Prestige (beer)

Lore & Background

Prestige was founded in 1976 by Michael Madsen, a member of one of the richest industrial families in Haiti. His ancestors arrived from Denmark in the late 19th century. The beer was launched less than two years after BRANA's creation. In 2005, Prestige began to be exported to select Canadian and U.S. cities. The brand has since been bought by the Dutch brewing conglomerate, and the export beer is now brewed in Holland. In 2011, Heineken publicly announced it acquired a controlling interest in BRANA by increasing its ownership from 22.5% to 95%.

Reader's Guide

Prestige holds a dominant position in the Haitian beer market, commanding a 98% share and serving as the country's best-selling beer. Its significance extends beyond consumption figures: the brand represents a notable example of a local brewery's acquisition by a multinational corporation, with Heineken increasing its stake in BRANA to 95% in 2011. The beer's international presence, though limited to select cities in Canada and the United States, reflects a broader strategy of export expansion that began in 2005. Notably, the export version is now brewed in Holland rather than Haiti, marking a shift in production for overseas markets. Prestige has also earned recognition at the World Beer Cup, winning gold medals in 2000 for American-Style Lager and in 2012 for American-Style Cream Ale or Lager. In 2018, BRANA introduced a new international standard bottling line and updated the label to feature blue and red, the colors of the flag of Haiti. The beer is available in 12 fl. oz. and 16 fl. oz. bottles.

Did You Know?

• Prestige holds a 98% market share in Haiti.
• It was founded in 1976 by Michael Madsen, whose ancestors arrived from Denmark in the late 19th century.
• Heineken acquired a controlling interest in BRANA in 2011, increasing its ownership from 22.5% to 95%.
• Prestige won World Beer Cup gold medals in 2000 and 2012.