Our History

since 2007 the most awarded Italian brewery in the world

The production of craft beer began in March 2007 in Roncole Verdi di Busseto (Parma, Emilia-Romagna, Italy). Since the early years of activity the brewery has stood out in the major national and international beer competitions. Thanks to the quality of the products, Birrificio del Ducato has gained the title of most awarded Italian brewery in the world. In 2015, the activities moved a few miles away to the new headquarters in Soragna, where the main beer ranges are now produced. In 2016 the Duvel Moortgat Group acquired part of the shares of the brewery, acquiring it completely in April 2020.
2007
storia-italia-since-2007
2007
foundation of the brewery
In Roncole Verdi di Busseto, the birthplace of Giuseppe Verdi and a gastronomic reference point in Parma area, Giovanni Campari founded the Birrificio del Ducato together with two other partners. The newborn microbrewery officially begins the production of craft beer on March 27, 2007.
2008
STORIA-SINCE-2007
2008
FIRST AWARDS
The classic line of beers, although still evolving, was completed. The distribution began to turn abroad. We won 3 Silvers in the national competition Birra dell’Anno and we received the first major recognition with a Gold medal for Verdi Imperial Stout at European Beer Star. Thus, Verdi became the first Italian beer to win an international beer competition. The first barrels were purchased and destined to the refinement of one of our great special beers: L’Ultima Luna.
2009
BOTTI
2009
BARRELS AND barriqueS
A special range of beers was added to the classic one. Draft Magazine and Wine Enthusiast included New Morning in the ranking of the 25 best beers in the world. An important medal came also from Stockholm Beer Festival. Our cellar was filled with other barrels, thus reaching about twenty barriques for aging.
2010
european-beer-star
2010
a year of success
In 2010 we lived an exciting series of successes: a Silver medal for Viaemilia at World Beer Cup; 5 medals at International Beer Challenge; 4 at European Beer Star; last but not least, the title of “Brewery of the Year” at Birra dell’Anno competition. Just three years after the start of production, all our beers were awarded with a prize in a beer competition. We acquired the Starbeer brewery plant based in Fiorenzuola d’Arda (Piacenza). Machete was born there and 30 new wooden barrels flock to the ever-closer brewery cellar.
2011
storia-parma-2007
2011
the year of records
At Birra dell’Anno competition we gained newly the title of “Brewery of the Year”. Then we won seven medals at European Beer Star, a record still unbeaten in the history of the competition for the number of medals won in a single edition. Export were expanding further.
2012
nuove-fondamenta
2012
new prizes and foundations

In 2012, we won other awards: 4 medals from Birra dell’Anno competition; a Silver medal for Viaemilia at World Beer Cup; a Bronze at European Beer Star; Winterlude first place at Italian Craft Beer Championship. We were still growing in export volumes when we started working in the new warehouse.

2013
STORIA-PARMA-ITALIA
2013
THE BREWERY IN SORAGNA

We have inaugurated part of the new headquarters, where the administrative and logistic departments are still operating. The 2013 awards were many and different. Birre dell’Anno awarded us with three Bronzes, a Silver and a Gold for La Luna Rossa. At Brussels Beer Challenge we won two Gold medals and a Silver one; two Gold medals and two Bronzes at European Beer Star. The brewery reached 90 wooden barrels destined for the refining of special beers.

2014
2014
export TO THE STARS
At Birra dell’Anno we get other 5 medals. At World Beer Cup Viaemilia we get the Silver medal for the third time in a row, while at European Beer Star we won a Bronze. Much time was devoted to the brewing of sour beers, receiving appreciation for that all over the world. At the end of the year we were exporting 35% of our production to 18 countries.
2015
PARMA-ITALIA-2007
2015
SORAGNA HERE WE BREW!
In autumn we started brewing in the new brewery in Soragna. With the new 5-tank 60 hl automatic plant, we have increased the production. From then on, the Roncole Verdi brewery was completely used as Sour brewery.
2016
birre-italiane-di-qualita
2016
THE ENTRY INTO DUVEL MOORTGAT FAMILY

A progressive improvement in the quality of the beers began, resulting from the avant-garde new tools available in the new brewery. We participated in the major fairs, festivals and national and international events. At the end of the year, Duvel Moortgat acquired 35% of the shares of the brewery.

2017
DECENNALE-PARMA
2017
10TH ANNIVERSARY
In April we celebrated the tenth anniversary of the brewery’s foundation by organizing an international craft beer festival in Parma, which was attended by 15 breweries from 11 different countries. In June, the agreement with Duvel Moortgat was publicly announced. The synergy created with such an important group in terms of culture and beer tradition, whose philosophy is based on the quality of beers and people, was carried out to face new financial investments, obtain resources and know-how and expand the market.
2018
DUVEL-MOORTGAT
2018
a year of changing
Duvel Moortgat acquired 70% of the brewery’s shares, investing its resources in a new laboratory and in a new bottling line, which guarantee the beers a qualitative stability never reached before. At the end of the year, a new line of beers dedicated to the general public was launched: Parma range. Finally, the brewery shop opened its doors.
2019
visite-degustazioni
2019
ever closer to beerlovers
Thanks to the opening of the brewery shop, we can finally welcome all beer curious and passionate for a monthly appointment that has become usual: the guided tour of the brewery with tasting. In the meantime, we are expanding our sales network, acquiring new important customers in Veneto, Puglia, Sardinia, Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. Exports also improve reaching new markets, especially in Sweden, Belgium, Holland and France. The GDO range receives important awards in the major beer competitions: Amber wins Gold Medal at European Beer Stars and the prize for Best Italian Beer at World Beer Awards.
2020
mission-vision-idea
2020
100% ducato

Duvel Moortgat acquires 100% of the shares of the brewery, while Giovanni Campari decide to leave the bewery. Eline Warrinnier takes his place as General Manager. The health emergency due to COVID-19 is a low blow to the growth that we are experiencing especially in the Horeca sector even if, on the other hand, we reach the sales record in large-scale distribution and  Online Shop. In the meantime, the brewery's water purification and treatment plant is completed, a leap forward from the point of view of environmental issues.

2021
ogni-birra-e-un-viaggio-ducato
2021
rebranding

Freeride emerges as the flagship beer, followed by Viaemilia and Machete. Its popularity steadily rises, a conquest thanks to its unsurpassed quality and unmistakable taste. But it's not just Freeride that shines: 2021 is a year of growth and innovation, starting with a bold rebranding. We decide to refresh the brand, giving it a touch of elegance and contemporaneity, thus reflecting the evolution of its identity and mission. The new beers flood the market, each with its own personality and storytelling. The legendary Winterlude transforms into Paradox, maintaining its original recipe but with a touch of added alcoholic lightness. We introduce the new Bock Futura, which immediately captivates everyone with its enveloping character. We rediscover L'Ultima Luna 2009 Riserva Calvados E. Dupont, a treasure kept in the company's cellars, destined only for true connoisseurs. Tasting tours become a regular appointment for beer lovers.

2022
la-birra-belga-in-italia-alla-scoperta-di-duvel-maredsous-e-chouffe
2022
not only ducato

In 2022, the Duvel Moortgat Group, of which the company has been part since 2017, entrusts us with the importation, distribution and promotion of some of its brands on the Italian market. This new expansion of the portfolio brings prestigious names such as Duvel, Vedett, Chouffe and Maredsous. Meanwhile, Ducato stands out once again at the World Beer Awards, taking home 5 new medals. Two new limited edition beers make their debut on the market. The first, California Star, created in collaboration with Firestone Walker, represents an innovative fusion of styles and flavors that captures the imagination of connoisseurs. The second, created on the occasion of the company's 15th anniversary, is Viaemilia XV Anniversario, an Imperial Pilsner that celebrates Ducato's glorious past and looks confidently towards the future.

2023
linea-ducato-NUOVE-ETICHETTE
2023
NEW STYLE FOR BEERS IN RETAIL

In 2023, Birrificio del Ducato launches a major rebranding of the labels of beers intended for large-scale retail trade (GDO). The new line features a modern and captivating design, which visually reflects the value and quality of each beer. Ducato West Coast IPA receives the prestigious Cerevisia award, obtaining the gold medal, while Machete is recognized as the best Double IPA in the world, receiving another important recognition. Plus, we're adding three new medals, with Machete, Verdi and Freeride beers taking titles at the World Beer Awards.