La Salve Bilbao
La Salve Bilbao is a craft brewery in Bilbao, Spain, producing a portfolio of lagers, specialty beers, and non-alcoholic variants from 100% Álava barley, sold through HoReCa distribution across the Basque Country and direct-to-consumer e-commerce across Spain.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1886
- HeadquartersBilbao, Spain
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What La Salve Bilbao does
La Salve Bilbao is a craft beer brewery headquartered in Bilbao, Spain, operating under the legal entity LA SALVE COMERCIALIZADORA S.L. Originally founded in 1886 by José Schumann y Cordés, the brewery ceased operations in 1978 and was relaunched in 2014 by founders Jon Ruiz Ibinarriaga and Eduardo Saiz Lekue with Mahou San Miguel as a 42.7% shareholder. The company brews a portfolio of approximately ten beer SKUs from its Bilbao factory at Calle Tellería 31-A, including lager-style flagships (Lager, Lucía, Tostada, Negra), specialty styles (Sirimiri German Ale, Txirene American Pale Ale, IPA, Botxo Orange Wheat), a Radler (Pika), and a recently launched non-alcoholic Dunkles Bock variant (0,0 Tostada). All beers are brewed with 100% Álava barley sourced through Intermalta under a 2016 agreement, with over 2 million kg processed in 2025.
The business operates a hybrid go-to-market combining on-premise HoReCa distribution — where La Salve is the second-largest brand by volume and rotation in Gran Bilbao — with a direct-to-consumer e-commerce storefront at lasalvebilbao.eus offering free shipping within the Basque Country and paid shipping to peninsular Spain and the Balearic Islands. Revenue mechanics are straightforward unit pricing on cans, bottles, and packs (e.g., €19 for a 24-can Lager case, €25 for the Pack Experiencia sampler), with strategic channel partnerships including Grupo Ñam, Surne Bilbao Basket, and Media Maratón Donosti reinforcing local identity. The company sells merchandise, runs factory tours, and operates a Club Cerveceros loyalty program.
Customer segments split between Basque Country consumers (geographic segment, primary) and the regional HoReCa sector (business unit segment, primary), with a secondary premium/quality-oriented consumer persona. The company has earned multiple international beer competition medals (World Beer Challenge, Barcelona Beer Challenge, Frankfurt International Trophy, Lyon, Asia Beer Challenge, London Beer Competition) since 2018, and a 2026 AZTI economic impact study attributes over €100M of cumulative economic activity to La Salve between 2018 and 2025, with €30M+ generated in 2025 alone and €10M+ of value added.
La Salve Bilbao firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- La Salve Bilbao
- Legal name
- LA SALVE COMERCIALIZADORA S.L.
- Website
- https://lasalvebilbao.eus
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1886
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- La Salve Bilbao is a craft brewery in Bilbao, Spain, producing a portfolio of lagers, specialty beers, and non-alcoholic variants from 100% Álava barley, sold through HoReCa distribution across the Basque Country and direct-to-consumer e-commerce across Spain.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
La Salve Bilbao industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Craft Beer Brewing
- NAICS
- Breweries (31212), Beer and Ale Merchant Wholesalers (424810), Beer, Wine, and Liquor Retailers (44532)
- SIC
- Malt Beverages (2082), Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Packaging & Production Breweries (Limited/No On-site Service) (THAFALAB)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Alcoholic Beverage Tours & On-site Experiences (Brewery/Winery/Distillery) (THAFALAK)
Keywords
Where La Salve Bilbao is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bilbao
- HQ country
- Spain
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
La Salve Bilbao business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Beer Product Sales: Direct sales of packaged beer (bottles, cans) and on-tap to consumers and hospitality businesses. Products include Lager, Tostada, Negra, Lucía, IPA, Pika Radler, Sirimiri, Txirene, Botxo. Distribution to Spain (Peninsula, Balearic Islands) and free shipping within Basque Country.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | LA SALVE Lager - Lata 33cl |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | LA SALVE Lucía - Lata 33cl |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | LA SALVE Lager - Botella 33cl |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | LA SALVE Lucía - Botella 33cl |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | LA SALVE Tostada - Botella 33cl |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | LA SALVE Pika Radler - Botella 33cl |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | LA SALVE Lager - Cuarto (25cl) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | LA SALVE Pack Experiencia |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
La Salve Bilbao product offering
Product offeringCore offering
La Salve Bilbao is a Bilbao-based craft brewery producing a portfolio of beers (Lager, Tostada, Negra, Lucía, IPA, Txirene APA, Sirimiri German Ale, Botxo Orange Wheat, Pika Radler, and 0,0 Tostada non-alcoholic) brewed with 100% Álava-sourced barley through supplier Intermalta. The company distributes through HoReCa channels (bars, restaurants) across the Basque Country and Spain, sells directly to consumers via its e-commerce storefront at lasalvebilbao.eus, and offers branded merchandise, brewery tours, and the Club Cerveceros loyalty program.
Product overview
La Salve Bilbao is a craft beer brewery producing a portfolio of beer products under the LA SALVE brand. The product line includes traditional lagers (Lager, Lucía, Tostada, Negra), specialty beers (IPA, Txirene American Pale Ale, Sirimiri German Ale, Botxo Orange Wheat), non-alcoholic options (0,0 Tostada), and Radler (Pika). The portfolio is complemented by a sampler pack (Pack Experiencia) and branded merchandise (glasses, cooler bags). The company also offers factory tours and maintains a loyalty program (Club Cerveceros). All products are brewed with 100% Álava-sourced barley and the company emphasizes local sourcing and community impact as core brand values.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- LA SALVE Lager The flagship pale lager of La Salve Bilbao with a balanced flavor profile, available in 33cl bottle, 33cl can, and 25cl 'Cuarto' packs. Targeted at consumers seeking an authentic local lager.
- LA SALVE Lucía Premium offering from La Salve Bilbao named after founder Lucía Yarza, with refined character. Available in 33cl cans and bottles in case formats.
- LA SALVE Tostada Munich-style amber/tostada beer traditionally brewed with toasted malt for enhanced body and flavor. Available in 33cl bottle case format.
- LA SALVE Negra Dark beer from La Salve Bilbao featuring roasted malt characteristics. Targeted at consumers who prefer darker, fuller-flavored beer styles.
- LA SALVE IPA India Pale Ale featuring pronounced hop bitterness and aromatic profile characteristic of the IPA style. Targeted at craft beer enthusiasts.
- LA SALVE Txirene American Pale Ale style beer featuring American hop characteristics and citrus notes. Targeted at craft beer drinkers seeking hop-forward styles.
- LA SALVE Sirimiri German Ale style beer, named after the Basque term for light drizzle. Targeted at consumers seeking traditional German-style ales.
- LA SALVE Botxo Orange Wheat Beer named after the Bilbao slang term for the city. Refreshing wheat beer with citrus notes. Targeted at consumers seeking lighter, fruit-infused beer styles.
- LA SALVE Pika Radler Radler-style beer beverage, a refreshing blend combining beer with citrus soda. Available in 12-bottle box format.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over €100 million in economic activity generated between 2018-2025
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use La Salve Bilbao
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
La Salve Bilbao technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
La Salve Bilbao partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered major, minor and core.
- Grupo ÑammajorPartnership to reinforce LA SALVE presence in Grupo Ñam establishments (restaurant-bar concept) in Bizkaia, Gipuzkoa, and Navarra. Collaboration includes tap installations and branded elements for authentic local experience.
- Media Maratón DonostiminorOfficial sponsor of Media Maratón Donosti 2026, reinforcing LA SALVE's presence in sporting events in the Basque Country and commitment to local initiatives.
- UPV/EHU (University of the Basque Country)coreResearch collaboration on beer consumption trends in Basque Country. UPV/EHU professor Dr. Joseba A. Etxebarria Gangoiti directed multiple Beer Barometer studies (2018-2020) with 1,700-2,000+ participants each, providing market intelligence.
- IntermaltacoreIntermalta supplies 100% Álava barley to LA SALVE under an agreement signed in October 2016 and renewed indefinitely. In 2025, LA SALVE sourced over 2 million kg of barley through Intermalta.
- AZTIcoreAZTI technology center conducted economic and social impact studies for LA SALVE using input-output methodology. Studies quantify effects of LA SALVE activity on Basque economy, including €100M+ economic impact 2018-2025.
- Surne Bilbao BasketmajorSports sponsorship with Surne Bilbao Basket including special edition beer for European basketball finals, brand visibility at Bilbao Arena events, and co-marketing around local sports achievements.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
La Salve Bilbao competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Cervezas Alhambra: Mahou-owned Andalusian craft-style brand with a similar play of heritage storytelling and premium positioning. Comparable in its use of regional identity, awards-driven marketing, and multi-format (bottle/can/keg) distribution.
- Cruzcampo: Heineken-owned Spanish heritage brand with deep regional roots and active sports sponsorships. Comparable in event-driven GTM and in leveraging regional identity to compete in on-premise channels.
- Mahou San Miguel: Spain's largest brewing group and 42.7% strategic shareholder of LA SALVE. Operates Mahou, San Miguel, Alhambra, and Reina brands nationally, providing the comparison benchmark for scale, distribution, and brand architecture that LA SALVE must navigate within.
- Damm: Catalan brewing major with Estrella Damm and a growing craft subsidiary portfolio. Comparable in competing for premium on-trade share and in its 'Mediterranean/local' identity positioning in regional Spain.
- Estrella Galicia: Galician heritage brewery with strong regional identity and growing craft/0,0 portfolio. Closely comparable to LA SALVE in leveraging provenance-led brand-building and competing for HoReCa share in northern Spain.
Direct peers
- Dougall's: Cantabrian craft brewery with strong HoReCa focus, multiple styles, and barrel-aged programs. Comparable in regional-northern-Spain positioning, hospitality-led growth, and craft-quality awards strategy.
- Cervezas Moritz: Barcelona-based independent brewery revived through heritage positioning and multi-format craft portfolio. Comparable independent-revival narrative, multi-SKU approach, and city-identity-led brand strategy.
- Cerveza Ambar: Independent Spanish brewery (Zaragoza) with a multi-SKU craft portfolio including non-alcoholic variants. Closely matches LA SALVE's positioning around heritage, local sourcing, and diversified style range.
Emerging players
- BrewDog (Spain / Iberia): Global craft operator with growing Iberian presence and a strong non-alcoholic lineup. Comparable on craft portfolio breadth, multi-channel distribution, and the pursuit of differentiated 0,0% SKUs.
- Cerveza Socarrada: Independent Spanish craft brewery with regional identity and multi-style portfolio. Comparable as a niche craft competitor pursuing awards, HoReCa distribution, and DTC channels in a similar size band.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
La Salve Bilbao social profiles
Digital presenceLa Salve Bilbao financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
La Salve Bilbao leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
La Salve Bilbao funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
La Salve Bilbao M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about La Salve Bilbao
What does La Salve Bilbao do?
La Salve Bilbao is a Bilbao-based craft brewery producing a portfolio of beers (Lager, Tostada, Negra, Lucía, IPA, Txirene APA, Sirimiri German Ale, Botxo Orange Wheat, Pika Radler, and 0,0 Tostada non-alcoholic) brewed with 100% Álava-sourced barley through supplier Intermalta. The company distributes through HoReCa channels (bars, restaurants) across the Basque Country and Spain, sells directly to consumers via its e-commerce storefront at lasalvebilbao.eus, and offers branded merchandise, brewery tours, and the Club Cerveceros loyalty program.
Is La Salve Bilbao a public or private company?
La Salve Bilbao is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was La Salve Bilbao founded?
La Salve Bilbao was founded in 1886. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is La Salve Bilbao based?
La Salve Bilbao is headquartered in Bilbao, Spain, in the Europe region.
How does La Salve Bilbao make money?
One revenue line is on record: beer Product Sales.
Who are La Salve Bilbao's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Cervezas Alhambra, Cruzcampo, Mahou San Miguel, Damm and Estrella Galicia. Direct peers are Dougall's, Cervezas Moritz and Cerveza Ambar. Emerging players are BrewDog (Spain / Iberia) and Cerveza Socarrada.
Does La Salve Bilbao have an API?
No public API is recorded for La Salve Bilbao.
What industry is La Salve Bilbao in?
La Salve Bilbao's product category is Craft Beer Brewing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAFALAB, Packaging & Production Breweries (Limited/No On-site Service), with a secondary code of THAFALAK, Alcoholic Beverage Tours & On-site Experiences (Brewery/Winery/Distillery). Its NAICS code is 31212 and its SIC code is 2082.