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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Money & Work • Beverage

Heineken

Heineken N.V.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Heineken N.V. is a Dutch multinational brewing company founded in Amsterdam in 1864. It is best known for its flagship Heineken Lager Beer, a pale lager sold globally in a green bottle with a red star.

What it is

Heineken N.V., branded as The Heineken Company, is a public limited company headquartered in Amsterdam. Founded by Gerard Adriaan Heineken, it is one of the world’s largest brewers, operating in more than 70 countries and producing beer, cider, and other beverages.

Key details

The company’s flagship product, Heineken Lager Beer, is a Dutch pale lager with 5% alcohol by volume. It is widely recognized for its green bottle and red star logo. Heineken also owns a broad portfolio of international, regional, and local beer and cider brands.

Why it matters

Heineken is a major global player in the brewing industry, with a significant presence in Canada through retail, bars, and restaurants. Its brand identity and product range make it a familiar name for Canadian consumers.

In short

  • Founded in Amsterdam in 1864 by Gerard Adriaan Heineken.
  • One of the world’s largest brewers, operating in over 70 countries.
  • Flagship product is Heineken Lager Beer, a 5% ABV pale lager.
  • Recognizable by its green bottle and red star logo.
Canadian angle

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

Quick 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.

Sources

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