History & Values
More than just a team, a family!
Located in a strategic location, the brewery was created in order to supply pubs around the neighbouring porphyry quarries so that the numerous workmen, made thirsty by stone working, could come to refresh themselves.
Quickly, the sales network has spread to neighboring villages. The time is very different from that of today; lemonade, cola, energy drinks and bottled waters do not exist; the spirits are responsible for the scourge of alcoholism. The beers, on the opposite, are healthy, full of vitamins B1 & B12 with an alcohol content rarely exceeding 3% / vol. Per capita beer consumption in Belgium is then around 240 liters per year...
1876
1876
Creation of the Lefebvre brewery, by Jules Joseph Lefebvre. He develops a set of farm-brewery-malting.
Did you know? At that time, beer was usually sold in barrels of 100 liters. That’s why, the unit of measurement in the brewing world is still hectolitre.
1897
Auguste Lefebvre and his wife Juliette Bomal succeed Jules
War 14-18
War 14-18 greatly affect the activities. In 1916, the brewery is dismantled, following the commandeering of metals by the Germans for the manufacture of weapons and ammunition. The manufacture of beers from all breweries is then concentrated in a cooperative in Rebecq.
1919
Auguste bought another brewery of the village that had been in bankruptcy in order to restart its activity and escape the almost annual floods of the Seine that invade the center of Quenast.
1921
Restart of the production at the current location, Chemin du Croly. Sale of bottled beers grows.
1923
Gaston Lefebvre, the third generation takes over following the premature death of Auguste
Time for a reconversion....
1932
1932
In 1932 fermentation in barrels is stopped and cylinder-conical tanks are installed in the brewery. This technical effort allows the brewery, during a certain time, to enjoy a certain technological advance in the brewery field.
La guerre 40-45
During the period 1940-1945, the war and rationing slowed activity. The brewery is not dismantled but the obligation to produce only a low alcohol content beer (up to 0.8% alcohol volume) affect all Belgium. The years after the war were difficult with the rise of the popularity of Pilsner beers and sort of Amber beers that the brewery does not produce; at that time and until 1987, the brewery is also focused on the retail and home delivery.
1953
Pierre Lefebvre takes over the brewery.
1960
Creation of a new beer in 1960: the Porph-Ale. Amber containing 5% alcohol volume and produced by high fermentation
1966
1966, Creation of the Super-Houblo, a Scotch type of beer, containing 6% of alcohol.
1975
1975
Philippe Lefebvre, the 5th generation, takes over the brewery in his turn, endowed with a marketing diploma.
1978
The first yeast beers are created. Soon after, the Bonne Espérance, specially fermented in bottles is exported to Italy, which quickly proves to be a success.
1983
In 1983, the Abbey of Floreffe entrusts the Lefebvre family with a licence for the brewing of its special beers. The range, including 3 beers at the beginning, quickly widens to 4. To the Floreffe Double, Floreffe Triple and Floreffe Prima Melior are added, thereafter, the Floreffe Blonde
1985
In 1985, Ann the Philip’s wife took over the administration and finances of the brewery.
1989
In 1989, a white beer appears under the name Student. It will quickly renamed "Blanche de Bruxelles" following a proposition of an importer.
1996
1996
1996 the brewery innovates and launches the Barbãr, a lager with honey. Its little sister, Barbãr Bok was created in the following years
1998
Creation of the Newton: Mix of white beer at apple juice.
2002
Paul Lefebvre, the son of Philip and Ann, joined the brewery. His arrival is synonymous with innovations. The fruity range "Belgian" is then launched, it is followed by the Quenast, Pils beer of high quality, now sold under the name of Manneken Pils
2005
Celine, Paul's sister, strengthens the management and takes into support the administrative and commercial management of the company
Over the years, the brewery is growing...
2008
2008
Creation of the Hopus. Originally called Cuvée des Mariés, the Hopus was developed for the wedding of Paul Lefebvre.
It was also during this period that the Brasserie Lefebvre joins the Belgian Family Brewers Association (BFB). This association brings together 22 Belgian family breweries who defend the values of authenticity, know-how and traditions.
2013
Launch of a new beer: The Hopus Primeur
2015
The range of the brewery is developing again with the creation of the Blanche de Bruxelles Rosée
The brewery launches an ambitious investment project in order to modernize and to be able to meet its present and future needs. Thus, a new barrelling plant capable of filling 180 barrels / hour and a new semi-buried water treatment plant are built.
2017
Still in the framework of its growth and modernization, the brewery welcomes its new bottle.
2018
Launch of Barbãr Rouge, a powerful and surprising beer flavored with cherry.
2019
The brewery is rebranding all its products for more consistency.
2020
Launch of UNPLUGGED with two first creations: Funky Brett (developed for the retirement of Philippe Lefebvre) and Dikkenek (first UNPLUGGED collaboration)
The new logistic warehouse, as well as the new loading docks are operational. The rehabilitation of the old brewers' house, in which the new offices will be located, is underway.
After six generations, there is still a youthful determination and family spirit present in the brewery. It is constantly expanding and mainly works on the export market which accounts for 80% of overall production.