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Heineken

Heineken N.V.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Heineken N.V. is a Dutch multinational brewing company headquartered in Amsterdam. It was founded in 1864 by Gerard Adriaan Heineken. The company is best known for its flagship Heineken Lager Beer, a pale lager sold worldwide, including in Canada.

History

Heineken began in 1864 when Gerard Adriaan Heineken bought a brewery in Amsterdam. The company later expanded into an international brewing group and became associated with the Heineken family across multiple generations.

Products and brands

Heineken produces its flagship Heineken Lager Beer along with a broad portfolio of international, regional, and local beers and ciders. The company’s product range extends beyond its namesake beer brand.

Operations

The company runs breweries in numerous countries and has a substantial global workforce. Its business is centered on brewing, distributing, and marketing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Brand identity

The Heineken beer brand is widely recognized for its green bottle and red star logo. The brand has become one of the best-known names in global beer markets.

Key facts

  • Heineken N.V. was founded in Amsterdam in 1864 by Gerard Adriaan Heineken.
  • The company is one of the world’s largest brewers.
  • Heineken Lager Beer is a Dutch pale lager with 5% alcohol by volume.
  • The beer is commonly sold in a green bottle with a red star.
  • Heineken operates breweries internationally and produces multiple beer and cider brands.
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Canadian context

Heineken products are sold in Canada and are familiar to Canadian consumers through retail, bars, and restaurants.

Frequently asked questions

What is Heineken?
Heineken N.V. is a Dutch multinational brewing company headquartered in Amsterdam.
Who founded Heineken?
Gerard Adriaan Heineken founded the company in 1864.
Is Heineken also a beer brand?
Yes. Heineken Lager Beer is the company’s flagship pale lager brand.
Where is Heineken headquartered?
Heineken is headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
What products does Heineken make?
Heineken produces beer, cider, and other beverages.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heineken_N.V.
    Supports: Founding date, founder, company identity, international scale, and headquarters information.
  2. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heineken
    Supports: Flagship beer description, alcohol content, and packaging details.
  3. Wikipediahttps://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heineken
    Supports: Headquarters, company type, and large-scale brewing-company context.
  4. Beer & Brewing / Oxford Companion to Beerhttps://www.beerandbrewing.com/dictionary/VtpUGDR5Ky
    Supports: Historical overview, global operations, and brewery footprint.