Żywiec Brewery was established by Archduke Friedrich Habsburg in 1856 in the heart of Zywiec Valley, whose brewing traditions date back to the Middle Ages. The excellent quality of its products and its yearly production growth has greatly expanded the circle of Żywiec beer devotees. The Brewery launched export activities way back in 1913 when total exports of Żywiec beer accounted for 21.3 % of its overall output.

Żywiec Brewery, which had survived the World War II and the difficult post-war period, became one of Europe’s most modern beer-producing facilities in the 1990s.

Żywiec – Poland’s best pilsner-type brew, with a 5.5 % alcohol content is brewed for generations with only three natural ingredients: domestic hops, malt and crystal-clear mountain water according to traditional recipes. 

The Zywiec logo features the most important historical symbols of the brewery: 

1856 - The Year the Brewery Opened.

Crown – Brewery established when Poland was part of the Austrian Empire and the crown belonged to the Archduke, brewery founder.

Dancing Couple – Traditional Folk Costume from the Medieval City of Cracow illustrating the joy and vitality of the people.

Three Spruces – symbolize the wooded peaks of the mountains surrounding the brewery, where the crystal-clear water flows and is used in the production of the beer.

Żywiec was the first Polish brand to be awarded the Brand to Watch title at British edition of Superbrands. Zywiec was also two times awarded at the Polish edition of Superbrands event and is a Gold Medal winner at the 2007 World Beer Championships, the oldest international beer competition in America and Gold Winner at the Annual New York International Beer Competition in 2023 and 2024