Brewer and entrepreneur Frédéric van der Kelen has passed away at the age of 91

It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of Honorary Chairman Frédéric van der Kelen (91). Frédéric van der Kelen devoted his life to his family, his passion for gardening, photography and his love of wine and beer. Frédéric van der Kelen first joined the brewery as an employee in 1956, working under his father, Alfred van der Kelen. Following his father's passing in 1968, he became CEO of Haacht Brewery and Co.Br.Ha. until October 2020, after which he became Chairman of the Board at Co.Br.Ha. until May 2024.

Frédéric van der Kelen went on to become Belgium's longest-serving CEO, with a 52-year tenure at the top of the industry. His entrepreneurial spirit and perseverance led to numerous acquisitions, modernisations and international expansion of the brewery. Other major achievements included the (still ongoing) 1985 franchise agreement with PepsiCo Int. in Belgium, the licensing by Tongerlo Abbey to brew and distribute its abbey beers around 1990, as well as the purchase and expansion of wine château Château la Grande Barde in Montagne-Saint-Emilion, France.

Frédéric van der Kelen took great pride in seeing the Haacht brewery develop into one of the largest 100% independent breweries in Belgium, a success that can be partly attributed to the quirky and multi-award-winning Primus pils lager. ‘To achieve anything, you have to fight for it. And this fighting spirit is a character trait, one that is deeply rooted in our family’s DNA’, explains Frédéric van der Kelen. Faith also played an important role in Frédéric van der Kelen's life, helping to shape his values and decisions. This was reflected in his social commitment and support for the community.

'My father was a source of inspiration. He was the embodiment of perseverance, entrepreneurship and had an unshakeable belief in finding solutions. Not only did his vision and leadership serve to shape our brewery, but it also touched our hearts. We shall honour his legacy by continuing to cherish and uphold his values, building a future for our brewery with the same spirit of dedication’, Baudouin van der Kelen, CEO Haacht Brewery.

“I got to know him as an old-school ‘boss’. He completely identified with his company, was self-assured and strict, but also had a sense of humour. Someone who stood by his staff when they had difficult personal circumstances, and who also wanted to help competitors, for example after a fire at their premises”, says Anne Vleminckx, Chair of the Board of Directors.

The funeral ceremony will take place in an intimate setting.