There will I’m sure be many opportunities over the coming years to visit and experience the varied and fascinating beer cultures across Europe but this weekend was all about Belgium and the annual celebration on the historic Grand Place in Brussels. Taking place on one of the world’s most beautiful town squares, it was the perfect environment to showcase not just the sheer diversity of Belgian beer but also the enthusiasm that both brewers and beer lovers alike bring to this culture.
One of the most striking aspects was indeed the incredible range of styles, flavours and innovations on display. From traditional lagers to bold, experimental brews, there was something for everyone. The creativity and craftsmanship on display were inspiring. It’s clear that the beer industry is driven by a collective desire to push boundaries and explore new possibilities.
The events on Friday afternoon were full of ritual and ceremony, reflecting also the deep heritage of beer. It started with the blessing of the beer at the cathedral, the parade to the Grand Place, and the ceremony in the Hôtel de Ville with the Belgian Knights of the Brewers’ Mashstaff – all before the official opening of the stands.
The importance of the event was reflected in the fact that the ceremonies and opening were also attended by dignitaries like Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, Mayor of Brussels Philippe Close, Brussels Minister Sven Gatz and Czech Ambassador to Belgium Jakub Skalnik. Michael Doukeris, global CEO of AB InBev, a Belgian company that is also the largest beer company in the world, was also inducted into knighthood.
At the fair itself, over 50 Belgian breweries were serving over 500 different Belgian beers. I was particularly impressed by the way brewers are embracing sustainable practices, including using locally sourced grains, hops, and even fruits. For brewers’ sustainability is not just a trend, but a fundamental shift in the way they approach brewing. At The Brewers of Europe, we are proud to be part of this movement, supporting brewers’ constant efforts to further reduce their environmental footprint while delivering exceptional beer.
Beyond the variety of beers, I was also struck by the passion that permeated the celebration. The energy was palpable, from the brewers eager to share the stories behind their creations, to the attendees keen to discover new favourites. This shared enthusiasm is the lifeblood of our industry. As I moved from stand to stand, I found myself in conversations that weren’t just about beer, but about the culture, community and camaraderie that beer fosters.
This experience has reinforced my belief in the importance of community within the beer world. Beer festivals like this are more than just opportunities to showcase the latest brews. They are gatherings that bring us together, creating bonds that extend beyond business. They remind us that, at its core, beer is about people: the people who brew it, the people who enjoy it, and the people who work to bring us all together.
Today, I’m back in my office at The Brewers of Europe. But I carry with me a renewed sense of purpose. Belgian Beer Weekend was a vivid reminder of why we do what we do: beer is part of our past, our present but also our future and EU policy should be framed so as to support a responsible, sustainable and innovative beer industry. I want to assist brewers in continuing to push the boundaries of what beer can be while remaining rooted in the traditions that have brought us this far.
Thank you to everyone who made Belgian Beer Weekend such a memorable event. I look forward to seeing where our collective passion and creativity will take us next. Cheers to the future of beer!
Julia Leferman
Secretary General
Julia.leferman@brewersofeurope.eu
ABOUT THE BREWERS OF EUROPE:
Based in Brussels, The Brewers of Europe brings together national brewers’ associations and companies from 28 European countries to support the united interests of Europe’s 10,000+ breweries. Our vision is to ensure a competitive, responsible and sustainable European brewing sector, creating shared value across the entire value chain and enriching European culture.