From University Coursework to Local Brewery – A Practical Path
In 2017, Gergely Lugosi graduated from Corvinus University of Budapest with a Bachelor’s degree in Economic and Rural Development Engineering. While the curriculum focused on market analysis and resource management, one module—entrepreneurship—shaped his future. Today, he applies those concepts by running TOBOZ Beer, a small‑scale brewery in Érd, Hungary.
Why the Journey Began at Corvinus
During the university’s entrepreneurship course, guest speakers detailed real‑world business challenges. Gergely realized that the skills acquired—financial modeling, risk assessment, and strategic planning—were directly transferrable to a craft‑beer venture. Rather than chasing a conventional corporate role, he opted for a project that matched his long‑standing passion for brewing.
Step One: Clarifying the Business Model
Launching a brewery requires more than a good recipe. Gergely started by defining a lean business model focused on local sales and community engagement. By limiting initial production to two or three seasonal beers and selling directly at farmers’ markets and nearby pubs, he kept overhead low and built a loyal customer base before scaling.
Building a Brewery: Key Milestones and Practical Tips
Securing Equipment Without Big Loans
Equipping a brewery is capital intensive. Instead of taking a mortgage, Gergely accumulated creditworthiness over three years, then purchased essential gear—mash tuns, kettles, fermenters, and a Kegerator—on a lease‑to‑own basis. Entrepreneurs new to brewing can also consider renting commercial brewing space or partnering with existing micro‑breweries to share resources.
Navigating Hungary’s Regulatory Landscape
Beer production in Hungary is regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Tax Authority. New breweries must obtain a production license, comply with safety standards, and register their product for taxation. Gergely’s team used Corvinus’s alumni network to access legal resources, ensuring full compliance from day one.
Crafting an Easy‑to‑Drink Profile
Targeting local consumers, Gergely focuses on approachable flavors: a crisp lager, a fruit‑infused wheat beer, and a dark stout with subtle chocolate notes. By keeping recipes simple, he reduces ingredient complexity and allows faster production cycles, which is critical for small‑scale operations.
From Kegs to Cans – Scaling Gradually
The ultimate goal is to open a taproom or pub where guests can taste the beer straight from the source. To reach this milestone, Gergely plans to launch canned batches, enabling distribution to a broader market while preserving flavor integrity. Marketing will emphasize the “local, handcrafted” narrative, resonating with Hungary’s growing craft‑beer culture.
Entrepreneurial Takeaway: Leveraging Academic Foundations
Corvinus University’s emphasis on entrepreneurship equips students with decision‑making tools that are essential for any small business. Key practices include:
- Gap Analysis: Identify underserved niches in Hungary’s saturated craft‑beer market.
- Resource Optimization: Use leasing, co‑production, or shared‑space models to minimize upfront costs.
- Data‑Driven Pricing: Employ Excel models, as taught at the university, to set competitive yet profitable prices.
- Community Building: Host tasting events and leverage local media for word‑of‑mouth promotion.
These approaches translate directly into actionable steps for aspiring craft‑beer owners or entrepreneurs in any industry.
Action Steps for Aspiring Brewers
- Research the Hungarian craft‑beer sector to locate gaps.
- Draft a lean business plan using templates from university business schools.
- Identify a reliable supplier network for hops, malt, and packaging.
- Apply for local brewing permits and ensure compliance with health standards.
- Launch a pilot batch and distribute at farmers’ markets.
- Collect customer feedback and iterate on recipes.
- Scale production incrementally, exploring canning for wider reach.
These steps, when followed systematically, increase the probability of long‑term success.
Get Started – Your Brewery Story Awaits
Whether you’re fresh out of university or an experienced business professional, the journey from a concept to a thriving craft‑beer brewery follows a clear progression. Use these insights to structure your own plan, and consider tapping into local resources—such as Corvinus University’s alumni network—for support.
Have questions about starting a brewery in Hungary? Write to us for personalized advice.
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Read related stories from our alumni who turned passions into successful ventures here.
