AB InBev celebrates its unique history with Leuven.
In 2023, De Hoorn brewery is 100 years old. In 1926, three years after its opening, Stella Artois was first brewed in this brewery. Today, De Hoorn is a unique heritage venue.
This calls for a celebration!
"Not only do we have a rich history as the birthplace of Stella Artois, but De Hoorn has also found a new, vibrant purpose as a hospitality hub to bring people together, inspire, and innovate. Here, where beer was brewed to bring people together in the past, we are now building the future by collaborating and having fun. De Hoorn Brewery may be a century old, but it's more lively than ever," said Fien Paepen, CEO of De Hoorn.
De Hoorn as a truly unique conference venue
The De Hoorn Brewery building has had various incarnations over its 100-year history. Although brewing activities ceased in the 1980s, the iconic building on the Leuven Vaartkom remains a significant symbol of AB InBev's growth. Today, it is a bustling hospitality hub, offering a restaurant, bar, lofts, co-working space, office space, event halls, and meeting rooms. The rich history and the different faces of De Hoorn will be a central focus throughout the celebration week in November.
From a local Leuven brewery to the largest beer company in the world.
The origin of AB InBev's activities dates back to the first brewing activities in 1366 and to its first brewery, Den Hoorn, located in Leuven. In 1987, the brewing group Interbrew emerged from the merger of two major Belgian breweries, Artois (Leuven) and Piedboeuf (Luik, Jupille). Interbrew laid the foundation for AB InBev, which was formed in 2004 through the combination of Interbrew with the Brazilian company AmBev. In 2008, InBev merged with Anheuser-Busch, creating Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world's leading brewer. The company has a long history, with craftsmanship, quality, innovation, and service to consumers and partners at its core. It aims to dream big for a future with more "cheers" and is committed to building great brands that stand the test of time and brewing the best beers with the finest natural ingredients. Its diverse portfolio of over 500 beer brands includes global brands like Budweiser®, Corona®, and Stella Artois®, as well as international brands like Hoegaarden® and Leffe®, and local champions like Jupiler®.