Brewery De Halve Maan Takes Bruges' Beer Heritage to Brazil
The historic family-run Brewery De Halve Maan, situated in the heart of Bruges, is expanding its global footprint. As part of an official Belgian economic mission to Brazil running from late November to early December 2024, the brewery is set to establish major new distribution agreements and host a high-profile launch event in Rio de Janeiro.
According to the official De Halve Maan announcement, this expansion is part of a broader Belgian effort to strengthen economic ties with South America, opening up new opportunities for authentic Belgian specialty beers in the Brazilian market.
Historic Partnerships and a Royal Mission in Brazil
During the economic mission, which is supported by the presence of HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium, the brewery will solidify several key retail and distribution partnerships. On November 26, 2024, cooperation agreements will be signed in São Paulo with Casa Santa Luzia and Emporio Manfré to distribute the brewery's staple selections, including Brugse Zot, Straffe Hendrik, and Blanche De Bruges. Following this, on November 28, a memorandum of understanding will be signed in Rio de Janeiro with the high-end supermarket chain Zona Sul.
The international expansion culminates on November 29, 2024, with a formal launch event at Brewteco in Rio de Janeiro. During this event, the Flemish Minister-President, Mathias Diependaele, will officially tap the very first keg of Brugse Zot in the city, marking a significant milestone for the family-owned brewery.
Experiencing the Historic Brewery in Bruges
For travelers planning a trip to Belgium, visiting Brewery De Halve Maan offers a first-hand look at the home of these world-famous beers. Under the family leadership of Xavier Vanneste, the sixth-generation brewer, the site has continuously blended rich tradition with forward-thinking innovations.
The brewery is highly regarded for its unique 3.2-kilometer underground beer pipeline, which transports beer from the historic city center to its bottling facility outside the old town. Visitors to the Bruges site can book guided tours that explore this heritage, learn about the local brewing process, and enjoy tastings of fresh Brugse Zot and Straffe Hendrik straight from the source.
Sustainable Shipping and Global Export Quality
Shipping specialty beers across oceans presents unique logistical challenges, particularly regarding strict local regulations, labeling, and varying climate conditions. To maintain the highest quality without leaving a heavy environmental footprint, De Halve Maan utilizes specialized, 100% recyclable export packaging.
The brewery ships its bottles in secure cardboard boxes rather than heavy plastic crates and utilizes eco-friendly "one-way" recyclable barrels that do not need to be shipped back to Belgium. This ensures that whether a beer is enjoyed in a cozy tavern in Bruges or a bustling venue in Rio, it retains its fresh, authentic quality.
Whether you are planning to taste a freshly poured pint in the heart of West Flanders or want to find more historic spots in town, Musemap (musemap.art) helps you navigate the best local experiences. You can easily browse local museums or use our interactive Bruges culture map to plan your next historic journey through the city's cobblestone streets.
