Genesee Brewing Company

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The Genesee Brewing Company, based in Rochester, is one of the largest and oldest continually operating breweries in the United States. The Brewery, which was founded 147 years ago, makes the Genesee line of beers.

What inspired the founding of your company, and what was its original mission?

The Genesee Brewing Company was founded by Mathius Kondolf in 1878 when he purchased an existing brewery that had a “first class saloon” and a bowling alley. It had already been a brewery for two decades when Kondolf purchased it and created the Genesee Brewing Company. Its original mission was the same then as it is today — make some of the best beer in the world!

What were the most significant milestones or turning points in the company’s 50+ years in business?

Kondolf hired Louis Wehle as brewmaster in 1916. Wehle re-established the Genesee Brewing Company after prohibition ended in 1933. Louis Wehle and the Wehle family would oversee Genesee’s immense growth in the following decades. In 2009, KPS Capital Partners, L.P. purchased the brewery and formed North American Breweries. In 2012, FIFCO purchased the company and furthered its Triple Bottom Line philosophy of people, planet, and profits. Social responsibility and environmental initiatives take center stage through staff volunteer efforts throughout NY and efforts to reduce energy use and waste at the brewery.

How have your core values and vision influenced the way your company operates?

The Brewery is continuously auditing its own energy use and waste practices to improve its environmental impact. Millions of dollars are invested annually so we can increase our efficiency in the brewery. In fact, we’re proud to announce the completion of a new can line that’s the centerpiece of a $50 million investment project that is transforming the brewery into a world-class beverage packaging facility. Additionally, our employees volunteer and support various causes in their communities, because we believe if you make positive contributions to the communities and environment where you live and work, good business will follow!

How has your company adapted to industry changes or economic challenges over the years?

Like many consumer goods companies, we adapt to changing consumer behaviors. Competition is intense, and consumer behavior changes often. It’s on us to not just follow but anticipate trends to stay consistent, competitive, and top of mind for our consumers.

What’s unique about your workplace culture that has contributed to your longevity?

Flexibility. While most employees are based in Rochester and Western New York, our national footprint allows for remote and hybrid work — something we embraced even before the pandemic.

What role does community engagement or corporate social responsibility play in your business?

We are a Triple Bottom Line company dedicated to our community and environment. Partnering with stakeholders, we drive sustainable impact through smart consumption, community building, environmental restoration, and workforce development. Our employees are encouraged to volunteer and contribute to neighborhood improvements, green space beautification, and more. We host company-wide events and set volunteer goals on an annual basis. Additionally, we’re proud to support food banks, clean waterways, plant trees, and more!

What are the key factors that have contributed to your company’s ability to stay competitive?

We focus on what we do best! Brewing great-tasting beverages and keeping our fans happy. Genesee Lager, or “Red Eye,” has been made with the same recipe for 147 years, and our flagship beers maintain a loyal following thanks to their consistent quality. That said, you’ve got to be open to change. A great example of this is our Genesee Specialty line and Ruby Red Kolsch specifically. The launch of this grapefruit flavored blonde ale nearly a decade ago broke the “norm” of beer and made it known that Genesee wasn’t just a beer your parents enjoyed (and still do!). Ruby Red Kolsch built awareness around the Genesee brand with a young legal-drinking-age demographic that continues to grow with each Genesee Specialty Line product launch.