Over the course of almost two centuries, DURST MALZ has evolved from a small family business to a major malt producer. In 1824, DURST MALZ was founded in Heidelsheim near Bruchsal as a family-run rural brewery and malthouse. Just sixty years later, the company was already specialising in malting, and was therefore converted into a commercial malthouse. Towards the end of the century, the company was modernised and exported its first malt in 1924. After World War II, proprietors Karl Fritz and Reiner Hiby-Durst pursued a policy of steady expansion.

In 1959, the company took over the Nierstein/Rhine malting company. In 1985, this was joined by Rheinische Malzfabriken Union in Gernsheim/ Rhine. The three companies merged in 1992. During the 90s, substantial modernisation and extension work was carried out, particularly at the Gernsheim plant. The new building in Gernsheim was inaugurated in 1997. The takeover of Westdetuschen Mälzerei GmbH in Castrop-Rauxel followed in the year 2000.

Despite that expansion, DURST MALZ has managed to retain its familiar family-style character and actually Andreas Hiby-Durst runs the company in the fifth generation.

1824: Founded as a family-run brewery and malthouse
1885: Specialised in malting, converted to a commercial malthouse
1896: Malt production modernised
1924: First malt exported
1959: Takeover of Nierstein/Rhine malting company
1985: Takeover of Rheinische Malzfabriken Union in Gernsheim/Rhine
1992: Merger of three malting companies
1997: Expansion of Gernsheim plant
2000: Takeover of Westdeutschen Mälzerei GmbH in Castrop-Rauxel