00:01A glass of Helles from the Langbroi Brewery in northern Bavaria.
00:06The family-run business has been serving the region for 170 years.
00:11But now it's closing.
00:13Owner Richard Hopf cites rising energy costs because of the war in Ukraine
00:18and customers becoming more budget-conscious.
00:21In tough times, they're choosing the mass-produced beers, which cost half as much.
00:26We've been seeing double-digit losses for two years straight.
00:31And the question is, when will things improve and get back to normal?
00:35There's no way to know.
00:40300 kilometers south, near Munich, sits Andex Monastery with its historic brewery.
00:46The monks still brew the beer themselves here, as they have done for centuries.
00:51They're also feeling the pressure of increased competition.
00:54But they're holding their ground.
00:56Today they're celebrating St. Joseph's Day.
00:59Hundreds of pilgrims and tourists have gathered.
01:02After the church service, they'll head to the Breustübel, the traditional beer hall in Andex.
01:08A beer from the monastery is a must.
01:11And anyone named Josef or Josefa gets a free one today.
01:15We always come here for St. Joseph's Day, since we were in high school.
01:26It's a great place to visit, and this is just part of the experience.
01:31Keeping the brewery profitable is essential for the monks.
01:37It's one of their main sources of income.
01:40And for over 500 years, that income has never dried up.
01:44We take our time with our products.
01:50Our beer is left to mature for a long period.
01:53Monastery products are known for their exceptional quality.
01:56Just a few years ago, the monastery invested hundreds of thousands of euros in a modern brewing system.
02:03Partly to reduce energy costs.
02:06Still, Andex is twice as expensive as beer from the big breweries.
02:11That's why sales manager Alexander Reis is focused on quality and a strong regional presence.
02:17We're very active in the summer.
02:21At traditional costume festivals, music events, anywhere we can showcase our beer.
02:28Back at Langbroi, Richard Hopf is already thinking about what's next.
02:33Maybe a business consultant?
02:35After all, other brewery owners are already calling him, asking for advice on how to close down their own businesses.
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