Iconic East German Brand 'Eberswalder' Ends Production in Brandenburg, Leading to 500 Job Losses

The production of the renowned Eberswalder brand, a staple of East German heritage, is set to cease operations in Britz, Brandenburg after nearly 50 years, resulting in the loss of around 500 jobs. The factory closure, scheduled for the end of February 2026, has triggered significant local protests involving several hundred people, including Brandenburg's Minister of Agriculture, Hanka Mittelstädt.

Protesters criticized the shutdown as a manifestation of "pure capitalism" and mourned the loss of a long-established East German tradition. The National Union of Food, Beverages, and Catering Workers (NGG) condemned the closure, highlighting both the displacement of over 500 workers and the erasure of decades of regional cultural heritage.

Despite the shutdown of the Britz site, the Eberswalder brand will continue production at other East German locations such as Chemnitz, Suhl, and Zerbst. Company officials cited sustained consumer demand for their products even after relocating production. Nevertheless, brand experts warn that the move risks undermining the deep historical and emotional connections consumers have with the traditional brand. The increasing ownership of East German brands by major corporations risks weakening brand identity and consumer trust.

The company attributed the decision to close the Britz factory to unfavorable economic prospects under current conditions, while the NGG accused the Tönnies Group, the parent company, of pursuing a ruthless profit-driven policy that neglects the social and cultural importance of traditional regional production sites.

The closure marks a significant loss for the local community and regional history, with union representatives and employees expressing their sorrow during a farewell protest just before the factory’s final day of operation. The event has spotlighted broader concerns about preserving traditional East German brands and the socio-economic impacts of corporate consolidation in the region.