Gebrüder Asmussen was founded in Elmshorn in 1884 by the brothers Lorenz-Johann and Peter-Christian Asmussen. The business combined yeast production with grain distilling and later also operated malt production, developing into one of Elmshorn’s long-established food and spirits manufacturers. Historical records describe the company as a Presshefe- und Spiritusfabrik, and by 1984 Gebrüder Asmussen was officially listed as an authorised distiller at Klostersand 7–13 in Elmshorn.
Alcohol production and distilling were closely integrated with the industrial plant. A large Borsig steam engine supplied electricity and compressed air for yeast production, while its exhaust steam was also used for distillation. The distillery produced aquavits including Lütten Klostersander and Hunderter.
Gebrüder Asmussen remained family-owned until the end of 2008. The Elmshorn yeast business was acquired in 2009 and became part of the Lesaffre group; yeast production continues at the site today under Asmussen GmbH. The historical Gebrüder Asmussen GmbH & Co. KG was dissolved in 2009 and subsequently renamed during liquidation.
Elmshorn, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
Elmshorn, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
