hermsdorf and WTA UNISOL GmbH; the aim is energy savings (up to about 80%) and reduction of CO2 emissions.

• The project is supported by the Free State of Thuringia and ERDF, supporting more resource-efficient and sustainable production.

Visits and Experiences

• Nordbrand Nordhausen operates a factory shop for connoisseurs and enthusiasts over 18; here the entire Nordbrand Nordhausen and Echter Nordhäuser range is sold, as well as Rotkäppchen-Mumm Sektkellereien wines.

• Opening hours: Tuesday and Thursday 13:30–17:00.

• Entrance to the factory shop is located on the Nordbrand Nordhausen site; address and contact details can be found on the official website.

Education and Careers

• Nordbrand Nordhausen is an Ausbildungsbetrieb (training company) and offers training and internship experiences for young people.

• Training programs include: Chemical Laboratory Technician, Distiller, Electronics Technician for Automation Technology, Industrial Clerk, Machine and Plant Operator in Food Technology, Mechatronics Technician, Industrial Mechanic, and Warehouse Logistics Specialist; further training and internal courses are also offered.

• Apprentice wage scales (example): Year 1 about €993, Year 2 about €1,072, Year 3 about €1,144, Year 4 about €1,209 (depending on role and year).

• Employees are encouraged to gain experience across Rotkäppchen-Mumm companies and participate in the annual "apprentice day".