Belgian Brewery Professionals To Attend 1st Annual National Belgian Beer Week (July 14-21)

North America (June 13, 2017) –  Four of Belgium’s most renowned breweries will be represented at the first annual National Belgian Beer Week (July 14-21), including delegates from Brouwerij Omer Vander Ghinste, Vliegende Paard Brouwers (Prearis), Brouwerij Bosteels and Brasserie St-Feuillien. The representatives below will be on hand throughout the week’s events to share, sample and discuss their craft with fellow beer lovers.

Roland Dutoit, Export Manager for Brouwerij Omer Vander Ghinste
Andy Dewilde, Owner and Brewer for Vliegende Paard Brouwers (Prearis)
Manu Boone, Controller and Project Manager for Brouwerij Bosteels
Pierre Hensenne, Export Manager for Brasserie St-Feuillien
 
The National Belgian Beer Week (NBBW) #BelgianBeerWeek is a joint effort between co-hosts Flanders Trade & Investment and the nation’s top Belgian beer importers including Artisanal Imports, D&V International, Global Beer Network, Merchant du Vin, and the breweries they represent.
 
The NBBW kicks off with the 7th annual North American Belgian Beer Fest (July 14-15) #NABBF in Westland, MI. Last year’s festival saw nearly 1,000 attendees who sampled more than 220 beers from 80+ Belgian breweries. This year’s event is expected to draw an even larger crowd.
 
"I don't know of any festival outside of Belgium that will have more Belgian brewers in attendance,” said Lanny Hoff, Artisanal Imports SVP-Brands Manager. “The North American Belgian Beer Fest will be a great chance for consumers to get the Belgian story, straight from the people living it.”
 
Roy More, co-owner of Ashley’s, which organizes the festival says: “Even in Belgium it is rare to have this many Belgian beers in one place. We’re thrilled to offer festival guests the unique experience to learn from Belgium's experts about their centuries-old brewing traditions and to help attendees gain a hands-on understanding of why its often-imitated craft beers are considered among the best in the world.”
 
Jesse Mogk, General Sales Manager at D&V International, sums up the week: “The Belgian beer experience is something that we, as importers, have always dreamed of being able to share with the American public. We are beyond excited that we were all able to partner together to bring the best of Belgium to America for the National Belgian Beer Week! If you have been to Brussels Beer Weekend, then you know that nothing like this has ever been done in the U.S. Join us for a beer (or ten!) Santé!”
 
The week’s finale will be held on Thursday, July 20 and is reserved for the trade. It will be reception style and hosted at the Flanders Investment and Trade office in New York City that features stunning views of Manhattan. The event will present a unique opportunity for beer professionals to connect with the owners and representatives from Belgium’s most esteemed breweries.
 
Belgian breweries are available to support local events nationwide to celebrate the week with already confirmed venues in Chicago, New York City, and Milwaukee. There is an open call to retailers, restaurants, bars and distributors interested in hosting events. Please contact Lanny Hoff for support opportunities at [email protected].
 
For professionals that are interested in attending the week’s trade finale with Flanders Investment and Trade, please contact Konrad Wisniewski at [email protected].
 
For additional information including interview opportunities with the participating Belgian breweries, please contact the representatives below.
 
National Belgian Beer Week (July 14-21) #BelgianBeerWeek: Lanny Hoff, Artisanal Imports, [email protected]

North American Belgian Beer Fest (July 14-15) #NABBF: Roy More, [email protected]

Trade Finale (July 20): Konrad Wisniewski, Flanders Investment and Trade, [email protected]

Global Beer Network, Steve Villani, [email protected]

D&V International, Jesse Mogk, [email protected]

Merchant du Vin, Craig Hartinger, [email protected]