RIP: Frédéric van der Kelen, Brouwerij Haacht

Todd · Feb 20, 2025

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.
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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.
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More: https://inmemoriam.haacht.com/en/

ManforallSaisons · Mar 1, 2025

I love that both wine and beer are prominent in this obit. Also the reference to Primus, which says a lot about local drinking habits.

RIP: Frédéric van der Kelen, Brouwerij Haacht

Todd Founder (13,518) Aug 23, 1996 Finland
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ManforallSaisons Pooh-Bah (1,554) Mar 20, 2008 Belgium
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RIP: Frédéric van der Kelen, Brouwerij Haacht

Todd Founder (13,518) Aug 23, 1996 Finland STAFF Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah

ManforallSaisons Pooh-Bah (1,554) Mar 20, 2008 Belgium Pooh-Bah

Todd Founder (13,518) Aug 23, 1996 Finland
STAFF Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah

ManforallSaisons Pooh-Bah (1,554) Mar 20, 2008 Belgium
Pooh-Bah