In glorious summer weather, more than 500 relaxed guests from near and far celebrated at the VLB Summer Party on Friday 7 July 2023.
The VLB Summer Party is known and loved as a casual get-together for alumni, activists, friends, members, customers and students – and usually has no special agenda. This year, however, VLB President Ulrich Rust, who had travelled from Gerolstein, referred to the 140th anniversary of VLB in his welcome address (see report). Founded in 1883 by the brewing and malting industry, it has survived two world wars and the division of Germany, successfully mastered various economic crises and also one or two internal difficulties, said Rust. He took stock: since 1883, more than 6,000 graduates have trained as brewmasters, graduate brewery engineers, graduate brewmasters, Bachelor/Master of Science or Certified Brewmasters at or with the support of VLB. In the field of research, it is estimated that far more than 1000 research projects have been worked on at or with the VLB. And after 140 years, the VLB today enjoys the trust of 370 members – most of them companies –& worldwide. The VLB has therefore fulfilled its main task, which is still valid today, "the perfection of brewing through scientific and practical research and the training of brewers", to a special degree. However, it is not enough to rest on one's laurels, it is important to look ahead. With the recently revised "VLB Strategy 25", the course for a successful future has been set, said Rust.
Another highlight of the event was the opening of the Bitburger roof terrace on the 4th floor of the new VLB building.
The thanks of the VLB and all guests go to the entire organising team as well as to all beverage sponsors, including in particular the Berliner-Kindl-Schultheiss-Brewery, and the association "Vereinigung ehem. VLBer - Brewers of Berlin" for their active support. The next VLB Summer Party will probably take place at the beginning of July 2024.
