E-Malt.com News article: 2334

Belgium: In 2003, Belgian brewery Duvel Moortgat's consolidated turnover has risen by at least 12%, the company has recently announced. This rise results to a large extent from the organic growth (10%) of flag-bearer Duvel in Belgium and the priority export markets. For the first time, over 3 million Duvel crates have been sold, more specifically: 3.084.292 crates or 74 million Duvel bottles.

Czech brewery Bernard shows a growth of 13%. After their restyling in 2003, the Maredsous abbey beers' turnover rises by 12%. The new positioning of Vedett also results in a 34% growth. Bel Pils continues to do well with a 5% rise. Only the blond amber beer Passendale failed to meet expectations.

The rental income of our own on-trade outlets, brought together in Moortgat Immo Services (MIS), is booked as MIS turnover from 2003 on (Before, this amount was regarded as operating income by Duvel Moortgat). This real estate company, founded in December 2002, purchases & lets Duvel Moortgat's on-trade outlets.

The turnover of American brewery Ommegang, taken over by Duvel Moortgat in January 2003, is also being completely consolidated. From 2003 on, the new branch Duvel Moortgat USA Ltd is charged with the distribution of its beers at the East Coast of the United States, which impacts in a positive way on the turnover.

Michel Moortgat, Chief Executive Officer Duvel Moortgat: "The group owes this growth for the greater part to its strategic decisions: a mix of tuned production, sales and marketing efforts in Belgium; furthermore, Duvel Moortgat's continued international expansion through its own sales and distribution structures. Finally, Maredsous' restyling and Vedett's new positioning have contributed to the conceptual development of the brands and an increase of their visibility at the point of sale."

Driven by quality, Duvel Moortgat is a niche player that aims to occupy a leading position in the profitable segments of speciality beers and premium brands, both in Belgium and in its priority export markets: The Netherlands, France, Great Britain and the United States. Apart from its headquarters in Puurs, Belgium, the group Duvel Moortgat owns 100% of the American brewery Ommegang, specialising in Belgian-style speciality beers and a 50% stake in Czech premium brewery Bernard. The group also has a 50% joint venture with Palm in brewery Steendonk and a 70% participation in the natural fruit juices of Freya.


16 March, 2004