{"id":3041,"date":"2025-02-18T10:16:00","date_gmt":"2025-02-18T09:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/haacht.growls.be\/blog\/2025\/02\/18\/brewer-and-entrepreneur-frederic-van-der-kelen-has-died-at-the-age-of-91\/"},"modified":"2026-08-20T16:49:20","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T14:49:20","slug":"brewer-and-entrepreneur-frederic-van-der-kelen-has-died-at-the-age-of-91","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/haacht.growls.be\/en\/blog\/2025\/02\/18\/brewer-and-entrepreneur-frederic-van-der-kelen-has-died-at-the-age-of-91\/","title":{"rendered":"Brewer and entrepreneur Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric van der Kelen has died at the age of 91"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
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\n Brewer and entrepreneur Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric van der Kelen has died at the age of 91\n <\/h1>\n
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Boortmeerbeek, February 18, 2025 \u2013 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric van der Kelen (91), Honorary Chairman.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric van der Kelen<\/strong> devoted his life to his family, his passion for gardening and photography, and his love of wine and beer. Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric van der Kelen began working at the brewery in 1956, where he worked under his father, Alfred van der Kelen. After his father\u2019s death in 1968, he became CEO of Brouwerij Haacht and Co.Br.Ha. until October 2020, after which he became Chairman of the Board of Directors of Co.Br.Ha. until May 2024. <\/p>\n

Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric van der Kelen was known as Belgium\u2019s longest-serving CEO, with a 52-year track record at the helm of the company. His entrepreneurial spirit and perseverance led to numerous acquisitions, modernization efforts, and the brewery\u2019s international expansion. Other major achievements included the franchise agreement with PepsiCo International in Belgium in 1985\u2014which is still in effect today\u2014the licensing agreement with Tongerlo Abbey for the brewing and distribution of its abbey beers around 1990, and the purchase and expansion of the Ch\u00e2teau la Grande Barde winery in Montagne-Saint-Emilion, France. <\/p>\n

Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric van der Kelen was particularly proud that Haacht Brewery had grown to become one of the country\u2019s largest 100% Belgian and independent breweries. This success was due in part to Primus, the brewery\u2019s distinctive and often award-winning pilsner. “If you want to achieve something, you have to fight for it. That fighting spirit is a trait deeply rooted in the family’s genes.\u201d <\/em>, Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric van der Kelen said on that subject. Faith was important to Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric van der Kelen, and it influenced his values and choices. This was reflected in his social commitment and support for the community. <\/p>\n

“My father was a source of inspiration. He embodied perseverance, entrepreneurship, and an unshakable belief in finding solutions. His vision and leadership not only shaped our brewery but also touched our hearts. We honor his legacy by continuing to cherish and carry on his values, while building the future of our brewery with the same dedication<\/em>,\u201d<\/em> said Boudewijn van der Kelen<\/strong>, CEO of Brouwerij Haacht.<\/p>\n

\u201cI came to know him as an old-school \u2018patron.\u2019 He identified completely with his company, was self-assured and strict, but also had a sense of humor. Someone who supported his employees when they faced difficult personal circumstances and was even willing to help competitors\u2014for example, after a fire at a business<\/em>,\u201d<\/em> said Anne Vleminckx<\/strong>, Chair of the Board of Directors.<\/p>\n

The funeral service will be held in a small, intimate gathering.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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\n Latest news.\n <\/h2>\n
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