Brouwerij Martens
The largest brewery in Belgium after global giant AB InBev? Not Haacht Brewery, not Duvel Moortgat, and not even Alken-Maes. Brewery Martens, located in Bocholt in the province of Limburg, may not have world-famous names such as Jupiler, Stella Artois or Grimbergen in its portfolio. Yet its facilities produce more than 4.5 million hectolitres of beer every year.
Under its own brand, Martens markets the refreshing Martens pilsners, the Sezoens seasonal beers, the Kristoffel abbey beers, and the 1758 special beers. In 2024, the company acquired United Dutch Breweries in Breda. Since then, Martens has been brewing their well-known Oranjeboom pilsner. In addition, the brewery supplies mainly private-label beers for supermarkets such as Aldi (Karlsquell), Colruyt (Cara Pils), Makro, Carrefour and Superunie. Martens is also responsible for producing the Tout Bien pils of Tout Bien Brewery.
The history of brewery Martens in Bocholt
The story of brewery Martens begins in 1758 at the inn De Star in Bocholt. Since the 19th century, the company has been a true pioneer. In 1867, Martens brewed the first double dry-hopped beer, which would later evolve into today’s Sezoens. Driven by several generations, the brewery from Bocholt has grown into a global player, with exports to more than one hundred countries. Today, it is the largest family-owned brewery in Belgium.
In the 21st century, Martens focuses on sustainable and future-oriented brewing. Thanks to their unique brewing process, they manage to produce beer using minimal water and energy. Their ambition: less than 1.2 litres of water per litre of beer. Their vision of innovation is further emphasised by Limburg’s largest mural, “Brewing mastery meets science”, a visual tribute to 265 years of creativity and craftsmanship.
