Heineken is one of the world's most recognisable beer brands, with roots stretching back to 1864 when 22-year-old Gerard Adriaan Heineken purchased the De Hooiberg brewery in the heart of Amsterdam. The company was formally established in 1873, the year that is celebrated as the official founding of the Heineken brand. From those early days as a small family brewery in a vibrant Dutch city, Heineken has grown into a global multinational active in more than 190 countries, making it one of the largest brewing companies on the planet. At its core, Heineken built its reputation on a crisp, well-balanced pilsner brewed to a consistent recipe that has remained a benchmark for the style worldwide. Over the decades, the portfolio expanded well beyond its pilsner origins to encompass more than 300 beers and ciders under various labels. The wider Heineken group includes well-known brands such as Amstel, Affligem, Cruzcampo, Sagres, and Tecate, covering a broad spectrum of beer styles from light lagers to abbey ales. A landmark moment in the brand's international history came in 1933, when Heineken became the first imported beer to enter the United States market after the end of Prohibition. The 150th anniversary of the brand in 2023 was celebrated across more than 190 countries, underlining the enduring global reach and cultural significance of this iconic Dutch brewery.