Despite rising costs and challenging market conditions, Brasserie Caulier is continuing to invest in growth. With a €25 million investment programme, the family-owned brewery from Hainaut is expanding production capacity, improving logistics and giving water a second life. The investment illustrates how the Belgian food industry is working towards a more efficient use of water and resources.
Investing to produce more and more efficiently
Over the past five years, Brasserie Caulier has invested €25 million in expanding and modernising its site in Péruwelz. The brewery upgraded its production facilities and increased capacity for brewing, fermentation, filling and bottling. A new bottling line for its signature swing-top bottles was also installed. Thanks to these investments, production capacity can reach 150,000 hectolitres per year.
In addition, Caulier invested €6.5 million in a new logistics platform connected to the brewery through electric transport. This reduces the impact of truck loading activities on the local neighbourhood. A further €3.5 million was invested in an integrated water treatment facility that allows production water to be treated and reused.
Growing against the tide
These investments are particularly notable in a brewing sector facing rising costs and more moderate alcohol consumption. Caulier has chosen to focus on premium beers while expanding its market reach.
Although horeca still accounts for two-thirds of sales, the brewery is increasingly active in retail. France is now its largest market, followed by Belgium and the Netherlands. In this way, the family business continues to grow without changing its recipes.
Writing a new chapter
The brewery's current success story was far from guaranteed. Following a bankruptcy in 2008 and a judicial reorganisation in 2012, the family decided to give the business a fresh start. With the launch of Paix Dieu, which now represents 60% of sales, Caulier chose to grow through premium beers with a strong identity rather than through volume alone. Supported by external investors and a clear growth strategy, the family laid the foundations for a new chapter.
In 2021, the family regained full control of the company. Turnover subsequently increased from €16 million in 2021 to €31 million in 2025. The story of Caulier shows that entrepreneurship is not only about growth, but also about having the courage to start again.