Beruflich Dokumente
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BELGIUM Volume 2
GVPedia.com
Showcasing Belgian Achievement…
Welcome to the second volume of ‘Best of Belgium,’ in which we showcase this nation’s
contemporary achievement, from the arts and fashion to business and innovation. This
publication is built on a number of key elements. Firstly, there are the stories about Belgium’s
best—the companies and organization profiled in this book are true leaders in their field. Also,
these are the organizations that made this book possible and are helping to spread it around the
world. Secondly, as editor, we wrote a number of articles—placed throughout the publication—
that discuss some of the key Belgian achievements from the past year or two. Third, we invited
a number of influential Belgians to contribute a personal vision statement—for example, see the
contributions by Thomas Leysen from the Federation of Belgian Enterprises and Guy Quaden,
chairman of the National Bank of Belgium.
As publishers we express our gratitude to a number of organizations for their support
in distributing this publication around the world. In particular these include this country’s
Chambers of Commerce, the federal chamber, the regional chambers and the many international
chambers that promote business links with our main trade partners. Also we thank Brussels
Export, Flanders Investment & Trade, AWEX (Walloon Export Agency), the Federal Agency for
Foreign Trade (organizer of the royal trade missions) and the Federal Public Service of Foreign
Affairs for distributing the book to all corners of the world. ‘Best of Belgium’ will also go out to
our colleagues in the Global Village Partnerships network, from Dubai and India to Australia and
South Africa. Have a look at gvpedia.com to see how our network is growing.
In the years ahead, ‘Best of Belgium’ will continue to document Belgian achievement, relying
on the fact that Belgium is representative of a dynamic, creative Europe, a beacon of liberal
democracy and social justice, where individuals have the space and inspiration to create that
which makes our world a better place, be it in the realm of business, art or ideas.
For Volume III expect deeper and sharper analysis, more vision articles by leading Belgians,
and great photography.
Tervuursesteenweg 133/2
3001 Leuven
Belgium
Tel: +32 16 223669
Fax: +3216 292095
Email
fboermeester@thefifthconference.com
kchristiaens@thefifthconference.com
Website
www.thefifthconference.com
www.gvpedia.com
Published by
The Fifth Conference bvba
ISBN # 9789079056002
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in the Best of Belgium vol.2 publication.
Neither Best of Belgium nor The Fifth Conference bvba take any responsibility for errors or omissions.
This publication shall not be stored in whole or in part in any form in any retrieval system.
Best of Belgium
Turnover 2008 Employees & Partners Circulation International Head offices Management
US$ 8 000 000 100 500 000 London, Brussels Sven Boermeester
Economy and Industry Dubai, Cairo Lisa Durante
Bangalore, Singapore Charles Neil
Washington DC, Santiago Leon Swartz
Sydney, Johannesburg Warren Haley
CELEBRATE SUCCESS
With its mission to serve as the premier platform for showcasing and networking the world's top brands and companies
in business, tourism and lifestyle, Global Village Partnerships (GVP) is building an atlas of success, sustainability and
culture. This is carried out through the 'Best of' book series, the Global Village online information portal and the
development of an ever expanding business network of international partners and clients.
Market and individuals from across the globe. The invitation only based on these criteria,
Promote and network the 'red apples" within organisation celebrates success and provides with the added focus of dedicated
each economy recognition amongst its ever expanding chapters covering CSR, sustainability,
GVP’s market sectors embrace publishing, international network of influential clients. Its green innovation and giving back to
public relations, corporate gifting, online online portal, www.gvpedia.com, provides a the community.
community building and networking. Its platform for clients and readers to network,
target market covers large, medium and share best practice and grow new markets, Growth and Opportunity
small entrepreneurial organisations creating exciting new business connections Exchanging knowledge, skills and economies
enjoying growth, success and sustainability. and opportunities. of scale in media
GVP explores every geographic region to With regional head offices in 5 continents,
pick the 'red apples' in business, exports, Corporate Social Responsibility the organisation is currently involved in
innovation, design, fashion, retail, There is no success without ethics and more than 30 territories where the
hospitality, specialty foods, the arts sustainability 'Best of' series is published. GVP has a
and more. The best of world business, travel and 5-year growth plan to develop a further
lifestyle within the Global Village is dependent 150 economic territories organically,
Unique Selling Point (USP) on more than monetary profit. There is no through each continent’s regional head
New markets create new business success without core values such as office, and through partnerships with
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network successful economies, organisations exclusive client base is selected by or country.
Vlaams
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ondernemingen
Belgian Luxembourg
Chamber of Commerce in Ireland
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Hotels
Best of Belgium
Brussels
You thought you knew it...
Foreword from the Brussels-Capital Region
Brussels will never cease to surprise you. the most pleasant cities to live and work in. Quarter, the Heysel Plateau and the area
A national and European capital, it is Brussels is changing to meet the challenges around Gare du Midi, the gateway to the
now giving itself the means to achieve its of a globalised city. city, will be renovated in order to make them
ambitions and entering fully into the modern Brussels has just set itself an highly attractive poles of development.
world with an ambitious International International Development Plan, which The International Development Plan
Development Plan. timetables the numerous actions to allow involves a major drive based around City
Brussels is a major city on a human Brussels to better satisfy the desires of its Marketing, in order to strengthen the
scale, officially bilingual but in reality inhabitants and visitors. promotion of Brussels abroad so that the
polyglot. The Capital of Europe is a Alongside the creation of new housing, world is aware of all the resources that
crossroads of nationalities, a model of businesses and offices, the International Brussels has to offer.
welcome and diversity, and a byword for Development Plan provides for the creation So, come and feel the pulse of tomorrow’s
dynamism and quality. of major infrastructures to help increase Europe for yourself.
Its open socio-economic environment, the appeal of Brussels still further: a huge You will discover a warm city offering open
the high skill levels of its population, the conference centre, an expansive shopping arms to the world, a city of creativity where
quality of its infrastructures, the wide range of centre, a large concert hall (15,000 seats), culture is found as much on the streets as in
properties available, its quality of life and its a multi-function stadium with 60,000 seats, prestigious museums.
cultural richness have made Brussels one of etc. Strategic locations such as the European A global city where everyone is at home.
Best of Belgium
Foreword by Minister-President
Foreword
Best of Belgium
Foreword by Rudy Demotte, Minister-President
of the Walloon Government
Wallonia, a region to invest in!
Best of Belgium
Taking a closer look at the best
Best of Belgium
of Belgian achievements
Belgian achievements in 2007 and 2008 in a range of different areas —
the economy, the arts, industry, fashion, hospitality, specialty foods, science and
technology and more — provide examples of best practice from the heart of Europe.
Belgium has a vibrant, stable and the city’s landmark 1958 World Fair at the international theatre festival in
diversified economy with growth rates which launched Belgium’s capital onto Avignon, Belgian performers were the
consistently above the European the world stage as a modern, highly talk of the town.
average, strong corporate investment successful city and the capital of Europe. In Sport, Belgian tennis champion
and vigorous export performance The city celebrated in 2008 with year- Justine Henin became the first reigning
despite the recent global economic long events, exhibitions and festivities World No 1 to retire from professional
slowdown. In 2007 the country posted which recalled an era of optimism, tennis while holding the world’s top
GDP growth of 2.8% in comparison scientific progress and peace. ranking. In football, Belgium has
to the Euro zone average of 2.6%. Antwerp, Europe’s second-largest expressed interest in a joint bid to
Corporate investment increased by port and a vital cog in Belgium’s highly host the 2018 Fifa World Cup with the
5% and exports rose 3.8% annually integrated transportation infrastructure, Netherlands.
to €236 billion. The leading export grew by an impressive 10% in 2007, Welcome to Belgium!
sector was chemicals while iron and processing 182 million tonnes of freight
steel exports, machinery, automobiles, from almost 17,000 cargo ships. The
diamonds and specialty foods, notably city is also the world’s diamond capital,
chocolate and beer, performed strongly. handling more than 50% of the world’s
Unemployment dropped by 9.5% in rough and cut diamonds. The Antwerp
2007 as the economy created 74,000 diamond sector had an annual turnover
new jobs, thanks largely to the country’s of $39 billion in 2007 and diamond sales
burgeoning small and medium-sized accounted for 8% of Belgian exports.
enterprises (SMEs). In Liège, the economic and cultural
Belgium’s top companies continued centre of Wallonia, the new railway
to set the standard in 2008. Europe’s station designed by architect Santiago
premier brewer InBev announced that Calatrava, is nearing completion.
it and U.S. brewery giant Anheuser- This monumental piece of modern
Busch have agreed to merge, which architecture is made of steel, glass and
will form the world’s largest brewer white concrete and is characterised by a
by volume with the world’s leading huge flowing vault 200 meters long and
beer brands such as Budweiser, Stella 35 meters high.
Artois and Beck’s. Chemicals, plastics Politically the period 2007 to 2008 has
and pharmaceuticals leader Solvay been one of uncertainty at the federal
posted record company results for the level following the June 2007 elections
fourth year running while Bekaert, a while Belgium’s three regions — the
global leader in steel cord manufacture, Brussels Capital Region, Flanders and
expanded its steel investments in Wallonia — continue to prosper in an
China. Belgium’s top construction environment of regional stability and
company has nearly finished building autonomy. Current prime-minister Yves
the world’s tallest tower, the Burj Dubai, Leterme’s government has the difficult
while Belgian dredging companies are task of negotiating constitutional reforms
involved in building whole islands in to devolve more powers to Belgium’s
the Middle East. Belgium’s numerous regions.
niche companies are applying advanced In the Arts, acclaimed Belgian visual
technology in cooperation with local artist Jan De Cock showcased his work
universities and research institutes. at New York’s Museum of Modern Art
Companies like LMS International, (MoMA) in 2008 while Luc Tuymans
ICOS Vision Systems and EVS have continues his influence as one of the
become absolute leaders in their fields. most significant painters working today.
In biotech, the Flanders Institute of A number of Arts festivals in Flanders,
Biotechnology is powering ahead— Wallonie and Brussels showcased
especially in agro biotech, Belgian world-class performers in classical and
scientists and companies are world contemporary music, dance and theatre.
leaders. Belgium’s internationally sought-after
Brussels, Europe’s capital and dance companies such as Rosas, the
the headquarters of all the main EU Royal Ballet of Flanders and Charleroi /
institutions as well the European base Danses impressed audiences with their
of hundreds of multinational companies, quality, originality and creative genius.
was rated the most productive The International Film Festival Ghent, the
metropolitan region in Europe with the Brussels-based Kunstenfestivaldesarts
2nd highest GDP per capita (behind and off course the Queen Elizabeth
Luxembourg). This year Brussels also Competition for Music were notable
celebrated the 50th anniversary of highlights of the Arts calendar. And
10 Best of Belgium
Una mirada cercana a lo mejor
de los éxitos belgas
Los éxitos belgas durante 2007 y 2008 en distintos ámbitos – la economía, las
artes, la industria, la moda, la hospitalidad, la gastronomía, la ciencia y la tecnología
y otras – constituyen ejemplos de buenas prácticas desde el corazón de Europa.
Bélgica se caracteriza por una economía las principales instituciones de la UE exhibido artistas de nivel mundial en
vibrante, estable y diversificada con así como base europea de centenas música clásica y contemporánea,
una tasa de crecimiento por encima de de compañías multinacionales, danza y teatro. Compañías belgas
la media europea, fuertes inversiones encabeza el ranking como la región internacionalmente reconocidas
empresariales y unos magníficos metropolitana más productiva de Europa como “Rosas”, el “Koninklijk Ballet
resultados de exportación a pesar de y ocupa el segundo puesto por PIB van Vlaanderen” y “Charleroi Danses”
la reciente desaceleración económica per capita (detrás de Luxemburgo). han impresionado la audiencia por su
global. En 2007 el PIB del país En 2008, Bruselas también celebra calidad, originalidad y espíritu creativo.
experimentó un crecimiento del 2,8% en el 50 aniversario de la Exposición En el calendario de Artes, han destacado
comparación con la media de 2,6 % de la Mundial de 1958 que lanzó la capital el festival internacional “Filmfestival
zona Euro. Las inversiones empresariales de Bélgica al escenario mundial Gent”, el “Kunstenfestivaldesarts”
crecieron un 5% y las exportaciones como una ciudad moderna, exitosa y de Bruselas y naturalmente el
aumentaron un 3,8% anual para llegar capital de Europa. La ciudad celebra concurso de música “Queen
a 236 mil millones de euros. El sector esta conmemoración durante todo Elizabeth Competition”. Asimismo,
químico lideró la exportación seguido el año con eventos, exhibiciones y en el festival de teatro internacional
por los sectores del acero, maquinaria, festividades para revivir una era de “Festival d’Avignon”, artistas belgas
automóviles, diamantes, alimentación optimismo, progreso científico y paz. han sido la comidilla de la ciudad.
especializada, especialmente el Amberes, el segundo puerto europeo En Deportes, la campeona belga
chocolate y la cerveza. El desempleo y eje vital en la altamente integrada de tenis profesional Justin Henin ha
bajó en 9,5% en 2007 y la economía infraestructura de transportes belga, sido la primera tenista retirándose del
creó 74.000 nuevos empleos, en buena experimentó en 2007 un crecimiento tenis profesional mientras ostentaba el
parte gracias a las florecientes pequeñas impresionante del 10%, procesando 182 número 1 del ranking mundial. En fútbol,
y medianas empresas (“PYMES”). millones de toneladas de flete de unos Bélgica ha expresado su interés en una
Las compañías líderes belgas 17.000 buques de carga. La ciudad es oferta conjunta con los Países Bajos
continúan marcando los estándares en también la capital mundial de diamantes, para alojar la 2018 Fifa World Cup.
2008. InBev, el primer fabricante europeo donde se negocian más del 50% de
de cervezas ha anunciado su fusión con los diamantes rudos y tallados a nivel ¡Bienvenidos a Bélgica!
el gigante americano Anheuser-Busch mundial. El sector de diamantes en
para formar conjuntamente el mayor Amberes obtuvo en 2007 unos resultados
fabricante de cervezas a nivel mundial anuales de 139 mil millones de USD y
por volumen, con marcas mundialmente la venta de diamantes representaron
conocidos como Budweiser, Stella un 8% de las exportaciones belgas.
Artois y Beck’s. Solvay, la empresa En Lieja, centro económico y cultural
líder en los sectores de la química, de Valonia, se está finalizando la nueva
plásticos y farmacéutica ha conseguido estación de ferrocarriles diseñado por
unos resultados empresariales el arquitecto Santiago Calatrava. Esta
record por cuarto año consecutivo, pieza monumental de la arquitectura
mientras Bekaert, líder global en la moderna está hecha de acero, vidrio y
manufacturación de cable de acero, hormigón blanco y se caracteriza por
expandió sus inversiones en acero en una enorme bóveda flotante de 200
China. En el sector de la construcción, metros de largo y 35 metros de alto.
la empresa líder en la construcción En el terreno político, el periodo
en Bélgica está a punto de finalizar 2007-2008 ha sido de incertidumbre
la torre más alta del mundo, el Buró a nivel federal a consecuencia de las
Dubai, mientras compañías belgas de elecciones de Junio 2007 mientras
drenaje contribuyen al desarrollo de islas que las tres regiones, la región de
enteras en el Oriente Medio. Numerosas Bruselas Capital, Flandes y Valonia,
empresas belgas especializadas en continúan prosperando en un entorno de
nichos de mercado están aplicando estabilidad regional y de autonomía. El
tecnología avanzada en cooperación gobierno del primer ministro actual Yves
con universidades locales e instituciones Leterme tiene la ardua labor de negociar
de investigación. Empresas como LMS la reforma constitucional para dotar de
Internacional, ICOS Vision Systems más poderes a las regiones belgas.
y EVS se han convertido en líderes En las Artes, el aclamado artista visual
absolutos en sus campos. En el sector belga Jan De Cock ha expuesto en
de la biotecnología, el “Flanders Institute 2008 su obra en el “Museum of Modern
of Biotechnology (VIB)” está liderando, Art (MoMA)” en Nueva York, mientras
especialmente en agro-biotecnología, Luc Tuymans continúa su influencia
y científicos y compañías belgas están como uno de los más significativos
considerados líderes mundiales. pintores actuales. Festivales de Arte
Bruselas, capital de Europa y sede de en Flandes, Valonia y Bruselas han
Best of Belgium 11
Best of Belgium ةيكيجلبلا تازجنملا لضفأ ىلإ برق نع ةرظن
ضبان داصتقاب اكيجلب عتمتتو نيجف سوكيإو ،لانويشانرتنا سأ مأ لأ يذلا تقولا يف 2007،هينوي /ناريزح
ومن تالدعمب زيمتي عونتمو رقتسم تحبصأ يتلا ،سا يف ياو ،متسيس :ثالثلا ةيكيجلبلا قطانملا هيف تناك
ةئيببو ،ةيبوروألا تالدعملا امئاد قوفت دهعملا لمعي امك .لاجملا اذه يف ةدئار تاكرش نيتقطنملاو ،ةمصاعلا لسكورب ةقطنم
طشن يريدصت ءادأو ةبلص ةيرامثتسا رارمتساب ةيويحلا تاينقتلل يكنملفلا اهراهدزا لصاوت ةينولاولاو ةيكنملفلا
يملاعلا داصتقالا عجارت نم مغرلاب تالامعتسالل ةيويح تاينقت ريوطت ىلع يتاذلا مكحلاو رارقتسالا نم ةئيب يف
غلب 2007ماع يفف .ةريخألا ةنوآلا يف ءاملعلا حبصأ ثيح صاخ لكشب ةيعارزلا ةسائرب ةيلاحلا ةموكحلا ىدلو .يميلقإلا
2.8%يلامجإلا يلحملا جتانلا ومن لدعم اذه يف ةلماعلا تاكرشلاو نويكيجلبلا يف نمكت ةبعص ةمهم مريتول فيإ ديسلا
”ورويلا“ ةقطنمل ماعلا لدعملا عم ةنراقملاب .ملاعلا يف ةدئار ةناكمب نوعتمتي لاجملا ةيروتسدلا تاحالصإلا ىلع ضوافتلا
ةبسن تدازو 2.6%.ىلإ طقف لصي يذلا نم اديزم ةيكيجلبلا قطانملا حنمتس يتلا
يف 5%لدعمب ةكرتشملا تارامثتسالا ةيبوروألا ةمصاعلا ،لسكورب ربتعتو .تايحالصلا
3.8%ةبسنب تارداصلا تعفترا نيح ةيسيئرلا ةيبوروألا تاسسؤملا رقمو
.وروي رايلم 236ىلإ اهتميق لصتل ،تايسنجلا ةددعتملا تاكرشلا نم تائمو ضرع مت دقف ،نونفلاب قلعتي اميف امأ
ةمصاعلاو ةيجاتنإ ةيبوروألا مصاوعلا رثكأ ةيويحلاب معفملا يكيجلبلا نانفلا لامعأ
ةمدقم يف ةيئايميكلا داوملا يتأتو جتانلا نم درفلا بيصن ثيح نم ةيناثلا نونفلل كرويوين ضرعم يف كوك يد ناي
تاجتنم اهيلت ةيكيجلبلا تارداصلا ).جروبمسكوللا دعب( يلامجإلا يلحملا لصاوي نيح يف 2008،ماع )اموم( ةثيدحلا
لقنلا لئاسوو تانكاملاو بلصلاو ديدحلا ىركذب ماعلا اذه لسكورب ةنيدم تلفتحاو هرابتعاب ةينفلا هلامعأ سناميوت كول
يفو ةصصختملا ةيئاذغلا داوملاو ساملاو ملاعم رهشأ دحأ ءاشنإ ىلع اماع 50رورم ةيحان نمو .نيرصاعملا نيماسرلا رهشأ دحأ
تداز يتلاو ةريبلاو هتالوكوشلا اهتمدقم ميقأ يذلا يلودلا ضرعملا رقم وهو ةنيدملا ةديدعلا ةينفلا تاناجرهملا تزربأ ،ىرخأ
.ةظوحلم بسنب اهتارداص ةيكيجلبلا ةمصاعلل حاتأو 1958،ةنس ةيكنملفلا نيتقطنملا يف تميقأ يتلا
ةرهدزم ةثيدح ةنيدمك ةيلود ةناكم باستكا ةمصاعلا لسكورب ةقطنمو ةينولاولاو
9.5%ىلإ اهتبسن تطبه دقف ،ةلاطبلا امأ لاوط ةنيدملا تلفتحا امك .ابوروأل ةمصاعو ىوتسملا عيفرلا يكيجلبلا ءادألا
يكيجلبلا داصتقالا حاتأ نأ دعب 2007ماع ةديدع ضراعمو تالافتحاو ثادحأب 2008ماع ةيكيسالكلا ىقيسوملا تالاجم يف
لضفب كلذو ةديدج ةفيظو فلأ 74داجيإ نم اديدج ارصع شيعت ةنيدم اهنم تلعج .ةيحرسملا لامعألاو صقرلاو ةرصاعملاو
ةطسوتملاو ةريغصلا دلبلا تاسسؤم راهدزا .مالسلاو يملعلا مدقتلاو لؤافتلا ةيكيجلبلا صقرلا تاعومجم تزاح دقو
.مجحلا هيلابلا قرفو سازور لثم ايملاع ةروهشملا
ربتعي يذلا بريوتنأ ءانيم لجسو ةنيدمو ةيكنملفلا ةقطنملا يف ةيكلملا
ةيكيجلبلا تاكرشلا ىربك تلصاوو ثدحأب دوزمو ابوروأ يف ءانيم ربكأ يناث ةيعونل روهمجلا باجعإ ىلع اورلراش
ثيح ةيسايق اماقرأ قيقحت 2008ماع غيرفتو ليمحتل ةيساسألا تاينبلا ةقالخلا ةيرقبعلاو هتلاصأو صقرلا
ربتعت يتلا فيبنأ ةكرش تنلعأ ثيح 2007ماع ةظوحلم ومن ةبسن عئاضبلا كلذ ىلإ فاضيو .اهب نوعتمتي يتلا
اهنأ ابوروأ يف ةريبلل لوألا عناصلا عئاضبلا نم نط نويلم 182هردق ام جلاع ،ةيئامنيسلا مالفألل يلودلا تنج ناجرهم
ةيكيرمألا ةكرشلاب جامدنالا ىلع تقفاو ةنيفس فلأ 17نمو ىلإ ةغرفملاو ةنوحشملا ماقت يتلا ىرخألا ةينفلا تاناجرهملاو
-رسواهنأ ةريبلا ةعانص يف ةقالمعلا ايملاع بريوتنأ ةنيدم فرعتو .نحش ةقباسم كلذكو ،لسكورب ةنيدم يف
ةكرش ربكأ اعم نالكشتس ثيحب شوب هتبسن ام جلاعت يتلا ساملألا ةمصاعب اهلمش يتلا ةيقيسوملا تيبازيلإ ةكلملا
لثم ملاعلا يف ةيراجتلا تامالعلل ةلماح ثيح ،لوقصملاو ماخلا ملاعلا سام نم 50% يفو .نونفلل يكيجلبلا جمانربلا
تققحو .سكبو ،اوترأ اليتسو ،رزيودوب ماع عاطقلا اذهل يونسلا لامعألا مقر غلب نوينيفأ ةنيدم يف يلودلا حرسملا ناجرهم
داوملا عاطق يف ةلماعلا يافلوس ةكرش تلكشو .رالود رايلم 39هردق ام 2007 نينانفلا نع ثيدحلا ناك )اسنرف(
ةينالديصلاو ةيكيتسالبلاو ةيئايميكلا هتبسن ام ساملألا نم ةيكيجلبلا تارداصلا .اعيمج سانلا ةنسلأ ىلع نييكيجلبلا
ةنسلل ةيلاملا اهجئاتن يف ايسايق امقر .ةيلامجإلا تارداصلا نم 8%
تررق نيح يف ،يلاوتلا ىلع ةعبارلا سنتلا ةبعال تحبصأ ،ةضايرلا لاجم يفو
يف ملاعلا يف ةدئارلا تراكيب ةكرش يداصتقالا زكرملا جييل ةنيدم ربتعتو ىلوألا ةبعاللا نانيه نيتسوج ةيكيجلبلا
اهتارامثتسا ةدايز ةيندعملا كالسألا ةعانص دقف .ةينولاولا ةقطنملل يفاقثلاو بعللا ةريخألا هذه تلزتعا دقو ،ملاعلا يف
ىربك تكشوأ امك .نيصلا يف ةيندعملا ةنيدملا هذهل ةديدجلا راطقلا ةطحم تحبصأ .نييملاعلا نيبعاللا ةمئاق ردصتت يهو
عاطق يف ةلماعلا ةيكيجلبلا تاكرشلا وغايتناس يرامعملا سدنهملا اهممص يتلاو تربع دقف ،مدقلا ةركب قلعتي اميف امأ
جرب لوطأ "يبد جرب" زاجنإ ىلع ءانبلا .اهئانب نم ءاهتنالا كشو ىلع افارتالاك ادنلوه عم كارتشالاب اهتبغر نع اكيجلب
مهاست يذلا تقولا يف كلذو ،ملاعلا يف يرامعملا هنف ةثادحب زيمتملا بصنلا اذهف 2018ماعل ملاعلا سأك ةلوطب ةفاضتساب
ةصصختملا ةيكيجلبلا تاكرشلا هيف ضيبألا تنمسالاو جاجزلاو نداعملا نم نوكم مدقلا ةركل يملاعلا داحتالا اهمظني يتلا
ةلماك رزج ءانبب ةيرحبلا لامعألا يف م 200اهلوط ادج ةريبك ةرطنقم ةبقب دوزمو ".افيف"
ةراشإلا ردجتو .طسوألا قرشلا ةقطنم يف .م 35اهعافتراو
ةيكيجلبلا تاكرشلا نم ةعومجم ىلإ اضيأ ...اكيجلب يف مكب الهسو الهأو
قيبطتو ريوطت ىلع لمعت يتلا و 2007يماع دهش ،ةيسايسلا ةيحانلا نمو
تاعماجلا عم نواعتلاب ةمدقتم تاينقت ىلع نيقيلا مدعو ةريحلا نم ةرتف 2008
تاكرش اهنم ركذنو ،ةيلحملا ثوحبلا دهاعمو تاباختنا دعب ةصاخو يلارديفلا ديعصلا
Best of Belgium 13
Best of Belgium
Лучшие достижения Бельгии – знакомьтесь!
Расположенная в сердце Европы Бельгия подает прекрасный пример
успехов, достигнутых в 2007-2008 годах в таких областях, как
экономика, искусство, промышленность, мода, туризм, особая пищевая
продукция, наука и технология и в других.
Несмотря на недавнее глобальное компании, как LMS International, В плане политики на федеральном
экономическое замедление, экономика ICOS Vision Systems и EVS являются уровне период 2007-2008 годов
в Бельгии оставалась оживленной, абсолютными лидерами в своих был неопределенным, вследствие
устойчивой и разнообразной областях. В биотехнологии Flanders июньских выборов 2007 года, в то
c показателем роста выше Institut of Biotechnology является время как три бельгийских региона
среднеевропейского. Осуществлялись двигателем в своей области, особенно, – Брюссельский столичный регион,
солидные корпоративные инвестиции, в агробиотехнологии. Бельгийские Фландрия и Валония, имея каждый
были достигнуты высокие показатели ученые и научные институты свой автономный статус, продолжали
в экспорте. В 2007 году в стране вписываются в ранг мировых лидеров. стабильно развиваться. Перед
зарегистрирован показатель роста действующим правительством во
национального валового продукта Брюссель, европейская столица и главе с премьер-министром Ивом
в 2,8%, в то время, как средний центр всех главных учреждений ЕС, Летермом стоит трудная задача
показатель в зоне Евро достиг 2,6%. а также европейская база для сотен по проведению переговоров по
Корпоративные инвестиции выросли мультинациональных компаний, конституционной реформе, в целях
на 5% и ежегодный показатель роста вошёл в категорию наиболее передачи более расширенных
экспорта – 3,8%, что достигло 236 продуктивных столичных регионов полномочий бельгийским регионам.
миллиардов Евро. Лидирующим в Европе. Он занимает второе место
сектором в экспорте была химическая по производству НВП на душу В области искусства известный
промышленность, в то время как населения (после Люксембурга). В бельгийский визуальный артист Жан
экспорт в области черной металлургии этом году Брюссель отмечает 50- Де Кок в 2008 году представил свое
и стали, механического оборудования, летие Всемирной выставки 1958 произведение в ньюйоркском Музее
автомобилестроения, алмазов и года, которая выдвинула бельгийскую современного искусства (МоМА).
особой пищевой продукции, а столицу на мировую арену, как Имя Люка Тюиманса продолжает
именно, шоколада и пива, оставался современный, преуспевающий оставаться в ряду самых значительных
на высоком уровне. В стране в 2007 город и как столицу Европы. В художников сегодняшнего дня.
году снизился уровень безработицы течение всего 2008-го года это Многочисленные фестивали искусств,
на 9,5%, благодаря созданию 74000 событие отмечается мероприятиями, проходящие во Фландрии, Валонии
новых рабочих мест в набирающих выставками, фестивалями, которые и Брюсселе, представляют мирового
силу малых и средних предприятиях проходят под лозунгом оптимизма, класса исполнителей классической и
(МСП), расположенных по всей стране. научного прогресса и мира. современной музыки, балета и театра.
Всемирно известные бельгийские
Бельгийские ведущие компании Антверпен - второй по величине балетные труппы, как Rosas, Royal
продолжали нести передовое знамя порт Европы, и жизненноважный Ballet of Flanders и Charleroi/Danses
в 2008 году. Первый в Европе стержень в высокоинтегрированной покаряют зрителей своим высоким
пивоваренный завод InBev объявил бельгийской транспортной мастерством, оригинальностью и
о слиянии с американским гигантом инфраструктуре - продемонстрировал гениальной творческой композицией.
пововарения Anheuser-Busch, что впечатляющий рост в 10% в 2007 На первых страницах артистических
приведет к созданию крупейшего в году. Через порт было отгружено календарей стоят Международный
мире пивоваренного завода по объему 182 миллиона тонн груза c 17000 кинофестиваль в Генте, Фестиваль
производства всемирно лидирующих грузовых суден. Этот город является искусств в Брюсселе и, конечно,
сортов пива, как Budweiser, Stella Artois также мировой столицей алмазов, Международный музыкальный
и Beck’s. Solvay, передовая компания через который проходит более 50% конкурс королевы Елизаветы.
в области химических, пластических мирового оборота необработанных и Бельгийские актеры заставили
материалов и фармакологии, в отшлифованных алмазов. Алмазная говорить о себе на международном
течение последних четырех лет промышленность в Антверпене театральном фестивале в Авиньоне.
достигала наилучших результатов. достигла в 2007 году товарооборота
Bekaert, лидер в производстве в 39 миллиардов долларов и В спорте бельгийская чемпионка
металлокордов, расширил свои торговля алмазами составляет по теннису Жюстин Энен, которая
металлоинвестиции в Китае. 8% от бельгийского экспорта. покинула профессиональный
Крупнейшая бельгийская строительная теннис, царила в мире под № 1. В
компания заканчивает строительство В Льеже – экономическом и футболе Бельгия проявила интерес
самой высокой в мире башни Burj культурном центре Валонии – присоединиться к предложению
Dubai. Бельгийские компании по практически закончено строительство принять вместе с Нидерландами
драгированию сотрудничали в нового железнодорожного в 2018 году Всемирный
строительстве целых островов на вокзала, созданного по проекту чемпионат на кубок Фифа.
Ближнем Востоке. Многочисленные архитектора Сантьяго Калатрава.
бельгийские специализированные Это монументальное сооружение Добро пожаловать в Бельгию!
предприятия применяют новейшую современной архитектуры, созданное
технологию, работая совместно из металла, стекла и белого бетона,
с местными университетами и имеет округленный свод длиной в
исследовательскими центрами. Такие 200 метров и восотой в 35 метров.
14 Best of Belgium
ベルギーの代表的な功績についての詳細
ベルギーの2007年と2008年の各方面における成果 — 経済、芸術、
産業、ファッション、ホスピタリティ、高級食品、科学とテクノロジーなど
— ヨーロッパの中心から成功事例をご紹介いたします。
Best of Belgium 15
Fast Facts Belgium
Best of Belgium
© Kies van de brussel fotos
Capital city
Brussels
Area
30,528 sq km
Government
Federal constitutional monarchy and
bicameral parliamentary democracy
Population
10,5 million
© Kies van de brussel fotos
Time Zone
CET (Central European Time)
16 Best of Belgium
© Kies van de brussel fotos
Best of Belgium 17
ChapterS
Best of Belgium
B E S T O F
BELGIUM
Arts
20-35
Chapter 1
Diamonds
36-57
Chapter 2
Speciality Foods
58-79
Chapter 3
18 Best of Belgium
Chapter 9 Chapter 8 Chapter 7 Chapter 6 Chapter 5
146-213 138-145 132-137 120-131 110-119
Sport
Fashion
Education
Healthcare
Best of Belgium
19
A painting in a museum hears more
ridiculous opinions than anything else in
the world.
Edmond de Goncourt (1822 - 1896)
© Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine
Chapter 1
Arts
Art News
Arts
Denkmal 11, Museum of Modern Art, 11 West 53 Street, New York, 2008. Module CDLV
22 Best of Belgium
l'envol, 2005 © Thierry Renauld
Best of Belgium 23
Economy and Industry
VOX LUMINIS
year’s festival. In a programme of
stories and music, they show the
harmony between nature and music.
24 Best of Belgium
© Bruno Vessié
Hungarian tenor Szabolcs Brickner won
the Grand Prize in the 2008 International
© Jacques Croisier
Queen Elisabeth singing competition, which
took place in Brussels at the end of May.
Brickner, who studies with the legendary
operatic tenor Nicolai Gedda, has appeared
Highlights of the 2007-2008 season of the Liege-based Opera Royal de Wallonie at the Budapest Opera House in Die
include Verdi favourites Nabucco and Don Carlo, Puccini’s Tosca, La Vie Parisienne Zauberflöte and L’Elisir d’Amore. Mezzo-
by Offenbach and Savary, and Edouard Lalo’s Le Roi d’Ys. Visiting artists include sopranos Isabelle Druet from France and
conductors Paolo Arrivabeni and Giovanni Antonini, directors Yoisha Oida and Giardino Bernadetta Grabias from Poland were the
Armonico, and singers Yonghoon Lee, Mark Rucker and Susan Neves. runners-up.
Aki Saito, Wim Vanlessen & ensemble ©Angela Sterling
Best of Belgium 25
Rosas, the dance ensemble and production
Arts company founded by choreographer Anne
Teresa De Keersmaeker, premiered its
new creation Zeitung at the Théâtre de la
Ville in Paris in January 2008 to glowing
reviews. Exploring the intersection of
music and dance, the Rosas dancers
combine the simple building blocks of
choreography with a considerable amount
of improvisation. Pianist Alain Franco
takes as his medium the harmonious
confrontation between Bach, Schoenberg
and Webern. De Keersmaeker says that in
Zeitung the “harmony between music and
dance does not develop from similarity or
parallelism but momentarily, where the two
intersect. ... Dance and music depart from The International Film Festival Ghent
© Danny Willems
different stations and it is the run-up to the celebrates its 35th anniversary in October
intersection that stimulates the conditions of 2008 with screenings of more than 200 films
harmony”. and shorts and free live performances of top
film scores by the Brussels Philharmonic
orchestra. The concerts will feature crowd-
pleasing tunes by top film score composers
Opening Kunstenfestivaldesarts08
a variety of choreographers, Les Ballets also develops promising young performing artists
from different backgrounds. Their latest production is Patchagonia, Argentinian choreographer
Lisi Estaràs’s debut work for the company, which explores themes of loneliness, violence and
emotion in the desolate landscape of Patagonia. The bold and haunting performances of the
four dancers and three on-stage musicians suggest that Estaràs is a choreographer to watch
for the future.
26 Best of Belgium
© Dragone 2007
Best of Belgium 27
The Ghent International Film Festival –
Arts
Every year in October, the festival presents in international festivals. Every year, the has also organised the World Soundtrack
some 120 features and 50 shorts from all festival organises film music concerts, Awards, the most prestigious soundtrack
across the world. A range of different film giving composers of film scores the platform awards in the world. Each year, the best
programs are showcased, attracting over they deserve. Composers such as Ennio soundtrack composers are honoured and
100,000 viewers each year. The International Morricone, Gabriel Yared, Elmer Bernstein, receive international recognition for their
Federation of Film Producers Associations Michael Kamen, Patrick Doyle, Howard work. This pioneering role has certainly had
(IFFPA) recognises this festival as a Shore, Georges Delerue, Hans Zimmer, an impact. Ghent has grown into a meeting
competitive festival primarily geared towards Maurice Jarre, Craig Armstrong, Harry- point for established and up-and-coming
the ‘impact of music on film’. There are 4 Gregson Williams, Mychael Danna, Gustavo musical talent and ever greater numbers
awards up for grabs and around 15 entrants. Santaolalla are some of the many film music of festivals play soundtracks from the
With its focus on film music, the Ghent legends who have already taken the stage at wings. Since 2004, even the European Film
Film Festival has its own unique place Ghent. Since 2001, the Ghent Film Festival Academy – encouraged by the Ghent Film
28 Best of Belgium
Lord Richard Attenborough (2007)
year, numerous international guests from the animation film maker Raoul Servais, and the
world of film flock to Ghent to present their large exhibition Cités-Cinés with over 450,000
films to the general public. Over the past visitors. The Ghent Film Festival will continue
years, the festival has welcomed filmmakers to keep a close watch on international film
such as Kathleen Turner, Viggo Mortensen, developments in order to organise a festival
David Cronenberg, Mike Leigh, François that is as captivating as possible. To this end,
Ozon, Jeanne Moreau, Gina Lollobrigida, Tom a fresh, young team works hard day after day.
Tykwer, Lord Richard Attenborough, Todd The 35th edition of the Ghent Film Festival
Haynes, Sir Peter Ustinov, Walter Hill, Danny is scheduled for October 7th-18th, 2008.
Glover, Sidney Pollack, Jane Birkin, Luc Once again “The impact of music on film” is
Besson, Mike Figgis, Morgan Freeman, Fatih the overall theme. More than 150 films will
Festival - has honoured the best European Akin, Andy Garcia, Melanie Griffith, Robert be shown at Kinepolis Ghent, Sphinx, Studio
soundtrack composers. Trade paper Variety Altman, Juliette Binoche, Sandra Bullock, Skoop and Arts Centre Vooruit.
placed the festival in its top 50 must attend Brad Pitt, Ken Loach and Michael Haneke.
festivals of the world because of this focus In addition to the screenings, the Ghent
on (film)music. American financial newspaper Film Festival also organises film-related Ghent Film Festival (Flanders
The Wall Street Journal called the festival exhibitions. Thus the prestigious Stanley International Film Festival-Ghent),
one of the five European Film Festivals with Kubrick exhibition, which was previously Leeuwstraat 40b, B-9000 Ghent
character and Hollywood Reporter described shown in Berlin, Melbourne and Frankfurt- Tel: +32 (0)9 242 80 60
the festival as one of the most intriguing am-Main, was brought to Ghent before other Fax: + 32(0)9 221 90 74
stops on the international fest circuit. world cities such as Rome, Paris and London. info@filmfestival.be
Yet there is more to the Ghent Film Film fanatics have also been able to see www.filmfestival.be
Festival than just soundtracks alone. Every exhibitions of film maker Peter Greenaway, www.worldsoundtrackacademy.com
Best of Belgium 29
The Queen Elisabeth International
Arts
30 Best of Belgium
Winner Queen Elisabeth wedstrijd Szabolcs BRICKNER © Laurent Friob
Up to the end of the 60s, candidates came competitions attract the premier soloists,
mainly from Europe and the United States. chamber musicians and teachers of tomorrow,
Since then, young musicians from Asia and all contributing to the lasting heritage of
Australia - increasingly open to Western Europe’s musical history since the 17th
European culture and mastering to the highest century.
degree its repertoire and styles of music The Competition owes its reputation
- have also travelled to the heart of Europe, primarily to the quality of its jury-members and
recognising the substantial assistance and prizewinners. The presence of so many men
prestige which the Competition can provide. and women musicians from all over the world
The piano, singing, violin and composition in Brussels each spring contributes to the
international flavour of Brussels life.
Queen Elisabeth was convinced of the
benefits to society which the Arts and the
bringing together of different peoples can
provide. 50 years later, her message to
respect and listen to each other seems as
relevant as ever.
Best of Belgium 31
Rosas
Arts
32 Best of Belgium
© Herman Sorgeloos
© Tina Ruisinger
Best of Belgium 33
Muziektheater Transparant
Arts
Muziektheater Transparant is a production “Transparant guarantees the future of the has produced operas by Wim Henderickx,
company which takes a wide-open look at opera.” (Gerard Mortier) and worked with composers like Jan Van
opera and musical theatre. With a mix of old With a most open approach towards the Outryve and Eric Sleichim. A more theatrical
and new, of conventional and extra-ordinary, possiblities of musical theatre, Transparant approach is added with directors Caroline
it shifts the boundaries of the genres and aspires to create opera for a new generation. Petrick, Wouter Van Looy and Josse De Pauw.
places the voice firmly at the centre of the The main aim is to bring together distinct Annelies Van Parys and Joachim Brackx,
projects. Because of the flexible production genres, disciplines and ideas. Classical two most promising Flemish composers, are
methods, the variety of shows and the artistic operas must be staged in a way relevant in invited for a three-year residence to put their
diversity of the artists in residence, general today’s world, new operas should take the first steps in music theatre.
director Guy Coolen has made of Transparant genre forward. Transparant pays particular
a unique organisation with a solid national and attention to offering contemporary musicians The importance of being international
international character. the chance to develop and try new work. It The productions of Transparant are touring
34 Best of Belgium
RUHE © Herman Sorgeloos
A girl a boy a river © Koen Broos (after) The Fairy Queen © Freija Van Esbroeck
invitation for Linz 2009 signed up already. composers, Eric Sleichim, Annelies van
In February 2008 Muziektheater Parys and Jan Van Outryve, have composed
Transparant spent a whole month in contemporary music for these films.
Norway, in Stavanger European Cultural Other than this the focus will be on
Capital of 2008. Intendant Mary Miller early 20th-century music: Claire Chevallier,
about the Transparant: ‘A lot of artists Benoît van Innis and Josse De Pauw will
and ensembles are coming to Stavanger appear on stage with Poulenc’s Babar and
to perform and show what they can do. Satie’s Le Fils des Etoiles. Caroline Petrick
Die Entführung aus dem Paradies © Herman Sorgeloos Then they leave us. However, this is not the will work on the Harawi songs by Olivier
case with the Flemish group from Antwerp. Messiaen and there will be a revival of Wolpe!
They run Muziektheater Transparant and - a musical-theatre production she made
have plotted Stavanger on their cultural together with Viviane De Muynck, Johan
map.’ (in Stavanger Aftenblad, 03.10.07) Bossers and Gunnar Brandt-Sigurdsson.
Unique in this international regard, is the Early musical work will be performed
Institute for Living Voice project, a peripatetic in Wouter Van Looy’s new production
workshop at which singers and musicians (after) The Fairy Queen (Purcell), in which
from all musical traditions come together the top conductor Emmanuelle Haïm
to hold workshops and give recitals. and her baroque ensemble, Le Concert
Students meet master singers, d’Astrée, will participate. More baroque
traditional ethnic songs meet vocal musique can be heard in the revivals
experiments. Between it’s founding in of Waar is mijn ziel? (Monteverdi) with
2000 by Transparant and David Moss, the B’rock baroque ensemble and in
the Institute welcomed between others RUHE (Schubert) with Collegium Vocale
Barbara Bonney, Christina Branco, Omar Gent directed by Josse De Pauw.
Ebrahim, Nona Henderickx, Phil Minton, About 45 young singers and musicians
Meredith Monk, and Sainko Namtchylak. from Flanders and Friesland will be working
on Rameau’s Platée for the annual youth
On the play list in 08-09 opera workshop. All this young talent will be
Wolpe! © Herman Sorgeloos Muziektheater Transparant gave a coached by the director Ruud Gielens and the
composition assignment to the young musical supervisors Jan Van Outryve, Thomas
all over the world, from the Flemish cultural composer Joachim Brackx. Die Entführung Baeté, Ayala Sircon and Marcin Lasia.
centres to big international festivals including aus dem Paradies will be his first big musical- For the full programme and venues nearby,
Salzburger Festspiele, Avignon Festival, theatre production with the première in read more at www.transparant.be.
Holland Festival, Kunstenfestivaldesarts, and the Flemish Opera in Antwerp (June 09).
Edinburgh International Festival. In it he works together with the writer Muziektheater Transparant vzw
Transparant has also played an integral and librettist Oscar van den Boogaard. Leopoldplaats 10 bus 1
part in the music programming at European Joachim Brackx is also involved in Pour vos B-2000 Antwerpen
Cities of Culture in Bruges, Salamanca and Beaux Yeux, a project based on a series Tel: + 32 (0)3 225 17 02
Lille. In Stavanger 2008, Transparant was of restored silent movies from the 1920s (ma-vr.: tussen 10-18u)
the music theatre company in residence and 30s by the Belgian film directors Henri Fax: + 32 (0)3 22616 52
during February, and engaged in a profound Storck and Charles Dekeukeleire. Apart Email: info@transparant.be
collaboration with the local artists. An from Joachim Brackx, the other house www.transparant.be
Best of Belgium 35
I have never hated a man enough to give
his diamonds back.
Zsa Zsa Gabor (1919 - )
© Diamond Museum Antwerp - Ceara Mc Guire
Chapter 2
Diamonds
Antwerp and Diamonds, a Love Story
Diamonds
Antwerp has long been associated with diamonds. By 2007, more than half of
the world’s consumption of rough, as well as polished and industrial diamonds, is
traded in Antwerp, realising an annual turnover of 42 billion US$.
© Karl Bruninx
The diamond sector represents 12% of centre because of its link and flourishing trade
the Flemish export and is one of the most relations with the East. The city even became
important ambassadors and economic the most important mercantile republic in the
mainstays of the country. western world. It enjoyed a monopoly of the
1800 diamond companies have their diamond trade for diamonds on its way to the
headquarters in this heavily guarded zone, main cities of southern Germany up to its final
with its four diamond bourses. Specialised destination in Bruges. Lying as it did at the
diamond banks, security and transport firms, far end of the trade route, Bruges gradually
brokers, consultants, schools, travel agents developed into a flourishing diamond-cutting
and of course hotels and restaurants are all centre and the city’s reputation in this field
part of this lively society. steadily increased within time. Although
We shall probably never know when the first Bruges maintained its pre-eminent position
diamonds were discovered, but we do know up to the end of the fourteenth century, within
that, from ancient times until the eighteenth fifty years it began to decline because of the
century, diamonds came from India. silting of the Zwin. The diamond trade, along
© Karl Bruninx
In the 14th and 15th century Venice with Bruges’s many other economic activities,
became the most important world trade gradually shifted to the city of Antwerp
38 Best of Belgium
© Karl Bruninx
since the second half of the 15th century. of the reasons for the decline of Antwerp as
Antwerp offered newer and better facilities for diamond trade centre at that time.
communications and exchange. From the 19th century onwards, Antwerp
In the sixteenth century Antwerp was an could again profile itself as Diamond City
expanding and flourishing city. By this time and World Diamond Centre. In 1866 the first
Antwerp (and Lisbon) became the most diamonds were discovered in South Africa.
important world centre(s) for diamonds This discovery, followed a few years later by
© Karl Bruninx
and Antwerp specifically already played the discovery of the Kimberley deposits and
a determining role in the development of the fabulous Kimberley era as well as the rise
diamond-working techniques. It is significant, of the now-famous De Beers Consolidated
for example, that François I did not call on the Mines Ltd. resulted in large-scale prospecting
diamond cutters of Paris but placed his orders and mining activities, which brought Europe
with the craftsmen of Antwerp. massive supplies of rough diamonds. This
Antwerp was at that time the commercial massive influx of rough stones following the
heart of Europe: approximately 40% of the discoveries in South Africa was instrumental
world trade passed through its port. Naturally in contributing to the city’s status of Antwerp
the diamond business occupied a favoured as the world’s leading diamond centre. Within
place. In fact diamond ‘manufacturing’ a few months, this massive influx provided
(cutting/polishing) and diamond trade used to work for thousands of craftsmen, and the swift
be a flourishing business in Antwerp until the revival of diamond cutting in Antwerp was
17th century. This because fewer diamonds further stimulated by an ever-growing demand
from the Indian mines became available. for gemstones.
In 1727 diamonds were already imported The depression of the 1930s hit the
from Brazil, but more than 160 of the 180 diamond trade in Antwerp hard. The cutting
guild members (of the Guild for Diamond shops were sometimes shut down completely
© Mark Dankers
and Rubin Cutters) were unemployed. for several weeks at a time. The situation
The liberation of the trade in jewellery and remained difficult but things grew worse with
gems in 1754 made the situation even the outbreak of the Second World War. In 1939
worse for the diamond ‘manufacturers’ many Jewish businessmen fled the country
(cutters/polishers). The diamond merchants and went to the United States, Portugal or The city knew various Jewish families from
on the other hand were better off during England, where more than 500 diamond the 16th century on, mostly with roots in
the 17th and 18th century in Antwerp. dealers from Antwerp continued to meet and Portugal. The Jewish community played an
So, although the northern Netherlands to do business. important role in the foundation of ‘Beurs
(Amsterdam) acquired more grip on the In an attempt to save as much of the voor Diamanthandel’ (1904), one of the four
diamond business, Antwerp’s decline did not existing diamond stocks as possible from diamond bourses, and the launch of the
occur overnight and despite internal struggles the Germans, the 500 dealers in England ‘Kempische’ diamond craftsmanship. Today
such as the conflict between the New Guild of transferred the diamonds there. In agreement the diamond business is run by people from
Diamond Cutters and the rich merchants, the with the British government, an organisation very different nationalities, of which the Indian
city’s prestige remained apparently intact up known as the Correspondence Office for the community is nowadays the strongest.
to the middle of the seventeenth century. The Diamond Industry was set up to register the The coordinating body and official
diamond trade itself continued to flourish. For diamonds and keep them for the duration of representative of the diamond sector, is the
example, the French king Louis XVI ordered the war. Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC): an
the re-polishing of his crown jewellery in Thanks to this organisation large quantities official organisation, recognised internationally
Antwerp in 1787. of diamonds were returned to their owners and acting as host, spokesperson and
During the first half of the 18th century, after the city was liberated and the Antwerp intermediary for the Belgian diamond
the Englishman James Dormer (1708-1758) diamond industry got off to a promising community. AWDC is the Belgian diamond
tried to establish a monopoly for the import of start when the war was ended. The Antwerp sector’s official liaison with governments, and
Brazilian diamonds but the Portuguese king diamond business thanks its rise after World actively promotes support for the diamond
gave Amsterdam the monopoly. This was one War II to the Jewish community in Antwerp. sector, home and abroad (www.awdc.be)
Best of Belgium 39
The Antwerp
Diamonds
Diamond Heritage
Antwerp is situated in Belgium, the heart of Europe.
The city on the banks of the river Scheldt has always
been a centre of commerce and culture.
Today, Antwerp is the major city of Flanders. Lodewijck Van Bercken was said to have organisation of the Belgian diamond trade
It is situated at the crossroads of international invented the process of polishing diamonds and –industry, acting as a spokesman and
traffic, at a half hour’s drive from Brussels, the with diamonds. In his honour, a statue was co-ordinator of all activities in the diamond
Belgian capital and the headquarters of the erected at the Meir. Today, Antwerp still has sector. It is the marketing organization of the
European Community. the best diamond workers in the world. Antwerp diamantaires.
Since 1447, Antwerp has been Antwerp Cut is the trade mark for perfectly Antwerp World Diamond Centre is more
synonymous with quality diamonds and processed diamonds. than ever committed to maintaining a healthy
superior craftsmanship. Thanks to its and prosperous diamond industry. Antwerp
harbour, Antwerp was a place of unlimited Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) exports to over 90 countries, spreading the
opportunities. The Diamond industry Founded in 1973 as the “Hoge Raad quality image and the philosophy of the
expanded considerably due to strong voor Diamant” (HRD) or the “Diamond Antwerp diamond sector.
commercial relations with neighbours. High Council”, and reformed into a
private foundation called Antwerp World AWDC Marketing Department
The Antwerp World Diamond Centre Diamond Centre (AWDC) in 2007, AWDC Visitors can appeal to the AWDC Marketing
was born. is the officially recognised representative Department for any kind of information:
40 Best of Belgium
Courtesy of AWDC © mdbc
Best of Belgium 41
HRD Antwerp:
Diamonds
Diamond Lab
Demand for diamond grading reports has
grown dramatically in recent years, as
consumers increasingly demand independent
and concrete documentation of their
purchases. Based on this growing demand
worldwide, HRD Antwerp has opened
representative offices in Mumbai, Shanghai
and Hong Kong.
It also launched HRD Antwerp Lab Link,
a diamond grading and certification pick-up
and drop off service in Tel Aviv, Hong Kong,
Mumbai and Dubai. HRD Antwerp Lab Link
offers a full service for customers who like
to receive a HRD Antwerp certificate for
their diamonds. The service guarantees that
diamonds are picked up by a professional
logistic company and sent to Antwerp. Within
15 days, the customer receives back his
diamond with an HRD Antwerp diamond
certificate. This service is offered at very
competitive prices.
HRD Antwerp diamond certificate
guarantees that the stone examined is
indeed a real diamond, and contains a
full and detailed quality description,
focussing on the famous 4C’s
– Carat (weight), Colour, Clarity
and Cut. The report includes a
complete quality description
of the diamond including
shape, weight, clarity grade,
fluorescence, colour grade,
possibly supplemented with
comments.
The HRD Antwerp Diamond
Lab is the largest diamond
grading organisation worldwide to
confirm to the standards of the International
Diamond Council, by the World Federation
of Diamond Bourses and the International
Diamond Manufacturers Association, the
industry’s two leading representative bodies.
The Diamond Lab was also the first diamond
42 Best of Belgium
two programs, basic and advanced, of three
weeks’ duration.
HRD Antwerp started recently with classes
on the use of diamonds in jewellery design. It
teaches the students how to transfer creative
ideas to practical concepts.
Leveraging its scientific knowledge, the
Educational Department works with the
company’s research division to keep up date
with the latest developments in the diamond
industry and adapt courses and classes to
meet demand. All the latest technical and
technological developments on the diamond
market are included in its programs. In
addition to its in-demand courses in Antwerp,
HRD Antwerp provides courses around
the world, thus saving time and expenses
for companies who can ill-afford to have
employees away from their offices. These
courses have taken place in cities as far apart
as Cairo, Madrid, Dubai, Beirut, Bari, Hong
lab ever to receive accreditation by the Kong and Shanghai.
International Standards Organisation, and The purpose of a diamond certificate is
currently operates according to the demanding to offer the customer the highest security
standards of NBN EN ISO/IEC 17025. possible. HRD Antwerp applies the newest
Underpinning the work at the lab is the technology that allows somebody to check
Research Department. Located at a dedicated that his diamond corresponds to its certificate.
facility in the nearby town of Lier, the institute Today you can ask for a laser inscription that
has a team of scientists, engineers and is put on the girdle of the precious stone. This
laboratory staff carrying out research into inscription carries the stone number that is
diamond properties, as well as applied Education mentioned on the certificate.
research to assist the diamond industry and to For more than two decades, the Educational
provide specialized services to the sector. Department of HRD Antwerp created a strong
One of these new services is called ‘Hearts reputation for developing and conducting
and Arrows by HRD Antwerp’. diamond grading programmes for students
Hearts and Arrows diamonds (H&A) are and professionals from Antwerp and
round brilliants with special patterns visible overseas. The Educational Department also
under specific lighting conditions. They consist runs programs for the study of gemstones.
of eight hearts when viewed from the pavilion In operation since 1982, HRD Antwerp has
side and eight arrows when viewed from the created courses for people from across the
crown side. The appearance of the pattern is diamond chain, including diamond traders
a strong indicator of a top quality cut. HRD and graders, diamond specialists in other And if this is not sufficient, you can always
Antwerp ordered a research project to solve sectors, managers and professional staff in the check that the certificate is original. For that
several problems linked with grading this diamond and jewellery industries, appraisers, purpose HRD Antwerp has started an internet
pattern. Today companies can ask for such an gemmologists and jewellery designers. service. If you visit the HRD Antwerp website
HRD certificate for a diamond. With objective The institute has created new programs (www.hrdantwerp.be) and enter the certificate
criteria and digital imaging is determined for short training courses, which enable it number of your diamond, you will find your
whether a diamond meets the Hearts & to provide a broad range of courses lasting electronic certificate as it is stored in the data
Arrows standard. At the same time, diamond from three days to five weeks. The three-day base from HRD Antwerp. The data of any
professionals receive accurate and repeatable course introduces participants to the 4Cs; diamond graded in the HRD Antwerp Diamond
feedback to assist them in the manufacturing while the five-week course is on diamond Lab will be kept in the computer memory as
and sales process. grading. The gemmology course was split into long as 10 years.’
HRD Antwerp NV
Hoveniersstraat 22
2018 Antwerpen, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0)3 222.06.11
Fax: + 32 (0)3 222.06.99
E-mail: info@hrdantwerp.be
www.hrdantwerp.be
Best of Belgium 43
The Diamond Museum in Antwerp
Diamonds
© Diamantmuseum/White Light
Dog Collar ‘Hidra’, 2003, bruikleen AWDC
Diamonds and Antwerp have been so closely and most fascinating stone in the world, which
linked for centuries that the ‘Sinjoren’ (those can be transformed into a dazzling diamond
born and bred in Antwerp) dubbed it ‘t jewel, brilliantly cut by Antwerp craftsmen: a
Steentje’ or the Little Stone! Antwerp first BrilliAntwerp Story!
acquired name and fame for the Little Stone Antwerp’s diamond cutters are indeed
around 1580, partly thanks to the religious world famous. Like Marcel Tolkowsky (1899-
tolerance that prevailed here. However, 1991), celebrated for his invention of the ideal
Antwerp’s definitive development as the brilliant diamond cut in an optimal number
diamond region only began at the end of the of facets, in order to achieve maximum
19th century, with the mining of new diamond brilliance: a technique which is still used
fields in South Africa. In the Diamond today. And master cutter Gaby Tolkowsky
Museum, a Province of Antwerp initiative, one who was invited by the diamond concern De
discovers how the global character of the ‘t Beers to work on the prestigious Centenary
Steentje’ and the profound human emotions and Golden Jubilee diamonds at the end of
Gaby Tolkowsky, © Diamantmuseum
attached to it, are the leitmotif of Antwerp’s the 1980s, a process which took him three
Brilliant Diamond Story. years. Antwerp quality and Antwerp cut,
It is a story of ordinary people and synonymous with world-class workmanship
extraordinary events which are condensed and an enviable end product are reflected
in the diamond history of the Province of in the museum by “De Eendracht”, a real
Antwerp: processing and craftsmanship in the diamond cutter’s workshop. This workshop
Campine/“Kempen”, trade and commerce in is one of the most important items in the
“Cutting a large diamond is hypnotic. You live, sleep and the metropolis. The Diamond Museum provides museum’s collection and part of our industrial
breathe the diamond. It takes over your life.” insight into this wondrous world of the hardest archaeological heritage. On weekdays,
44 Best of Belgium
the present diamond worker talks about
cleaving, cutting and polishing and interactive
visual display units demonstrate the latest
techniques: scanning diamonds, determining
by means of the computer how to polish the
diamond to produce the best shape, etc.
Besides the diamond story, the visitor is
drawn to the treasure chambers spread over
three floors where he can find the museum’s
unique collection of diamond creations:
historic diamond jewels and contemporary
diamond jewellery as well as exhibition space!
For more than four centuries the diamond
has been the jewel par excellence. From the
17th century onwards it was the jewel worn by
kings, queens, and the aristocracy and well-off
ladies and gentlemen during nightly activities,
balls, operas and theatre performances. Until
today film stars, sports heroes, exclusive
fashion models on the catwalk and pop artists
flaunt exclusive but above all eye-catching
diamond jewels. Therefore, the evolution of
the diamond (as a) jewel is a fascinating
story, which is highlighted in the Provincial
Diamond Museum in Antwerp. The museum’s
jewellery acquisition strategy is based on
building up an historic collection of diamond
jewels from the 16th century until present
times, selected because of their beauty and
their art-historical importance. These jewels
are not only to be admired for their charisma,
they also give evidence of historic bonds
between nations and cultures, discoveries of
new countries and continents, the influence of
religion and royal courts, the historic evolutions
and changing traditions and the technological
developments in the diamond jeweller’s and
silversmith’s craft. Although there are many
museums exposing jewels, the Antwerp
Diamond Museum is unique in its approach
to the historic and contemporary jewel,
because it specialises in turning diamonds into
diamond jewel designs. An excellent example
illustrating the display of unique diamond
jewel designs is the result of the biennial
HRD Jewellery Award Competition, an
organisation by the museum’s partner Diamond
High Council www.hrd.be)/ Antwerp World
Diamond Centre www.awdc.be). This biennial
exhibition is the outcome of an international
competition and has been expanded since
2003 to include young as well as experienced
© Diamantmuseum
Best of Belgium 45
MeeVIDA Joaillerie, the New
Diamonds
of product development, distribution and earrings and pendants in line with the design
communication. concept of “timeless avant-garde”. The 2008
46 Best of Belgium
collection of engagement and wedding rings,
which still make up the core of MeeVIDA
Joaillerie’s worldwide sales, draws inspiration
from the world of love poetry and combines
classical elegance with creative innovation.
The Galaxy collection, which uses
micropave diamonds set with the aid of a
microscope, provides an incredibly luxurious,
smooth texture which glitters with a wealth
of eye-catching tiny diamonds as the smooth The big micro pave heart is from the Galaxy collection, the
double row ring in yellow gold is from the new Mosaique
lines of the jewellery designs are accentuated.
collection, on top of it the ring with the micropave ball is
Returning to the eternal theme of love, from the Galaxy collection and the double hearts is from the
the Devotion collection comprises heart- Devotion collection.
shaped jewellery and includes some striking
pieces, notably the chain of hearts. MeeVIDA brand is its link with beauty. MeeVIDA
Joaillerie’s Limited Editions collection consists Joaillerie is proud to be associated with
of unique jewellery masterpieces. beauty pageants such as Miss Belgian Beauty
All of the jewellery pieces in the collections and Miss Benelux and these pageants have
Large Heart necklace from “The Limitied Editions of Meevida”
are made from 18 carat white or yellow gold been an important and eye-catching way
set with brilliant cut diamonds. In accordance of marketing the brand. As Marilyn Monroe
with the Kimberley Process, all diamonds are famously said, “Diamonds are a girl’s best
certified as being from legitimate sources in no friend”. Admiring the glittering diamond
way connected to the funding of conflicts. jewellery that accentuates the beauty of Miss
Belgium 2008 Nele Somers for example,
Brand store it is easy to see why women have chosen
As a result of the overwhelming success of diamonds as a celebration of their glamour
the brand, MeeVIDA Joaillerie opened its and as a form of self-expression throughout
first brand store in Budapest, Hungary in the ages.
December 2006. The launch of MeeVIDA Looking to the future, MeeVIDA Joaillerie’s
Joaillerie’s Budapest store brought together goal is to be recognised as one of the
more than 300 Hungarian VIPs including Miss leading Belgian and European jewellery
Hungary 2006, Szabo Kitti, and the famous brand. Combining a wealth of expertise in Hoveniersstraat 30
Hungarian singer Adrienn Zsedenyi, who is professional production with a sophisticated Room 625, Box 179
the face of MeeVIDA Joaillerie in Hungary. marketing approach, which includes providing 2018 Antwerpen
MeeVIDA Joaillerie has a similar brand store retailers with complete packages of branded Tel: + (32) 3 226 41 11
in India and the company has plans to open accessories as well as marketing support, Fax: + (32) 3 226 38 54
stores in Antwerp, Prague and Warsaw. MeeVIDA Joaillerie is perfectly positioned to Email: info@meevida.com
A significant aspect of the MeeVIDA Joaillerie build its brand locally and internationally. www.meevida.com
Best of Belgium 47
The Nordic Fire Diamond
Diamonds
48 Best of Belgium
diamond mining companies. And importantly, Nordic Fire stone is handled by only the very This is the Nordic Fire diamond.
as a Canadian mine, it is in an issue-free zone. best professionals in Antwerp. These expert From when the rough stone is plucked from
craftsmen continue a centuries-old tradition, the earth until Nordic Fire’s half Maple leaf
…to selection and polishing… working painstakingly to reveal the true is inscribed on a polished gem, the Nordic
For over 500 years, Antwerp has been the beauty of the stone. Fire diamond only ever know the highest
centre of the world’s diamond trade and this standards of diamond excellence. It is these
is the next step in a Nordic Fire diamond’s …to the half Maple leaf: the mark of quality standards that instill pure beauty into every
journey. Rough stones are sent direct to The finishing touch for any Nordic Fire Nordic Fire diamond.
Crisdiam, one of Antwerp’s most reputable diamond is to laser-inscribe a half Maple
diamond companies. This Antwerp diamond leaf and individual identification number
company has a proud diamond tradition, on its girdle. Invisible to the naked eye,
with a reputation for knowledge, passion and this identification number means you can
integrity. Founded in 1970, with the original verify its authenticity as a genuine Nordic
families still at the helm today, this company Fire diamond. For example, you can enter
can trace its polishing activities in Antwerp this number into the Nordic Fire website to Crisdiam B.V.B.A.
back to 1898. verify it is a genuine Nordic Fire diamond Hoveniersstraat 2
Here in Antwerp, the Nordic Fire diamond and access other information about it. Also, Box 240, Suite 1201
is selected and subsequently cut and every diamond is dual certified: first by our 2018 Antwerp, Belgium
polished by Crisdiam’s master craftsmen. own rigorous quality appraisal and then Tel: +32 3 233 6559
In an age where much of the diamond craft independently by the Geomological Institute E-mail: info@nordicfire.be
has become semi-industrialised in Asia, the of America. www.nordicfire.be
Best of Belgium 49
Pinchasi & Sons
Diamonds
J . P I N C H A S I & S O N S
Pinchasi is a second-generation family company that has
been operating in the diamond industry in Belgium for 40
years. It is one of the largest diamond cutters in the world,
and one of the only ones who still has a working factory in
the cosmopolitan, multicultural city of Antwerp.
The diamond cutting process is a fascinating serves as a clearing-house for all the rough
and exacting one. Rough diamonds all diamonds that they buy and trade. The
have to be cut and polished before being company always carries a large, centralised
certified by a recognised laboratory. stock of cut, polished and certified diamonds
The certification process includes the which are immediately available in Antwerp,
assessment of the four famous C’s - and can be shipped within 24 hours to
clarity, colour, cut and carat weight. any destination in the world. This swift
The HRD, or Antwerp diamond council, is response time is vitally important in the
the largest diamond certification laboratory fast-moving diamond market. It’s all done
in Europe, and Pinchasi is a large client of with a small and flexible team of just 12
this laboratory. Pinchasi’s Belgium office people in the Antwerp office, who deal with
50 Best of Belgium
are cut and polished in India, while the with the highest standards of integrity, quality,
bigger, more complex stones are handled service, advice and deal making, will survive.
in Antwerp. Since the opening of the Indian Pinchasi is an outstanding example of such
factory, turnover has doubled. Pinchasi also a company. Although the salespeople do
does business online - orders can be taken, regular business with their long-established
certification can be consulted, and stones clientele, they will usually meet them only
can be assessed online via their certification. once a year, either in Antwerp or at the trade
The company’s market is mainly in Europe fair which takes place annually in Basel,
and Asia, although sales are also made in Switzerland - the largest expo in the world
Australia and the Americas. 70% of clients are for the diamond and jewellery industry.
jewellery manufacturers, and the others are Pinchasi believes that Antwerp will remain
wholesalers. The company has enjoyed a 30- the diamond centre of the world, despite
year relationship with many of its customers. competition from low-cost operations in other
Quality is the benchmark when dealing with a countries. Antwerp is a city well adapted to
high value commodity like diamonds. Diamond the multicultural world of diamond dealing
cutting is a specialised profession that requires where many different nationalities rub
years of experience, and mistakes simply shoulders with each other. The diamond area
cannot be made. If quality is not upheld in is centralised and accessible, and security
all processes, then a poor cut can ruin a is excellent. Most significantly, Antwerp has
promising stone, or certification can become a history of diamond cutting and dealing
difficult to obtain. At Pinchasi, standards are that stretches back hundreds of years.
adhered to rigidly, both in Antwerp and in the When all is said and done, diamonds are a
operation in India. The company’s service people business, and this diamond culture
sales and operations, including the sorting, excellence also gives it a valuable edge in the cannot be easily replicated elsewhere.
preparation and certification of the stones. industry. Finally, maximum efficiency is the key
The company was named after its founder, to Pinchasi’s success, giving it a 2-3% price
Mr Pinchasi, and his two sons took over differential in this fiercely competitive market.
the leadership after his death. The Pinchasi It is surprising that, in an industry where Schupstraat 1/7
sons have introduced new innovations and valuable stones worth millions of dollars 2018 Antwerpen
developments, including a massive new are traded every day, most business is Belgium
diamond cutting operation in India, which done on a simple handshake, without any Tel: +32 3 231 21 47
was opened seven years ago and is ten contracts or insurance. For this reason, trust Fax: +32 3 232 63 97
times as big as the Antwerp factory. The is key, and only companies who nurture E-mail: Info@pinchasi.com
large quantities of medium sized stones relationships with their clients and operate www.pinchasidiamonds.com
Best of Belgium 51
L&A Jewellery Dazzles the World
Diamonds
52 Best of Belgium
Fair in Switzerland. They are also one of only
a handful of jewellery design companies that
have a Swiss carat certification stamp of
approval upfront, a certification required for
jewellery exports to Switzerland.
L&A designed one of the Queen of
Morocco’s jewel necklaces for the royal
When the twins Louis and August (L&A) polishers and that accounts for over 50% wedding in 2002. Another honour was
Van Camp founded their internationally of the world diamond trade. It is here that being selected in 1986 for the design
renowned jewellery business L&A Jewellers jewellery retailers come to source their and manufacture of the music industry’s
in Antwerp’s diamond district in 1967, they diamonds. In such a highly competitive prestigious “Diamond Award,” this was the
set a standard for dazzling, innovative environment, jewellery firms continually first time in history that something of value
and premium quality jewellery which challenge each other to remain at the was given using real diamonds.
has endured for more than 40 years. cutting edge of the latest and most effective Diamonds are forever, as the saying goes.
L&A Jewellers, the last remaining family- design and manufacturing technology. Elegant, regal and yet humble, these symbols
run jewellery business in Antwerp that still The latest jewellery design software with of beauty, purity and strength are timeless,
does all stages of the production process 3-D modelling enables L&A’s designers to produced in the earth’s core billions of years
in-house, has a well-deserved reputation create intricate and complex pieces with ago and prized for their almost magical
for striking luxury jewellery. The Van Camp astonishing accuracy and in a remarkably qualities. As timeless as diamonds are, the
family has a lasting passion for jewellery short space of time. In the current collections, designs that accentuate their beauty are more
design manufacture. And the business Scented Garden and The Full Circle, the work influenced by the ebbs and flows of the world
continues to be run by the founders’ is extremely fine and complex, necessitating fashion scene.
eleven children. Myriam Van Camp is state-of-the-art machine-work combined with Thus while L&A’s core product has
L&A’s general manager while her sister personal craftsmanship. While the emphasis traditionally been the diamond engagement
Hilde is the company’s chief designer. is on the production of the latest collections, ring, the Van Camps are keen to further
L&A’s position within the heart of Antwerp’s L&A’s designers are able to create one-off enhance their brand by collaborating
diamond district, the centre of the global pieces at individual request. Customers are with international design collections and
diamond industry, provides the means and encouraged to provide their own sketches or showcasing their products to discerning
the daily inspiration for their successful pictures which Hilde and her design team can jewellery customers worldwide.
business. Antwerp’s diamond district is then translate into inspirational designs. L&A already has a strong international
home to almost 400 jewellery workshops, L&A’s latest collections are particularly presence, exporting 50% of their
boasts 12,000 expert diamond cutters and striking. The Scented Garden, a range of creations around the world, particularly
exquisite flower designs, takes its inspiration to luxury jewellery stores in the
from the extraordinary and delicate beauty United Kingdom and Ireland.
of the floral kingdom while The Full Circle In order to further enhance this reputation
consists of a series of strikingly original and and to remain constantly innovative, the
attractive circular designs. All designs are Van Camps are looking to take advantage
made with 18 carat gold or 95% platinum, of exciting international design trends. The
which provides a luxurious, high-quality time is right to showcase the best of Belgian
product. Myriam Van Camp says that they jewellery to the world and to attract more
would rather use more gold than credited in publicity in the upper end of the international
order to ensure a premium product. jewellery market.
The company’s commitment to superior
quality has resulted in international recognition Rijfstraat 10
and accolades. L&A is the only Belgian Made 2018 Antwerp
jewellery company to have a regular stand at Tel: +32 (0)3 233 95 52
the most prestigious professional diamond Fax: +32 (0)3 226 16 38
Seven days ring fair on the global calendar, the Basel World www.l-a.be
Best of Belgium 53
Verbruggen
Diamonds
54 Best of Belgium
“the pearls dealer” - an accolade which, intricate art, and it can take years to source
in diamond-focused Antwerp, is rare. the pearls for a perfectly matched necklace.
A pearl is a miracle of nature. Natural Verbruggen imports pearls directly from
pearls are formed when a piece of grit their source in countries like Australia, Tahiti,
or other irritating object gets inside the China and Japan. The Verbruggen family
shell of a pearl oyster. The oyster deals design their own jewellery creations, and
with this irritation by surrounding the manufacture almost all of these themselves in
object with layers of beautiful, iridescent their Antwerp workshop. While the collections
nacre. Natural pearls are exceedingly rare, are classics in their own right, they are
and in order to obtain them, pearl divers inspired by modern jewellery trends. New
must gather and open many hundreds of creations are constantly being produced, on
oysters in the hope of finding just one. average 50 to 100 pieces a week. Some of
Cultured pearls are made on pearl farms, these are crafted for retailers, who enjoy long-
with the help of human intervention. A small standing relationships with Verbruggen and
bead, usually made from a mussel shell, is return time and time again for the exceptional
placed inside the oyster during a delicate value, quality and first class service that
operation. The oyster is then returned to the this company is famous for. Verbruggen
water for six months or more, where it coats also sells directly to consumer clients, and
this nucleus with shimmering nacreous layers. produces pieces for its own collections.
The value of the resulting pearl is determined
by a combination of its lustre, colour, size,
flawlessness and symmetry. Generally, the
larger the pearl, the more valuable it is, and VERBRUGGEN
pearls that are large and perfectly round are Parels & Juwelen
rare and highly valued. Colour also plays Vestingstraat 49
an important part. White and black are the 2018 Antwerpen, Belgium
most popular colours for pearls, but they can Tel: 32 (0)3 231 21 29
have a variety of shades, from pink to blue, Fax: 32 (0)3 231 14 51
from champagne to purple. Matching pearls E-mail: verbruggen-parels@telenet.be
according to their colour and shape is an www.parelsverbruggen.com
Best of Belgium 55
Les Bijoux de Marie-France
Diamonds
56 Best of Belgium
in the centre of Brussels. Here, talented grey. The collection includes earrings, wants more than just a set of precious jewels
craftsmen shine the precious metal, bracelets, rings and pendants. and therefore makes her creations truly unique.
again and again, and shape it under the The pendants are hanging from Marie-France takes part in many artistic
direction of the designer Marie-France. leather chains that give them a modern activities but her concerns are not only
Marie-France’s collection of jewellery and contemporary look with lighter to introduce her creations. She also has
offers the woman of today full elegance and effect, therefore easier to wear. humanitarian goals, such as the ULB exhibition
originality. Gold is worked to become as This new collection is booming with its gathering several artists for the ASBL of Jean-
soft as silk, pearls of all colours wind around beauty and femininity. “Les Ecailles”, “Les Claude Heuson and for the Institut Bordet’s
the body with elegance, and the result is Constellations”, “Les Torsadés”, “Les Caviars” Breast Cancer Research Department.
a modern but not too eccentric design.
The design is not only a piece of A real success
accessory but a part of the woman’s look. Marie-France’s collection was presented
during the “Journées d’ Elégance et Les Bijoux de Marie-France
Marie-France’s collection Prestige” and at several exhibitions in 63 Rue de Houblon
Only 18 carats gold is used and is polished, Brussels, New York, London, Milan, Madrid 1000 Bruxelles – Belgium
beaten, shaped, heated to create different and Paris and received a real success. Tel: +32 (0)2/511 32 98
colours and unusual aspects. The colour In addition to her infallible made-to-measure Email: lesbijouxdemariefrance@skynet.be
of gold becomes yellow, pink, pearly or technique, Marie-France knows that a woman www.lesbijouxdemariefrance.com
Best of Belgium 57
Food is an important part of
a balanced diet.
Fran Lebowitz (1950 - )
Chapter 3
Speciality Foods
Belgian Beer Weekend
Speciality Foods
At the end of the summer The Belgian Brewers’ association and the
‘Chevalerie du Fourquet des Brasseurs’, in collaboration with the City of Brussels
organizes the BELGIAN BEER WEEKEND at the Brussels’ Grand’Place.
Many small, medium-sized and large Belgian Belgium boasts the largest range of distinctly
breweries will present to you their best different beers and labels in the world. Or
selections of beers. Entrance is free and beer then again you could wish to have a pleasant
prices are very democratic! ... Breweries will chat with the brewer of your favorite beer.
be present! And you like spending time in pavement
Perhaps you are a confirmed beer lover cafés, so the idea of sipping a delicious
or you are keen on tasting something new. glass of Belgian beer on the most beautiful
Or maybe you honestly never realized that Market Place in the world sounds very
60 Best of Belgium
tempting. Belgium offers a unique range of
beers having the most contrasting tastes and
flavors. Nowhere else in the world you can
find a larger choice of regional, authentic and
colorful beers.
www.weekenddelabiere.be
Best of Belgium 61
Royal-quality Belberry Preserves
Speciality Foods
When Andre Vandererfven, a small-scale fruit syrups, sauces and vinegars – are honoured way without artificial flavourants or
delicatessen owner in the medieval west highly sought-after in exclusive department preservatives. This ensures the fresh aromas
Flemish town of Kortrijk since 1956, was stores in 20 countries and are personally and exquisite flavours of the ripe fruit are
asked by the local pharmacist’s wife to requested by royalty and nobility. retained in a naturally beautifully, luxurious
produce a batch of marmalade according finish. “The core of what we do is the
to her family’s ancient recipe, he started Artisanal production: small is beautiful preservation of fruit,” says Thierry. “Hereditas
a modest production of preserves using As Thierry well knows, the secret to excellent fructus in posterium.”
traditional methods to sell in his store. His preserves is top quality fruit. A wide variety
son Thierry took over the business in 1990 of only the freshest, unblemished fruit is Traditional and innovative
and saw an opportunity to expand production sourced year-round from across the globe, Belberry Preserves is both a traditional and
and sell further afield. This was the start of fully processed in-house and carefully innovative brand. Far from the stuffiness
a remarkable success story. Since attending crafted according to traditional methods. its name might imply, the brand name is
his first international trade exhibition in the Small batches of fruit, fine sugars, juice and actually a play on “Belgian berry”. The
UK in 2000, Thierry Vandererfven hasn’t natural apple pectin (to set the jams where refreshingly young but established “feel”
looked back. His premium quality products necessary) are boiled in copper urns over an of the brand is carried through in exotic
— from royal marmalades and jams to open gas flame and preserved in the time- flavours such as Morillo Cherry, Seville
62 Best of Belgium
Orange, Mango & Maracuja, Rhubarb and include the finest department stores all Belberry Preserves bvba
Strawberry, Figs & Port and the delicious but over the world. Thierry’s products also Doenaertstraat 11
still-experimental figs and chocolate. aptly fly First Class, as luxury food items B-8500 Kortrijk – Belgium
on the in-flight menu of several airlines. Tel: +32 56 220 560
Royal quality With the company expanding at an Fax: +32 56 221 560
Belberry Royal Marmalade, an imaginative astonishing 70% a year, Belberry Preserves www.belberry.com
assortment of eight citrus-based is clearly making strong inroads into the
marmalades, derives its name both from luxury food market. Following the 2005 trade
the supreme quality of the fruit and the mission to Japan led by Prince Philippe of
royal stamp of approval. It has become a Belgium, Thierry and a Japanese partner
tradition that every time Thierry develops launched Belberry’s own pilot concept store in
a new marmalade, a sample is sent to midtown Tokyo, which is strategically placed
Queen Paola of Belgium (who is known to showcase the brand for the growing Asian
to love marmalade) for approval. One market. This store is also an opportunity to
day Thierry received a call from the promote Belberry’s newer product lines such
Queen’s personal assistant to say that as sugar-free jams, as well as fruit vinegars,
the monarch was delighted with the taste dessert sauces (including three old fashioned
of his products. Since then Belberry syrups: Sweet Elderberry, Canadian Cranberry
Preserves regularly supplies the Belgian and Wild Blueberry) which are proving
monarchy. As befits a royal product, increasingly popular.
Belberry is also a multiple winner of Attention to quality at all levels of
Tavola and other Fine Food Awards. production — from sourcing the freshest
and finest fruits and sugars to innovative
Select distribution channel flavours and products through to a highly
While production is small and still done efficient marketing and distribution channel
by hand — only 3,000 jars are produced — ensures customer satisfaction and brand
per day — an efficient marketing and loyalty. With premium quality as Belberry’s
distribution channel ensures that these recipe for success, it’s hardly surprising
premium products are flown to exclusive that customers such as the Emir of Qatar,
department stores across the European who regularly visits his hunting lodge in
Union as well as further afield to America, the Belgian Ardennes forests, annually
Hong Kong, Korea and Japan. Elite clients request their own personal supply.
Best of Belgium 63
Jules Destrooper
Speciality Foods
After being founded more than 120 years the almond thin, a delicate biscuit that was
ago, NV Biscuiterie Jules Destrooper to please generations of people all over the
is still growing fast. What began as a world. In that way, in 1886, the biscuiterie
local business driven by one man, now Jules Destrooper was founded.
is a world-wide company with highly Driven by the success of his product and
appreciated standards. The professional by his natural talent, Jules Destrooper
approach may have changed, the original worked out his own recipe of a traditional
recipes remain untouched from day one. Belgian butter wafer, which he successfully
launched on the Belgian market in 1890. In
Belgium, second half of the 1911 the almond thin was rewarded with the
nineteenth century... prestigious golden award at the famous food
show in Paris.
Driven by passion, Jules Destrooper, Jules Destrooper, motivated by
a colonial trader, combined the best of the this international recognition, continued
spices he imported from Africa and the East his efforts to improve the quality of his
with the best of nature’s ingredients. That’s products. Several other national and
how he obtained a very unique flavour for international awards stimulated a first
PURVEYOR TO THE
BELGIAN ROYAL HOUSEHOLD
selective export of the products. The art naturally involve a lot of changes, the
of preserving the quality and the freshness modern computer-aided production methods
of their products was one of the major guarantee optimal quality and hygiene, but
concerns of the second and third generation the founder’s original recipes will never be
of the Destrooper family. By means of changed. Just as they were in 1886, Jules
an airtight aluminium packing method, Destrooper biscuits are completely free
the family succeeded in increasing the of any kind of artificial colouring, flavouring
shelf life of their natural and therefore or preservatives. Each biscuit is the honest
delicate products to up to nine months. product of our sustained desire to offer the
This of course enabled the first step best biscuits from creamery butter, fresh
to world-wide export. From then on, eggs, flour and selected sugars.
gastronomes from the four corners of the This youngest generation can also be
world could enjoy the unique freshness, very proud of a brand new line of chocolate
the delicate flavour and the crispiness of covered biscuits. Several new biscuits
the original Jules Destrooper biscuits. have come to please all gastronomes: the Biscuiterie
Moreover, in this period, a third delicious Florentines with Almonds and Nuts, the Jules Destrooper
biscuit was baked: a sister of the butter Hazelnut Florentines with Crispy Rice (since Gravestraat 5
wafer, the Paris wafer or butter crumble. 1991), and the Cinnamon Biscuits enrobed 8647 LO
Today, the Jules Destrooper biscuits with chocolate (since 1993). Each of these Belgium
are the pride of the 4th generation. The fine biscuits contain nothing but original Tel: +32 58 28 80 41
biscuits are still based on the secret family natural ingredients of highest quality such as Fax: +32 58 28 93 82
recipe, as Jules Destrooper developed Valencia Almonds, Cinnamon from Indonesia E-mail: info@destrooper.be
it. More than 120 years of experience (class 1) and the purest Belgian chocolate. www.destrooper.be
Best of Belgium 65
BBCW - The Art of Blending
Speciality Foods
66 Best of Belgium
To take Belgium’s image to the highest 3. A chocolate of quality
level, BBCW has selected the most
authentic ambassadors of handicraft Following the debate inspired
Belgian chocolate from among the by the European directive on the
many potential craftsmen in the country. quality of chocolate products,
chocolate lovers have come to
A Unique Approach understand that authentic chocolate
The approach of BBCW consists of and pralines must observe certain
four complementary challenges. golden rules in terms of quality.
Best of Belgium 67
Godiva Chocolatier –
Speciality Foods
Godiva’s History
This is the true story of a chocolatier whose
legendary name has become a symbol of
luxury the world over.
It all started in the 1920s in Brussels where
the Draps family founded a chocolate and
sweet-making workshop. Their “pralines”,
typical Belgian filled chocolates, were made
for large shops which in those days were
highly fashionable.
At the age of fourteen, Joseph Draps
joined the family business. It was there
that he developed both his ability and
creative talent as a Maître Chocolatier as
well as his business sense. He then decided
to create a luxury range of chocolates
and to give it an evocative name.
68 Best of Belgium
He chose Godiva, for its international Godiva’s Chocolate Ground between two enormous granite
recognition factor and the evocation of the Over 80 different chocolate varieties comprise millstones, they then pass between cylinders,
legend of Lady Godiva. Godiva’s gourmet range; all made using which grind them even more finely to just 20
If you remember the legend; when Lady fresh, natural ingredients carefully selected microns in size. The powder and the oil from
Godiva, wife of Lord Leofric, protested against by Godiva; the choice of cocoa beans, the the grinding are mixed to form the praline
the excessive taxation of his subjects a deal degree of roasting, the fineness of grinding, paste- smooth and sweet smelling.
was struck: Lady Godiva would ride through the purity and the homogeneity of the The nougatine is also made in a traditional
the streets of Coventry, “clad in naught chocolate paste, which is refined by conching. way at Godiva. Roasted, crushed nuts are
but her long tresses,” and if the population mixed with a sugar caramel without adding
remained in shuttered houses, their tax The Godiva ingredients water. This preparation is rolled out on a
burden would be lifted. The following morning The enrobing chocolate, dark, milk or white marble table and cooled. Broken into little
she made her famous ride, the citizens is specially prepared for Godiva following our squares using a caramel roller, it will be
graciously stayed inside and Leofric kept his own recipe. Despite the relaxation of rules in used to create, for example, a taste contrast
word and reduced the taxes. Lady Godiva the new European directive, Godiva uses only between the crispness and the creaminess of
won the hearts of many and her legend has chocolate made from 100% cocoa butter. certain fillings prepared in Godiva kitchen.
continued to deepen throughout the centuries. Without vegetable fats. Real chocolate! Today, the recipes of the founder and the
Nowhere is her passion, purity, sensuality, The fillings - fine creams, delicate freshness of totally natural ingredients remain
style and boldness more symbolised than in a marzipan, fruit and nuts - are prepared in the the secret of Godiva quality and have been
tantalising box of Godiva chocolates which in mixers in the Godiva kitchens. Only genuine, rewarded with an appointment as official
turn are sure to win the hearts of all those who fresh products are brought into this workshop, supplier to the Royal Court of Belgium.
taste them. which is the real heart of Godiva quality. Fresh Godiva’s passion for chocolate innovation
The crest of Lady Godiva has quite butter and real cream are delivered several and luxury combined with a truly memorable
naturally found its place amongst the times a week. And the hint of alcohol, notably experience contained in each mouthful has
gold and splendour of the Grand-Place in the fresh cream pralines, comes from top made legendary.
in Brussels, a huge backdrop against brand liqueurs and three stars Cognac.
which Godiva opened one of their most The praline is always made in-house. This
prestigious boutiques in 1956. is one of the Godiva strong points. Turkish
Success was not far off. Godiva expanded hazelnuts, selected and calibrated to give an 5 Rue de l’Armistice
throughout Belgium. And soon the first shops even roasting, are heated to develop their B-1081 Brussels – Belgium
were opening abroad. In the Rue Saint- aroma and peeled to avoid any bitterness. Tel: + 32 2 422 17 11
Honoré in Paris in 1958 and, in 1966, on Fifth Cooled, they are mixed with an equal quantity Fax: + 32 2 422 18 62
Avenue in New York. of sugar, then heated again and caramelised. www.godiva.be
Best of Belgium 69
Barry Callebaut: The Heart and
Speciality Foods
The name ‘Callebaut’ has been synonymous chocolate for the global food industry,
with Belgium’s renowned tradition for mastering every step of the production
fine chocolate making for over 150 years, process from sourcing the finest beans
its celebrated chocolate has been the to tempering the finished chocolate.
ingredient of choice for the country’s top
praline houses. When Callebaut merged Global presence
with its French counterpart, Cacao Barry Barry Callebaut’s primary production and
in 1996, it succeeded in complementing research facility in Wieze, Belgium is the
its own extensive experience in production largest chocolate factory in the world. Barry
and marketing with Cacao Barry’s expertise Callebaut is present in 25 countries, and
in procurement and cocoa processing. operates about 40 production facilities
Since that time, Barry Callebaut has around the globe. This global network of
grown to become the world’s leading production sites spanning Europe, Africa,
manufacturer of high-quality cocoa and North and South America and Asia, coupled
70 Best of Belgium
with a strong commitment to research
and development, has enabled Barry
Callebaut to answer the diverse needs
and varying consumer preferences of a
wide spectrum of the global food industry.
Barry Callebaut’s sales of over €2.5
billion last financial year therefore include
industrial food manufacturers, professional
artisanal users (such as chocolatiers,
pastry chefs and bakers) and retailers. The
company also provides a comprehensive
range of services for its customers
in the fields of product development,
processing, training and marketing.
Customer focus
As the driving force of the world’s chocolate
and confectionary industry, Barry Callebaut
aims to be the number one producer in
every major customer segment, in every
major market throughout the world. Barry
Callebaut’s strength is derived from a passion
for chocolate spanning more than 150 years
and the constantly evolving heritage of
knowledge and expertise it implies. Barry
Callebaut’s diverse range of products and
applications along with its long tradition of
innovation and product development make
it the preferred partner of an equally diverse
range of customers from individual artisans to
industrial manufacturers and global retailers.
“Our focus at Barry Callebaut has always
been to generate growth for our customers;
helping them to develop, produce and
market new products for the enjoyment of
consumers the world over,” says Hans Vriens, response to brain function,” explains characteristics and flavours of specific cocoa
Chief Innovation Officer at Barry Callebaut. Hans Vriens. “Acticoa™ is the only varieties and growing regions, these single-
As a result, the company now boasts chocolate with a guaranteed minimum origin chocolates represent the very pinnacle
around 1700 different recipes along with polyphenol content and is also one of the of indulgence. Other innovations including
proven expertise in the field of customized richest known sources of antioxidants.” the world’s first soluble cocoa powder
product development. The fact that Barry Other innovations aimed at improving along with non-chocolate derivatives such
Callebaut continues to outgrow the global the permissibility of chocolate include a as brewing agents, fat-free frying products
chocolate market by 2 to 1 is further proof sugar reduced and fibre enriched chocolate and even cosmetics and skincare products
of the success of its overall strategy. which succeeds in improving the nutritional have firmly established Barry Callebaut
profile of chocolate without the use of not only as the global leader in research
A tradition of innovation artificial additives. Intensive research at Barry and development but as the very heart and
Barry Callebaut’s innovation strategy is Callebaut has also resulted in a probiotic soul of the cocoa and chocolate industry.
founded on three main pillars: health & chocolate as well as the world’s first sugar-
wellness, experience & indulgence and based tooth-friendly chocolate. Best of
convenience. Barry Callebaut’s Acticoa™ all, Barry Callebaut’s healthy chocolate
chocolate and cocoa powder is just one range has the same great taste, texture Barry Callebaut NV
example of ‘going back to the bean’. and mouth feel as conventional chocolate. Aalstersestraat 122
Acticoa™ is the outcome of years of In fact, Barry Callebaut is always looking 9280 Lebbeke-Wieze
research aimed at preserving and enhancing for ways to enhance that celebrated Belgium
the function of cocoa polyphenols, the chocolate experience even further. Tel:+32 53 73 02 11
most powerful antioxidants known to For instance, because of its presence in Fax:+32 53 78 04 63
man. “Antioxidants are thought to play a origin countries the company, can offer the E-mail: info@barry-callebaut.com
major role in several areas of human health widest selection of single-origin chocolates www.barry-callebaut.com
from cardiovascular health and immune in the world. Embodying the unique www.acticoa.com
Best of Belgium 71
Duc d’O Chocolaterie –
Speciality Foods
Irresistible jewels… Immediately from the start, his mission was present time, his son, Mr. Paul-Henri Verhelst
In 1983, Mr. Hendrik Verhelst, a keen to provide consumers with high quality has taken over the reigns, leading Duc d’O
chocolate lover, made his dream come products at an affordable price. A clear and Chocolaterie firmly into the 21st century.
true when he founded his own chocolate simple strategy that paid off, as he saw In the Belgian plant at Kruibeke (Antwerp
production company, Duc d’O Chocolaterie. double digit growth almost every year. At the region), a dedicated team of 120 employees
72 Best of Belgium
produce daily 30 tons of chocolate
products. Star players are the famous Duc
d’O truffles, pralines and mini pralines.
But also the liqueur pralines, sea-shells,
hearts, Easter chocolates, bars and
tablets are much loved by consumers.
Best of Belgium 73
Pralibel
Pralibel steps up to the big league of Belgian chocolatiers
The “super league” of big-name Belgian chocolatiers is production has risen to keep pace with demand, annual
facing a new player in its ranks with the recent unveiling revenue has shot up to over 10 million euros from an
of specialist praline producer Pralibel’s restyling of initial one million euros in 1993. In 2005 Pralibel won the
its premium chocolate range. The quality praline and Gazelle prize for the fastest-growing SME in the food
chocolate producer from the Jagershoek town of Vichte sector in Flanders over the past five years.
in Flanders has shown exponential growth in the last 15
years and has now reached a level of maturity where it Quality and flexibility
is able to step up as a major player on the prestigious Sulmon attributes his company’s success to being able
Belgian chocolate stage. to strike a balance between artisanal and industrial
production. Pralibel manufactures over 150 different
In a fiercely competitive market in which Belgian top quality pralines in a semi-artisanal way. While
companies export over one billion euros worth of chocolate-filling and finishing are done by hand, state-
delicious chocolate to a world market hungry for more, of-the-art machinery allows for high volume production
Pralibel has been able to make this move on the back of and a swift response to customer orders.
continued expansion and phenomenal success.
The company’s machines are geared for smaller runs (e.g.
Fantastic growth 50kg) which facilitates flexible and diverse production.
Pralibel has shown rapid growth from its establishment in Forty different types of pralines can be produced in
1993. Since general manager Paul Sulmon and a dynamic any one day and different ranges of pralines, chocolate
team of entrepreneurs took over the established Deleu figures and packaging are produced to customer
chocolaterie fifteen years ago, they have transformed it specifications as part of Pralibel’s established private
into a leading producer. The company has grown at an label business. At peak times they employ more than a
astounding rate, enlarging the size of its factory from hundred people with staff working longer shifts around
750m in 1993 to 15,000m in 2008 and increasing the
2 2
the clock. Orders are dispatched from start to finish
number of people on its payroll five-fold in that time. As within seven working days.
With Pralibel’s fine chocolates made from 100% cocoa requirements. The resulting chocolate is then certified
butter and new types of pralines and packaging being by the Fairtrade Organisation. Pralibel’s fair trade label
developed all the time, quality remains excellent. Hygiene won the 2006 Co-op “Fairtrade Product of the Year”
and safety standards are particularly important and the award in the United Kingdom.
company complies with strict HACCP (Hazard Analysis
Critical Control Points) requirements. Certification is in Export drive
accordance with the BRC (British Retailers Consortium) France has traditionally been the most important export
and IFS. Also, ERP-steered production ensures full market for Pralibel but their premium chocolates are now
traceability and stringent control mechanisms. exported within the ‘better channels’ to 40 countries and
are present in the markets of Scandinavia, Great Britain,
Fairtrade Eastern Europe as well as China. Sulmon explains that
In a world market which is increasingly conscious of the the restyling and repackaging of Chateau Blanc, their
environmental and social aspects of the food industry, established premium brand for traditional gourmet
Pralibel has introduced its own fair trade chocolate chocolate boutiques, as ‘Pralibel: Belgian Chocolatier’
range certified under licence of the Max Havelaar has provided extra impetus to the export drive. Further
Foundation. Paul Sulmon explains that the pressures momentum has been created by the launch of Pralibel’s
of the chocolate industry often drive the market price own modern specialty store in Bouillon in the Belgian
of cocoa beans lower than the price of investments Ardennes.
by producers, who live in poor developing countries,
particularly in Africa.
To ensure more sustainable producer prices as well as Jagershoek 21, 8570 Vichte, Belgium
better environmental and social effects, Pralibel has Tel +32 56 78 80 80
joined forces with producer organisations to ensure Fax +32 56 78 80 88
better prices for producers who comply with Fair Trade www.pralibel.be
The True Taste of
Speciality Foods
Traditional Pleasure
The pleasures of the table hold a very special place in the hearts of
Belgians. That’s why the country is becoming renowned the world over
as the ultimate food destination. Cock’s Vleeswaren takes pride of
place in this reputation, thanks to its unswerving commitment to quality,
in both ingredients and production.
76 Best of Belgium
How long does it take to become a tradition? and in 2005 the site doubled in size with
For Cock’s Vleeswaren and the De Cock the building of a new distribution centre.
family, the journey started over 70 years But thanks to the family connection, it
ago, when Charles De Cock first opened his has remained true to the original vision of
butcher’s shop in the town of St. Niklaas in Charles and Jozef De Cock: to use the best
1935. After 11 years, Charles expanded his ingredients and traditional methods to create
business into a wholesale company with its the highest quality products.
own production line. His star specialty: a
traditionally-prepared cooked ham. A convincing philosophy
His son, Jozef De Cock, followed For the De Cock’s brothers, the food
in his father’s footsteps, opening his experience is critical. The product itself must
own wholesale company – Cock’s convince the customers, with its exceptional
Vleeswaren—in 1969. One year later, he flavour, enticing aroma and inviting appeal.
took over his father’s production line. And the only way to ensure this is to put
As the company’s reputation for traditional, quality first. ‘This is what gives our products
quality meats grew, so did its popularity. that extra, individual touch that distinguishes
To meet demand, the entire company, them from other prepared meats’, explains
along with the production, were moved Marc De Cock.
to the Industriepark-Noord, an industrial
complex in St. Niklaas, where it can still Technology supporting tradition
be found today. The company has stayed While tradition is key at Cock’s Vleeswaren, it
in the family, as well, with grandsons is clear that modern production methods have
Marc and Philippe now at the helm. an important place in ensuring the top quality.
The company has continued to grow, The production infrastructure is ultra modern,
Best of Belgium 77
and the production environment highly Better business, cleaner business
controlled. However, traditional methods are As a long-term partner in the community,
still used within this infrastructure. Cock’s Vleeswaren is also fully committed to
Both production and the distribution meeting its social obligations. It has long been
have been certified entirely with the IFS a forerunner in the industry for eco-friendly
quality standard. This standard is recognized practices, and has been reusing packaging
throughout Europe by all large distribution materials, recuperating waste products and
chains. The strict controls of the system building its own wastewater installations for
guarantee safe and quality products the whole decades. In January 2000, it became the first
year through. meat packing company in Flanders to put
The new distribution centre, christened the AEP (Waste and Emission Prevention)
Casaventa, became operational in 2005. It into practice. By doing so, waste and energy
uses an automation system unique in the usage, as well as waste disposal, are kept to
Belgian food industry to stock, control and a bare minimum.
manage the products to perfection. Even
transporting products from one building to People make the business
another across the street is handled using Despite the technological advances, Cock’s
state-of-the-art technology: using a conveyor Vleeswaren remains a people’s business.
belt that goes through a 140 metre long Every staff member is an essential part of
refrigerated bridge! the production process. ‘We’ve set up our
78 Best of Belgium
structure to encourage responsibility and idea
generation’, explains De Cock. ‘When people
are inspired, you can taste the difference’.
And at Cock’s Vleeswaren you can.
Over the years, the product range has
grown to meet the needs of the other
important people the company works with: its
customers. The company’s specialties include
its highest quality, traditional Golden Hams,
its range of extra sweet salted horse meat, its
‘boerenpatés’: farm-style pâtés that –unique
among boerenpatés - are spreadable, and
much more.
Best of Belgium 79
To be able to fill leisure intelligently is the
last product of civilization, and at present
very few people have reached this level.
Bertrand Russell (1872 – 1970)
© www.douglasmoors.be
Chapter 4
Dining and Hospitality
Expo 58 and Other Must-see 2008
Dining and Hospitality
Events in Belgium
One of the highlights of 2008 is Expo58, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the year that
Brussels hosted its landmark World Fair and emerged as the modern capital of Europe.
© Etienne De Graeve
Expo58 metre high “giant steel balls in the sky” which is condensed energy “which, if the people
In April 1958, the first World Fair of the post- has become synonymous with Brussels. themselves so wish, can be used for the
war period was enthusiastically inaugurated Representing an iron molecule magnified 165 greater well-being of our civilisation”.
in Brussels in an atmosphere of optimism, billion times, the structure is a striking piece Renovated between 2004 and 2006, the
scientific progress and peace. In 2008, the of architecture which manages to be both Atomiums’s 9 spheres have since attracted
city celebrates the 50th anniversary of the historic and avant-garde at the same time. It more than a million visitors and are one of the
Brussels 1958 World Fair with a whole range is a tribute to the Atomic Age and reminds us tourism highlights of Brussels.
of year-long events, exhibitions, guided tours that the splitting of the atom, which ushered Architecturally, the 1958 Expo was
and festivities which underline the importance in the era of nuclear weapons and nuclear characterised by many other ground-
of this event in Brussels’ history. This was power, was a defining image of the cold-war breaking designs which abandoned the
the year that Brussels shook off its image of generation. symmetries of the pre-war years and used
provincialism to become a modern capital of The Atomium’s designer, Andre Waterkeyn, oblique lines and curves, walls of glass,
Europe which was to provide a home to the commented a month before its completion smooth and coloured materials as well as
new European institutions. that it was “the symbol of our age, when tensile structures and hyperbolic shells. The
The most powerful symbol of the 1958 scientists have greatly expanded our ‘58 Expo was also a celebration of emerging
World Fair is of course the Atomium, the 102- knowledge of matter”. This matter, he said, consumer culture and opened people’s eyes
82 Best of Belgium
© Etienne De Graeve
appreciate the importance of this historical and half million people attend every year to
event in the architectural history of Belgium. bask in the wealth of cultural activities.
Putting the city’s post-war architecture under The festival was started in the middle
the spotlight, the programme will provide of the 19th century to attract prosperous Face of Lace”, a four-month long celebration
access to both public and private buildings, people to the city. From horse races, jousts, of the delicate fabric in its hometown. Four
houses, businesses, sports and recreation tournaments, hot air balloons and parades museums highlight different aspects of
facilities, churches and other places of of giants, the festivities have gone through lacework, juxtaposing historic lace collections
architectural interest. Visitors can see the numerous changes before arriving at the with the works of today’s fashion and design
buildings on their own or join a guided tour format they have today. gurus. No longer associated with dusty
for a more in-depth experience. Four separate festivals make up the current and derelict tabletops, lace is back and it’s
programme — the Blue Note Records jazz hip. Artists and designers use cutting-edge
Cityscape festival, the international street theatre festival, techniques and materials to give new meaning
“Cityscape reflects a moment frozen in an international puppet-buskers festival and to this historic, intricate fabric. Visitors are
time, an instant,” says Belgian artist Arne the dance festival 10 Days Off. Scattered given a map to lead them through the lace
Quinze, the creator of an 18-metre high giant around the picturesque city, the festivities route, and the English design magazine Frame
sculpture of tangled wood that is on display attract a range of internationally-renowned will be publishing a special edition in time for
for a year in Uptown Brussels’ Quartier theatre companies, jazz and contemporary the event.
Louise. The sculpture, which is 40 metres musicians and puppeteers. Ghent’s city centre
long and 25 metres wide, rests upon 12- offers numerous places of interest. From St
metre high wooden stilts and will be drawing Michael’s bridge there is a wonderful view of
curious onlookers until September 2008. the Ghent skyline with the three impressive
Quinze says that his sculpture was towers of St Nicholas’ Church, the bell tower
designed to be a “place of introspection, and St Bavo’s cathedral with its famous
silence and interaction”. One of a series painting “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb”
of giant wooden structures (the previous by Jan van Eyck.
one was built in the Nevada desert in
2006), Cityscape is deliberately open to Bruges
interpretation and is built in a way that From November 2008, one of the highlights
encourages observer interaction. The on the Bruges festival calendar will be “The www.expo58.eu
Best of Belgium 83
The Conrad Brussels,
Dining and Hospitality
84 Best of Belgium
The Conrad Brussels is undoubtedly the most classic furnishings and placid ambience will
beautiful and contemporary luxury hotel in the tempt guests to come back over and over
capital. Located on the famous Avenue Louise, again. The perfect spot for leisure reading or
it offers its guests a proximity to the most a fun gathering with friends over a drink; for
elegant shops in the city. coffee, light lunches, cocktails and even late-
Opened in 1993, the hotel has preserved night snacks, the table rises to your height. It
its magnificent 19th century façade, giving it a is astonishing how it welcomes guests almost
unique charm. The hotel has 269 magnificent around the clock. While business people come
rooms and suites, the Loui Lounge & Bar, the in the early afternoon, the fashionable crowd
restaurant Cafe Wiltcher’s, and a traditional appears in the late evenings. Guests are
Lobby Lounge. All are imbued with authenticity attended with an attractive smile, newspapers
and character. In addition, away from the are finely selected as is the music, spirits
hustle and bustle of Avenue Louise and and champagne. At the restaurant, Cafe
exclusively for the sunny days, there is the Wiltcher’s, there is a more relaxed atmosphere
Terrasse Rouge with access to the internal to be found. Subtle shades and dominant hues
courtyard. Ideal for all business meetings and such as orange, camellia, purple and lily blue
conferences, the hotel provides a 1,200m² have been harmoniously mixed to perfection.
area suited for this purpose. The hotel’s guests The Café Wiltcher’s innovating design
also have direct access to Aspria Avenue evokes a sense of serenity, which sustains
Louise, the health & beauty club. And when the brightness of the room. On fine days you
excellent service rhymes with satisfaction, can enjoy meals outside on the magnificent style event, the talented team of experts
the recognition is not too far to be found. Terrasse Rouge, whereas on weekends the will take care of everything from planning
Therefore the Conrad Brussels’ recognition exquisite and fashionable Sunday Brunch is to execution. Its lodging capacity is entirely
has been rewarded many times over the everyone’s favourite rendezvous. Last but not flexible. The hotel also has 9 meeting rooms
years. In 2007, three prestigious awards least, located near the reception, the Lobby accommodating from 10 to 60 people and all
were conferred to the Conrad Brussels, of Lounge is perfect for the traditional afternoon benefit from natural lighting. At the leading
which two in September and a third one tea, to gather with friends or just for a drink edge of technology, the Conrad Brussels has
in November. Firstly there was the “Conde during the day. a “video-conferencing” room. These rooms
Nast Traveller UK Award” which recognized The Conrad Brussels is the city’s ideal are particularly appreciated for management
the Conrad Brussels as the best overseas place for business, meetings and conferences. meetings for companies or press centres.
business hotel in the Benelux. Secondly, the As The Conrad Brussels is located in the The sophisticated traveller is exhausted
“Five Star Diamond Award” was conferred international business quarter, it has been of being on the road. Therefore, whether the
by the American Academy of Hospitality able to take advantage of this situation by travelling is leisure or business, the Conrad
Services which has been attributed to the offering facilities adapted to the needs of Brussels is the home away from home. The
Conrad Brussels for seven years in a row. And business people. The hotel offers postal, Conrad Brussels is simply the place where
finally, the Conrad Brussels was voted the faxing and translation services. The Business the Luxury of Being Yourself meets with the
69th world’s best hotel, with the “Institutional centre provides photocopy service, internet guest’s highest expectations and a departure
Investor 2007 World’s Best Hotels Award”. access as well as secretarial services. In will be followed by a future and certain return.
The contemporary attitude at the Conrad addition, the exceptional infrastructure of
Brussels involves variety, delicacy and talent the hotel makes it ideal for hosting events.
which are the key to its success. The Loui To custom-design each event is the Conrad Conrad Brussels
Lounge & Bar is equipped with sofas, deep Brussels’ priority. The Conrad Brussels has Avenue Louise 71
leather armchairs, American shutters and the largest ballroom area without columns in 1050 Brussels
a warm ochre and celadon touch which the city. Whether the client desires an intimate Belgium
dominate the area. This mixture of diverse diner, a walk-in banquet or a reception- Tel: 02/542.42.42
Best of Belgium 85
Hotel Metropole
Dining and Hospitality
86 Best of Belgium
In fact, the main entrance has been decorated 298 appointed rooms incl. 15 spacious suites,
in French renaissance style, the reception hall containing original pieces of art and furnishing.
in Empire style, some rooms in Art Deco or in
Louis XVI styles and the restaurant in Italian Prestige & Smartness
baroque style. Famous and loved for its entrance hall that has
In April 2002, the Council of Monuments been walked upon by celebrities, and for its
and Sites of Region of Brussels-Capital huge reception desk covered many times by
formally protected the Métropole Hotel’s film makers, Hotel Metropole is undoubtedly
façade as well as the ground floor. the master of the tradition kept up.
The Metropole Hotel is marvelously well From its debut in 1895 to the present
located right in the historical center of the day, Hotel Metropole has been welcoming
European capital, just a few steps away from stars and personalities from the worlds of
the historical monuments such as the “Grand- film, music, business and politics, who are
Place”, the “Bourse” and the “Theatre de la attracted by the quality of its service, creative
Monnaie” and close to the city’s most exciting cuisine and grand surroundings.
shopping thoroughfare.
The hotel features an elegant bar “Le
19ième”, a gastronomical restaurant “L’Alban
Chambon”, a Room Service 24 hours a day, 31, place de Brouckère,
22 venue rooms for reception, banquets, B – 1000 Brussels (Belgium)
meetings and seminars accommodating Tel : +32-2-217 23 00
up to 500 guests (including the Metropole Fax : +32-2-218 02 20
Executive Center – M.E.C.), a breakfast room info@metropolehotel.be
« Le Jardin Indien » (for up to 180 people) and www.metropolehotel.com
Best of Belgium 87
Park Plaza Astrid Antwerp: the
Dining and Hospitality
Biggest in Antwerp!
The 4-star Park Plaza Astrid Antwerp hotel is a bright
shining star in the Antwerp hotel sky.
Its ideal location in the heart of the city, an additional attractive business hotel.
opposite the Central Station - where the Opening is due for the end of 2008. At that
high speed train Thalys stops - makes it point the Park Plaza Astrid Antwerp will
a perfect venue for people coming from represent the biggest offer in guestrooms
London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, etc. and conference space in Antwerp!
The remarkable hotel building emphasizes
this “deluxe” hotel’s extraordinary style Extra privacy
and atmosphere that has only intensified Recently, Park Plaza Astrid Antwerp
since the start of its refreshment beginning answered the market’s request for hotel
2007. Then, all of the 228 guestrooms rooms with more privacy and individuality
were renovated from top to toe, including and created 19 deluxe apartment suites
new furniture, lighting, carpet and new (www.anewdimension.be). The luxury
paintwork throughout. Recently, Park Plaza apartments, from 55 to 75 m², have a
Astrid Antwerp opened 19 additional luxury separate bedroom, luxury bathroom with
apartment suites on its 3rd floor, specially for bath and trendy shower, seating area, desk,
long stays. In addition, the hotel has bought dining space with kitchenette, micro wave,
the Atlanta Hotel, a few meters from its Nespresso machine, fridge, dishwasher, etc.
doorstep on the Astrid Square. Renovation Guests can enjoy the privacy of home
has started to transform this building into with all the comfort, service and benefits
88 Best of Belgium
of a 4-star hotel. This means that the
apartment is cleaned daily and that guests
can call room service, make use of the
fitness club, the swimming pool, etc.
A central lounge area on the apartment floor
offers the possibility to invite relations or
friends to have a cozy meeting or drink at
any moment of the day. It is also possible
to rent a fully equipped private office on the
same floor, to offer apartment guests the
joy of working while the homely spirit and
comfort of their apartment is being respected.
Best of Belgium 89
B-Aparthotels: “Wherever you are
Dining and Hospitality
B-Aparthotels is the former Europarthotels An additional plus and characteristic is near the elegant Avenue Louise and
united with the Hilton Résidence hotel, that the four B-Aparthotels are located just a few steps away from the most
which this new hotel chain recently bought. on the main axes of Brussels: important shopping streets, surrounded
Having more than 150 luxury apartments by cozy bars and restaurants.
in the city of Brussels, B-Aparthotels • B-Aparthotel Montgomery is easily • B-Aparthotel Ambiorix, the former
combines a full hotel service with the accessible by metro and located in Hilton Résidence, is situated in the
privacy and homely atmosphere of an a prestigious neighborhood within heart of the European district, in
apartment. Every fully furnished apartment walking distance from the European the residential area on the art deco
is designed in a distinctive style and offers Commission headquarters and “Square Ambiorix”. Both The European
all the comfort guests need to make their NATO. Close to the historical center institutions and the historic and vibrant
stay perfect, whether it is for one night, and its famous shopping areas. city centre are only a few steps away.
a few weeks or even for months! • B-Aparthotel Louise is ideally located • B-Aparthotel Grand’Place, currently being
90 Best of Belgium
aparthotels. The B can stand for Belgium or is to grow and to have an apartment hotel
Brussels, but much more important is the on every key location in Brussels in the
total resonance of the name in which lies end. That’s why from now on, there’s a new
the welcoming intention that this aparthotel saying in Brussels: “Wherever you are in
group carries out: B A PART of us! Every Brussels, B-Aparthotels is right there!”
guest of B-Aparthotels should feel welcome B-Aparthotels is there to welcome you
and almost at home, through a personal and to have you enjoy Brussels, the sparkling
built and due to open in the fall of 2008, is and flexible approach, of course, always capital of Europe, in your own personal way!
located in the historical center of Brussels, with high respects for his or her privacy.
next to the Grand Place and the famous To support this inviting name, a palette
wine and dine area “Rue des Bouchers”. It of fresh colors has been chosen. The Thierry Vermeiren
is the ideal location to discover the colors are there to brighten up one’s day General Manager
treasures of the city such as the prestigious (and your stay). For every hotel there’s B-Aparthotels | Head office
Galerie de la Reine or the National a color, returning in logos but also as Square Ambiorix 28
Museum of Art. Here guests will feel the elegant, colorful touches throughout. B-1000 Brussels
lively vibrations of the Brussels city life! B-Aparthotels is the answer to the rising Tel: +32 (0)2 743 51 11
demand for long term residences and the Fax: +32 (0)2 743 51 12
Through the name B-Aparthotels, people can limited offer of it on the Brussels hotel market. info@b-aparthotels.com
immediately recognize what it’s all about: Therefore, the ambition of B-Aparthotels www.b-aparthotels.com
Best of Belgium 91
‘Kasteel Coninxdonck’
Dining and Hospitality
Incomparable festivities...
Five minutes from the centre of Ghent is History blue, lemon-yellow and lively-green curtains.
a luxurious building in Empire style in the The history of Coninxdonck goes back Candle light and fresh flowers from the
middle of an oasis of a beautiful park with to ancient times. In the Middle Ages, the garden ornate the romantically laid tables.
a lake and double walls. A festive welcome castle became property of the family Borluut
in the garden, a sparkling cocktail in the (1302) through marriage with Elisabeth Culinary edifying
attractive bar followed by a lavish meal or Muysconinckx, Dame van Coninxdonck, Organising parties is a real life ambition for the
a delightful buffet in the banquet hall for and in the 18th century it was a summer owner, Dirk van Brussel. He himself stands
230 to 250 people or in one of the other residence for nobility, generations of in the kitchen and he is only too happy to
lounges. There are innumerable possibilities. barons de Thysebaert, gentlemen van inform you of the possibilities of his refined
A couple of svelte and proud Coninckxdonck. Consequently it belonged art of cooking. His well balanced wine list,
mother swans float by on the ponds of to the rich flax merchant - family De Sloover the freshness of the products and the quality
Coninxdonck with a string of little ones and it became the favoured venue for an of his meals belong, among many other
behind them. Every year they come aristocratic petanque club from Ghent. qualities, to the attractions of this castle.
from the North to spend the winter
here and for centuries they have been An attractive interior Coninxdock beer
defying time, such as the daughters of This Middle Age castle has been attractively His passion for cooking led Dirk to brewing
China in the world-famous bestseller decorated. A floor in natural wood, white his own beer - a white beer “CONINXDONCK”
“Wild Swans” of Jung Chang. walls harmoniously combined with Prussian- - the Dobbel and Tripel flow abundantly in
92 Best of Belgium
this place. Remember, Belgian beer is world
famous, especially for its ‘special’ beers,
the top-fermented aromatic beers. The
Coninxdonck Dobbel and Tripel are perfect
examples of such wonderfully crafted ales.
Best of Belgium 93
Kasteel van Lebbeke
Dining and Hospitality
You already have a view of the open kitchen cuisine with home-made oils, sauces and
that was furnished in the original cellar, syrups, depending on the seasonal offer.
from the two entrance gates. Just like the The restaurant is known from afar for its
natural kitchen of yesteryear, Jan Cami’s superb four- or five-course dinners. You will
meals are based on herbs from the castle’s be surprised by a menu that changes every
herb garden and fresh products. Your taste month or during a meticulous business
buds will be spoilt and you will enjoy refined lunch in a unique, stylishly restored décor
94 Best of Belgium
and well-cared-for service. You can also go
to Lebbeke Castle for receptions, seminars Leo Duboisstraat 41
and parties for up to 150 people. Parties 9280 Lebbeke
for up to 400 people are held in what used Tel: 052/38 09 09
to be the coach house and accompanying Fax: 052/38 09 10
orangery. If you have specific wishes, you E-mail: info@KasteelVanLebbeke.be
can contact us without obligations. www.kasteelvanlebbeke.be
Best of Belgium 95
The Essence of our Philosophy?
Dining and Hospitality
The fairytale estate was built in 1924 for world. The 5 C’s of Relais & Châteaux
Knight Lagasse de Locht. The Bullens (Courtoisie, Charme, Caractère, Calme
family acquired it in 1970 and lived in it and Cuisine) represent the gastronomic
for 15 years. In the 1980’s and 1990’s philosophy of personal hospitality
large-scale renovation and decorating you’ll find at La Butte aux Bois.
work transformed the residential Lunch or dinner can be served in the
section into a comfortable and versatile elegant Restaurant La Source or on the
hostellerie. Hostellerie La Butte aux sheltered terrace with glorious view over
Bois is situated in a restfully green and the park. The cuisine of ‘La Source’ is a
natural setting. The majestic garden gastronomic treat with its combinations of
features a lake, little avenues and idyllic refined dishes and excellent wines from
spots for you to forget the cares of the our unique wine cellar. After a liqueur or
96 Best of Belgium
a cup of coffee in the atmospheric bar and Aachen (40 km) offers a wide variety
or by the open fire, you can retire to one of cultural and recreational sights.
of the 40 comfortably furnished rooms ‘Aquamarijn’ is the health and
dotted throughout the manoir and villa. wellness centre in the vaults of the
The park of the Hostelry is adjacent castle. The swimming pool, sauna,
to the large Hoge Kempen National Park whirlpool and various treatment rooms Hostellerie La Butte aux Bois
nature reserve, with walks, mountain offer you the change to relax and Paalsteenlaan 90
bike and horse riding trails right at the recharge your batteries. Come and visit 3620 Lanaken
door, plus 5 golf courses within a 20 km the Hostellerie La Butte aux Bois. Tel: +32 (0)89 73 97 70
radius. The central location of La Butte The philosophy of providing the best in Fax: +32 (0)89 72 16 47
aux Bois between the Burgundian city personal attention and pampering is your E-mail: info@labutteauxbois.be
of Maastricht (6 km) and Liege (30 km) guarantee of a totally unforgettable stay. www.labutteauxbois.be
Best of Belgium 97
L’Albon Chambon
Dining and Hospitality
98 Best of Belgium
In the historical center of Brussels, not far away
from the “Grand Place”, the “Bourse” and the
“Théâtre de la Monnaie”, the Hotel Metropole
looms majestically.
In its interior it shelters a famous restaurant
“L’Alban Chambon” which is unavoidable
as far as Brussels cookery is concerned. It
distinguishes itself with its service and its
sumptuous interior decoration in a typical Italian
baroque style. Not less impressive, the cuisine,
classic and innovative, is a real jewel in the
gastronomic field.
For more than 18 years, Dominique Michou,
the Executive Chef, proposes seasonal menu
cards suggesting a very large selection of his
specialties elaborated with fish, meat, foie gras
and lobster.
Back to basics ... Noble products and
raw material make real valued and chosen
according to the seasons ... That’s the
philosophy of the menu card, in permanent
evolution.
The Sommelier is always at the client’s
disposal to make a selection between 250
different wines and more than 4000 bottles in
the cave.
“L’Alban Chambon” restaurant is open from
Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner time and
is closed on Saturday, Sunday and holiday.
To begin or follow this exceptional moment,
the bar “Le 19ième” offers an elegant, refined
and relaxing atmosphere in a timeless decor,
serving a large selection of cocktails and fine
aged whiskies. Witness the Hotel Metropole
history, a recent refurbishment let us discover a De Brouckèreplein, 31
number of paintings dating from the beginning B - 1000 Brussel
of the 20th Century on the ceiling. BELGIË
Open from Monday to Sunday. Musical Tel: +32-2-217 23 00
entertainment by our pianist every day. Fax: +32-2-218 02 20
Best of Belgium 99
Museum Brasserie
Dining and Hospitality
of Top Quality
“Taste and enjoy the smells of my open kitchen!
I promise you a tasteful experience!”
Chef Huis De Colvenier - Patrick Van Herck
Huis De Colvenier in the very heart of cheeses and desserts. Tell the chef your
Antwerp is a real trendsetter. Its slogan is wants and desires and he will work his
‘class and quality’. magic to make your personal menu appear
The restaurant is located in an on your plate, adjusted for your taste, time
exultant patrician’s house in the Sint and budget.
Antoniusstraat. A summer terrace Discover and experience Huis De
– which also serves as a winter garden Colvenier. This will become a personal and
– and a stylish salon make this a very surprising experience. Open, French kitchen
special house. – “We serve class and quality at an honest
But the wine cellar is especially price.” Patrick Van Herck is a top chef. Just
unique. The cellar is impressive and with like his teachers (Bruneau, Scholteshof, ’t
much character, exceptionally suitable Laurierblad, Belle Epoque in Leuven and
for drinking an aperitif with owner/chef Robuchon in Paris) Patrick swears by a
Patrick Van Herck. In his open kitchen French kitchen, giving it an own identity
you will smell, see and taste the flavours using the creativity he was born with. His
of foie grass, shellfish, fresh vegetables, menu follows the seasons, but asparagus,
for the Best Italian Cuisine in Brussels Bocconi’s guests to travel and discover my than most of the traditional restaurants in
by the Deltas of Gastronomy 2007. country from a different point of view through Belgium. Hence business people, diplomats
my cuisine. My aim is to achieve the highest and demanding gourmands dine at the Hotel
Italian experience possible quality and for that I select most of Amigo and feel at home.
Italian cuisine is cuisine par excellence; it the ingredients from their place of production
associates pleasant colours and various - troffie from Liguria, extra virgin olive oil from
savours. Its simplicity and conviviality Tuscany, Parma ham and parmesan cheese Restaurant Bocconi
explain its success around the world and from Emilia Romana.” Rue de l’Amgio, 1-3
why it is present in the finest gastronomic As seasons go by, products follow one 1000 Brussels
places. Its basics are classical, but another on the markets. In our Gourmet Menu, Tel: +32 2 547 4715
leave the door open for evolution, our Chef wishes to highlight those products. Fax: +32 2 547 47 67
depending on trends or on one’s will. As from June 2008, Chef Vincenzo will focus E-mail:bocconirestaurant@roccofortecollection.com
Chef Vincenzo Regine: “Personally, I enjoy on a specific Italian region season by season, Website: www.roccofortecollection.com
the fact that it is so diversified, with products starting with Napoli, his birthplace. Media Communication and PR
and preparations proper to each individual So visiting the Bocconi is a real rediscovery Tel: +32 2 547 47 03
region of Italy. I do like the idea of inviting of Italian Cuisine, more open to creativity E-mail: pr.amigo@roccofortecollection.com
Brasserie Pakhuis
Schuurkensstraat 5
9000 Gent
Tel: +32 (0)9 223 55 55
Fax : +32 (0)9 255 71 55
Email: info@pakhuis.be
www.pakhuis.be
This renowned Art Deco theatre can be New Classic Stories with the fairytale a contemporary feel, mainly
found in the very heart of Antwerp and Contemporary Music via the musical element. That’s why the
offers a complete package for a stylish The Stage is always looking for original story of Cinderella was interspersed with
night out—think theatre, cabaret, variety, approaches to classic stories. For example, international pop classics from artists such
revue, and off course great food. Every last spring The Stage presented a particularly as Madonna, Queen and Robbie Williams.
Friday and Saturday, The Stage Dinner successful musical version of Cinderella. You also get to see some of the
Theatre Unlimited is an original alternative Everyone knows the classic story of greatest musical scenes from movies
to your classic dinner out. It’s ideal for the girl that loses her glass slipper when such as Moulin Rouge and Chicago.
those who want to surprise their family or she goes to the dance at the palace. But All this is integrated in the classic fairytale
business relations with a special treat. the creators of this unusual version gave and combined with new characters and twists
Many top female tennis players retire early. Kim Clijsters quit at the age of 23, Martina Hingis at 27,
Steffi Graf at 30. But when Belgian tennis superstar Justine Henin retired from all professional tennis
at the age of 25 in May 2008, she was the first player to do so while a reigning World No. 1.
Justine Henin Hardenne ©Glenn Thomas
For Henin, the decision to give up all Sharapova, a fierce competitor for the World
competitive tennis capped a remarkable No 1 crown. “That day I said to myself, I have
year and a half which saw her achieve lived everything and given everything,” Henin
unprecedented success on the court while recalls. That “everything” includes 41 WTA
also finding growing contentment off it. singles titles, more than US$19 million in prize
Professionally, 2007 was a dream year. Her money, four French Open championships,
seventh and last Grand Slam triumph, the one Australian Open and two US Open titles.
2007 U.S. Open, is considered by many (The only Grand Slam title that eluded her
to be her finest. For the first time in her was Wimbledon.) She also won the WTA Tour
career she defeated both Venus and Serena Championships twice and a singles gold
Williams back to back in a “memorable medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics. In 2007
display of flowing, aggressive all-court she became the first female athlete to pass
tennis”. Despite being smaller and less the $5-million mark in one season, winning 10
muscular, at 5 foot, 5 inches, than the titles and two majors.
more athletic Williams sisters, Henin out- How was it possible that a player initially
played, out-fought and out-ran them. considered too mentally and physically
Tennis experts point to Henin’s mental vulnerable to reach the very top could
Justine Henin Hardenne ©Glenn Thomas
toughness, the completeness and variety overcome these hurdles and hold the World
of her game, her “lyrically beautiful” No. 1 position for 117 weeks? Various factors
and clinical one-handed backhand, as played a role, including good coaching, an
well as her speed and agility as being incredible work-ethic and sheer determination.
the key ingredients of her success. Gruelling workouts on her fitness and her
At the end of the 2007 season, in the WTA forehand, with Pat Etcheberry in Florida
championship final in Madrid, Henin recorded for example, helped her to transform her
a three hour, 25 minute victory over Maria game. Henin also had exceptional timing and
Cyclo-cross Trophy
Cyclo-cross nirvana and a major popular party. During the
eight events there are more than 100,000 fans in the field
and millions in front of their TV sets.
www.ingantwerp10miles.be
After an absence of 12 years, in 2002 Golazo time trial, the Tour of Belgium offers excellent
sports decided to revive the Tour of Belgium. opportunities for every type of rider.
With the formation of the UCI ProTour in The Tour of Belgium boasts a dazzling
2005, the organisation briefly came under winners list, featuring such major names as
pressure, but in the meantime the Tour of Rik Van Looy, Freddy Maertens and Eddy
Belgium has again become an annual fixture Merckx. Each year the organisation can rely
on the calendar of the UCI Europe Tour. Each on a strong field of participants, with ProTour
year during the last week of May, Belgium is teams from Belgium and abroad. In addition,
enthralled by its own tour, which generates the Tour of Belgium also offers young Belgian
massive public interest along the Belgian talents a chance to measure themselves
roads. With both flat and hilly stretches and a against top names from the cycling world.
Mission other activities, such as tennis, squash or included: fitness, group courses, wellness,
An incomparable combination of luxurious badminton. Or maybe relaxing in a sauna or drinks, free dvd rent... If you choose a GOLD-
facilities, a pleasant environment and high- hammam is more to your taste. Or a refreshing membership you have access to every
class service - this is what makes HealthCity dive in the swimming pool. Or take it easy and HealthCity club. So you can work on your
so unique. As a full-service company, work on your tan in the solarium? All this is body and health wherever you are!
HealthCity is entirely focused on the possible in one of our 100 international clubs.
personal health of its members but does so And we will keep on growing, so we can give Facilities:
in a superbly pleasant way. Feeling good is everybody the possibility to work on his or her • Fitness: cardio and power training
important. health in an active and relaxing way. • Group courses (Les Mills)
Besides the classic fitness and group • Tennis, squash, badminton, bowling
courses, the company also offers the All Inclusive • Wellness: sauna, solarium, steam bath,
opportunity to practice a wide range of In this All Inclusive concept everything is swimming pool...
The story
René Moos, Eric Wilborts and Dennis Aarts are
the initiators of the HealthCity adventure. After
the professional tennis careers of René and
Eric, they began managing tennis courts. The
first results were visible as “het Arnolduspark”.
HealthCity is especially known for its fitness
facilities and that’s where Dennis came along,
his life was basically focused on fitness and
judo. Now we can offer our members a fully-
equipped fitness environment with extra
facilities!
HealthCity International
All over the Netherlands these clubs were
managed by these three gentlemen. In 2004
• Lounge the two regional organisations were merged
• Kids corner and baptised into HealthCity! Thanks to
• Free drinks & DVD’s Waterland, who bought half of the shares in
2005, some large investments were possible.
Basic An acquisition of different clubs and the
A well-equipped fitness for a basic price. construction of new clubs could be realised.
For only €6,95 a week you can improve your In 2006 HealthCity crossed borders and Totally in to HealthCity?
condition and strengthen your muscles. expanded to Belgium and Germany. With Visit our website or contact our headquarters:
29 clubs in Belgium, over 50 clubs in the HealthCity Belgium n.v.
Facilities: Netherlands and more than 23 in Germany, Slachthuislaan 74
• Fitness: cardio and power training HealthCity has evolved toward an inevitable 2060 Antwerp
• Group courses (Les Mills) player in the fitness world. www.healthcity.be
accessories by young designers and other other cities. The first edition with Annemie
projects. Every year, Modo Bruxellae awards Verbeke, Cathy Pill, Christophe Coppens, Eric
the Modo Prize worth 7500€ to the most Beauduin, Girls from Omsk, Isabelle Lenfant,
promising Young Fashion Designer in Brussels, Jean-Paul Knott, Les Précieuses, Sandrina
thus awarding in the past Carine Lauwers, Fasoli and Sofie D’Hoore proved them right
Tony and Sandrine (Tony Delcampe is now and so it happens the Brussels Government
head of La Cambre Mode(s), the leading is dedicating special efforts to the fields of
Brussels fashion school), Annemie Verbeke, fashion and design, hence playing the trump
Azniv Afsar, own, Olivier Theyskens, Xavier cards of the Brussels Region in Belgium and
Delcour, Marina Yee, Jean-Paul Knott, Cathy abroad, as well for its economic vitality as for
Pill and Sandrina Fasoli. Future winners could its market image in general. This investment
be Jose Enrique Ona Selfa, who worked for in Brussels Creativity is also the forerunner of
Loewe but now designs his own very beautiful the future creation of a Design-Mode center,
collection, or why not Jessie Lecomte, making expected very soon in Brussels. This centre
elegancy her aim. will offer the public, the designers and the
In collaboration with Brussels Export, professionals a reference.
2008 was the first year of a new joint
concept: 101% Brussels Fashion, promoting
a yearly selection of 10 fashion designers
in showrooms in Paris, London, Milano and www.modobruxellae.be
© Tim Stoops
The Fashion Department of the Koninklijke time this name has followed them, even if they
Academie voor Schone Kunsten (Royal are distinguished by their individual style and
Academy of Fine Arts) of the Hogeschool universe, and each having gone their own
Antwerpen, founded by Mary Prijot in 1963, way. There remarkable talent, perseverance,
deserves the highest merit here. The four attention to perfection and to the very details,
years of training in the Fashion Department is individually make them legendary. They are
an intense and intensive course. Graduated the ambassadors of the Fashion Department,
designers confirm that it is a training course which is the breeding ground for students
where you learn to discover yourself and of fashion from the whole world, and which
where you receive guidance in the search has put Antwerp on the world map.
for your own voice. The course of study Martin Margiela graduated together with
concentrates less on applied professional Walter Van Beirendonck in 1980, but does not
knowledge, but rather emphasises creativity, belong to the Antwerp Six. He established
originality and renewal, which at the same time himself almost immediately in Paris as
explains the unique features of the course. assistant to Jean-Paul Gaultier. In October
“The Antwerp Six” graduated at 2008, Maison Martin Margiela, which has
the beginning of the 80’s: Walter Van been part of the Diesel group since 2002,
Beirendonck - who has been the Head of will be celebrating its 20th anniversary.
the Fashion Department since 2007 - Ann With reference to this birthday, the Fashion
Demeulemeester, Marina Yee, Dirk Van Saene Museum in Antwerp has programmed
and Dries Van Noten and Dirk Bikkembergs. the unique exhibition ‘MAISON MARTIN
The term “Antwerp Six” originated in the MARGIELA. (20) The exhibition’, from 12
British press in 1986, which was unable September 2008 to 8 February 2009.
© Jacques Sonck
www.romysmits.com
Johanne Riss
Born in the north of France, passing by works with stretch fabrics to have always
Paris, she established in Brussels, capital more comfort and with silk and muslin
of Europe, her head office and started to for the elegance. Her outfits are always
design with passion. feminin, purified and can be accessorized
Modern and efficient, Johanne Riss tries in different way.
to transmit in her style a timeless feminity. Meticulous, all the clothes are created in
She creates ready-to-wear but also her own workshop in Brussels. She can so
wedding dresses, evening dresses, easy adjust her creations for her customers
smoking, accessories and jewelry. and offer « made by order » too.
Her colours : Black and White with new Perfectionist, she creates, she tries, and
and different colors all seasons. Working is always present for her customers.
woman, her creations are perfect for the Her creations recall lightness,
actual woman who wants to be stylish. She transparence and purity.
Sandrina Fasoli
The creative duet formed by Sandrina Fasoli
and Michael Marson is the spirit behind
this new fashion name. Both graduated
from the École nationale des Arts visuels
de la Cambre, Sandrina and Michael have
their own vision on fashion, a very special
approach based on unveiled femininity and
melancholic innocence.
Both creative and visual, this approach
enables Sandrina and Michael to explore
the world of women by experimenting with
different materials, by changing the function
of clothes and boldly using the concept of
pretence. This very vision of femininity will
bring national and international professional
recognition and press coverage to the fashion
duet (Grand Prix at the International Festival
of Fashion Arts at Hyères, in 2003; Weekend
Fashion Award, Modo Bruxellae Prize 2006;
Winner of Mango Fashion Awards 07).
Motivated by this professional recognition,
they will pursue their creative quest
over the seasons and present several
collections and projects building up a
signature style and a poetic and nostalgic
mood. Their first collection was a hit in
Japan and Korea and the new collection
2007 is now available in Brussels, Paris,
as well as in Japan and the USA.
Christa Reniers
Christa Reniers is one of Belgium’s leading
contemporary jewellery designers. Her
creations include an exclusive selection of
rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and
chokers, available both in sterling silver and
18K gold. The designs are inspired by natural,
organic shapes and give pure, and quite
unique sculptural forms.
You can see her work in one of her 3 own
shops: in Brussels, Antwerp or Ghent, and
while each outlet is beautifully distinctive, all
are a reflection of Christa’s personality: mid-
20th century inspired with a contemporary feel.
Each one has been designed by the renowned
Belgian architect Frank De Groeve, to give
an atmosphere that is exclusive, yet intimate
and inviting. Remarkably, you can browse
openly through most of the collection, even
trying many of the creations on, freely. A visit
is truly worthwhile and an experience in itself.
Production and final finish are done in
her own workshop, located in the heart of
Brussels. The collection grows regularly, and
so repeat visits are a must.
Françoise Pendville
Françoise Pendville has always been an world. These stories are creative works
inspiring person. She started out as a where discovery and talent are key words.
teacher in a Freinet school; the first clothes Since 2001, Françoise’s atelier is set in a
she made were raincoats for children that lovely Atelier/Bureau/Boutique. It is an old
adapted to their movements. Her strength is industrial magical place where Françoise
to alter, transform and make unique pieces. explores her creativity.
She also likes to experiment with materials Françoise Pendville is surrounded by a
and reuse them in a creative way. passionate team which supports and helps
Françoise’s famous raincoats launched her to move grow as an artist. The brand
her style in Belgium in the early 1990’s is today distributed and/or represented in
before she felt the need to further develop France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Russia,
her collection. The quality of the fabrics, Germany, the UK, Ireland, Greece, Italy,
the concern for details and the purity of the Switzerland, Australia, South Africa and the
shapes define Françoise Pendville’s style. United States.
For Françoise every collection tells a Françoise lives in Brussels, is married and
story, which carries everyone in an imaginary has 2 children. www.christareniers.com
Nina Meert
Nina MEERT has always seen clothing as a
sculptural movement of the body in space.
An approach that revolves around the
notion of aesthetics, comfort, natural
materials, subtlety of tone, the rejection of
the dictates of fashion.
The result is a collection of pure and
timeless beauty…
She rejects the concept of trends
that play on the ephemeral, negating
her deeply-held truth values. Nina Meert
creates unique pieces for women with their
own style.
“In sixty years, the world has changed
on every level: architecture, art, fashion,
nature, ecology. We have entered the era
of image without depth. I refuse to be a
part of it.”, the creator confides. With her
collections, Nina MEERT moves towards
a different perspective, of authenticity and
respect for women.
“Wearing clothes is part of one’s well-
being” Nina Meert claims with defiance.
“Every woman should dress according to
her identity, not the vague rules of fleeting
trends. Fashion is an evolution, not a
revolution, adapting, among other things,
to the advances of technology. It cannot be
ephemeral and should be perceived as an
everyday pleasure and seduction.”
Nina Meert’s creations take you on a
journey through natural fabrics such as
linnnen, architectural lines, and warm
tones. They are sold all over the world and
in her own boutiques in Brussels and Paris.
They are made for women of all ages
and cultures, offering them the freedom
and harmony of the body.
Linea Raffaelli
Oni Onik
Just in Case
Pluto
Yulin
wholesalers and agencies active in the businesses, small to medium sized and Flanders (85%) of which 60% are based in
Belgian fashion and ready-to-wear industry. environmentally-friendly. On the one East and West Flanders. One of the main
The federation was established in 1946 hand, the industry experiences a tough problems for the Belgian clothing and
to unite the employers of this industry. international competition especially from apparel companies is the high labour cost.
To defend and advise its members in Asian countries. On the other hand, the This has forced numerous companies to
all areas of economic life is one of the clothing and apparel industry is very take their production abroad in order to
principal missions of Creamoda. This vast export-oriented. Nowadays, several Belgian stay competitive on international level.
task notably includes social mediation brands are sold throughout the world In 2006 clothing alone represented a
and information, technical support, and well-known by many people. Belgian turnover of 1.8 billion euro. If apparel is
advice in international trading matters fashion is exported to several countries; added, the turnover amounts to 2.4 billion
and commercial support as well as made- however, the top 5 is France, Germany, the euro of which 70% was generated by export.
to-measure service. Promoting Belgian Netherlands, United Kingdom and Spain.
fashion on national and international
level is another vital task of Creamoda. Key figures of the clothing Creamoda
and apparel industry Leliegaarde 22
Main characteristics of the clothing At present, 17.677 people are working in 1731 Zellik
and apparel industry the clothing and apparel industry of which Tel: 02/238 10 11
The sector of clothing and apparel 70% are blue collar and 30% white collar Fax: 02/238 10 10
is a very labour-intensive one. The workers. 75% of all employees are women. E-mail: info@creamoda.be
majority of companies are family-owned The majority of companies are located in www.creamoda.be
During the “March 2000 Summit” in Lisbon, and economically relevant activities have to the currently dominating growth poles of
the European Heads of State and the obviously been attested. Many regions in Leuven, Ghent, Louvain-La-Neuve and Liège.
Government leaders accepted the challenge Europe, the United States, and increasingly It is clear that the present economic
of transforming Europe into the world’s in Asia claim to have a regional competitive development takes place in close connection
leading knowledge economy by 2010. advantage to become successful poles of to the Belgian universities, research centres
Indeed, innovative knowledge will be the growth. Also in Belgium, various regions and technical institutions. They play a key
driving force for prosperity and wellbeing in are clearly demonstrating the ambition to role in the diffusion of the “state of the art”
this new millennium. The speed and intensity play a dynamic and leading role in building of the scientific and technical knowledge
at which new scientific and technological up the European knowledge economy of in, among others, information technology,
developments are transformed into socially the 21st century. Reference can be made bio-medical sciences, nanotechnology
Family concerns are one of the top Located a few kilometres north of Antwerp’s academic accreditation from the European
determiners of the success or failure of city centre, it provides a top-level, English- Council of International Schools, and later
an expat experience, and schooling for language learning environment to students became the first school in the world to be
children is at the centre of this issue. from pre-school through grade 12, offering accredited three times by the Council. This
That’s why a school like the Antwerp both a standard high school diploma and constant evaluation ensures that AIS remains
International School—which focuses the International Baccalaureate diploma. a high quality school, and that transcripts
on both the academic and personal Established in 1967, AIS is one of four and diplomas are recognised universally.
development of each child—is such international schools in Belgium, and the The 80 faculty members represent 10
a critical factor in how attractive a only one in the important expat community different nationalities, in a 1:9 teacher-
potential new city is for expatriates, of Antwerp. Over the years, it has grown to-student ratio. With the school’s six
and therefore for their companies. from 67 students to its current population of buildings housing 45 classrooms, four
In 2007-2008, the Antwerp International 600 students from 35 nationalities. In 1972, science laboratories, a library, three
School celebrated its 40th academic year. the school was the first institution to receive computer centres, English as a Second
of Medical Excellence
Healthcare Belgium is a non-profit organisation, established in 2007 by 11 of the most
prominent and important Belgian hospital groups. The organisation receives large support
from Agfa Healthcare, Dexia Bank, the Federation of Enterprises in Belgium (VBO-FEB)
and Virtual Colonoscopy Teaching Centre (VCTC).
© Marion Kahane
Belgium: International Centre a large number of specialised centres medical services to foreign patients
of Medical Excellence and internationally renowned doctors. and health care providers in an
Belgium’s health service is known Furthermore, various Belgian companies ethical and coordinated way.
for its easy accessibility and high have become international players in the • Ensure that patients from abroad can
quality treatments. With four doctors medical equipment and software sectors. rely on a high quality range of services
per 1 000 inhabitants, Belgium is at a fair price and that they are taken
well above the OECD 2.9 average. Healthcare Belgium’s objectives: care of in a professional manner
Belgian hospitals are equipped with • Make Belgium known as from initial contact to repatriation.
advanced technology and run by highly an International centre of
qualified staff. They provide optimal medical excellence. Telemedicine
care in the best conditions and have • Foster the international development New broadband technologies make it
considerable capacity. The Belgian health of Belgian telemedicine. now perfectly possible to offer long-
care system is well-connected, with • Provide information on Belgian distance specialised medical services to
Cardiology and
Cardiothoracic Surgery
El Khoury’s team receives on a daily basis, Patients are admitted in three different patients with complex disorders of the
their active participation in the most important units, shared by cardiologists and heart, blood vessels and circulation.
international meetings (live surgery, lectures, surgeons, according to their heart or Antwerp University Hospital hosts the
post graduate courses) and the yearly vascular problem. This enables an optimal largest centre for extracorporeal membrane
organisation of three international meetings. multidisciplinary approach for the whole oxygenation (ECMO) in Belgium, a
spectrum of pathologies. One of the units procedure that makes use of an artificial
Antwerp Hospital Network is dedicated to short admissions. heart-lung machine to temporarily take
The department of cardiology consists Imelda is a leading centre for the treatment over the cardio-respiratory function.
of 3 wards with 100 beds, a non- of atrial fibrillation by radiofrequency ablation. Since 1996, the Antwerp Heart Centre
invasive and an invasive section. It is Four years ago, a unique anatomo-functional has run a successful heart transplant
equipped with four cathlabs, a large approach was developed by the team. program with over 100 transplants
outpatient clinic, a Centre for Cardiac performed and excellent survival results.
Rehabilitation and a Heart Failure Clinic. Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Hospital Aalst Prof. Christiaan Vrints, MD, has headed
The team comprises thirteen The Cardiology Centre has a high scientific the department of cardiology since 1998. As
cardiologists. Frank Van den Branden, MD, research activity and is recognised as the medical director of the largest centre for
FESC heads the Cardiology Department such by the Belgian government. A high interventional cardiology in Belgium, Prof.
and Philip Van Cauwelaert, MD, heads number of cardiologists from all over the Vrints focuses on non-surgical procedures
the Cardiac Surgery Department. world are trained in this centre. To support to treat cardiovascular diseases.
the research activity and education, the
Brussels University Hospital Cardiology Division has its own Cardiac Leuven University Hospitals
The Centre for Heart and Vascular Diseases Research Fund, an element of the “King The departments of Cardiology and
(CHVZ) has become an indispensable Baudouin foundation”. Several members of Cardiac Surgery of the University Hospitals
player on the health care scene in the staff are key opinion leaders and serve Leuven are well established since
Belgium. Both locally and abroad, it is as course directors, chairmen and speakers 1957. With more than 1 200 open-heart
considered to be a leading institution where in numerous international meetings. procedures annually they constitute the
extensive medical expertise is combined Erik Andries, MD, is the founder and largest cardiovascular centre in Belgium.
with patient-friendly service in order to Chairman of the Cardiology Division. He The centre has 33 intensive care beds
achieve genuine high-quality care. has guided the Cardiovascular Division to (post-operative and ICCU), 15 medium
The CHVZ has extensive experience of its position as a centre of excellence with care beds and 4 wards with 152 beds.
ablation treatment in Belgium. It is the only an international reputation in the domain The close collaboration between
centre in Belgium and the third in Europe to of clinical and interventional cardiology, cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, intensivists,
perform electromagnetic navigation ablation. electrophysiology and cardiac rehabilitation. nursing staff, physical therapists, exercise
Prof. Guy Van Camp, MD, is the head The Cardiovascular and Thoracic physiologists and registered dieticians
of the Cardiology Department; Prof. Surgery unit was founded in 1980 by Hugo guarantees an optimal integrated care
Pedro Brugada, MD, PHD is the head of Vanermen, MD, head of the department of the cardiac patient from arrival at the
the Heart Rhythm Management Centre and introducer of new technologies in the hospital until discharge and, if needed, into
and Prof. Francis Wellens, MD, is the field of cardiac surgery and developer outpatient rehabilitation. The high influx of
head of the Surgery Department. of totally endoscopic cardiac surgery. patients and the availability of the newest
devices and diagnostic techniques allow for
Imelda Hospital Antwerp University Hospital ample clinical and technical experience.
Imelda has one of the most active Antwerp University Hospital’s cardiologists, Internationally renowned Prof. Frans Van de
centres for heart and vascular diseases cardiac surgeons, interventional radiologists Werf, MD, FESC, FACC, FAHA, heads the
in Belgium. It has the first fully integrated and vascular surgeons work together to cardiology department and Prof. Bart Meyns,
heart and vascular centre in Belgium. deliver the most comprehensive care for MD, heads the cardiac surgery department.
Soaring oil prices have fuelled a global economic slowdown and curbed GDP growth, but
Belgium’s stable, diversified economy is well-placed to ride out the current economic conditions.
© Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine
The soaring cost of oil is causing growing business confidence index showing compiled “in a context of considerable
strain to economies around the world and a sharp drop in confidence in this turbulence in financial markets as a result of
Belgium is no exception. With oil prices industry, while business indicators edged the crisis in the US housing market, a sharp
more than doubling in the past year to upwards in construction and trade. rise in oil prices and other commodities”.
a record US$145 a barrel in early July The economy ministry’s Federal Planning The figures show that Belgium’s GDP
2008, the impact is being felt acutely Bureau recently published its annual medium growth is expected to slow to 1.7% in
by consumers and businesses alike. and long-term projections for Belgium, 2008 and 2009 down from 2.7% in 2007.
Businesses in the manufacturing revising its 2008 and 2009 GDP growth figures The figures are much closer to those of the
industry in particular are feeling the pinch down in line with the current slowdown. The euro area, which is expected to show 1.6%
with the National Bank of Belgium’s June ministry said that the latest figures were and 1.5% growth in the next two years.
a Belgian Imperative
Belgium’s delicately-balanced federal state structure is as Belgian as moules et frites
(mussels and fries), luxury chocolate, Tintin and Magritte. Reforming this state structure
has become the current political imperative as the long-standing conflict between the
country’s two main linguistic groups becomes more acrimonious than ever and threatens
to pull the country apart.
© Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine
One of the big stories in Belgium over the prime minister Guy Verhofstadt’s Flemish Open VLD, and its Wallonian counterpart the
past year has been the political instability Liberal Party (Open VLD). With the NVA MR. The winning alliance campaigned on
at federal level following the June 2007 subsequently withdrawing from the coalition, extending regional autonomy and it has been
elections. In those elections, current Leterme was eventually able, after a record this regional agenda which has inflamed
prime minister Yves Leterme’s Flemish 196 days, to obtain a majority vote of political sentiments and prevented any
Christian Democrats (CD&V), in alliance confidence with a five-party coalition of his lasting stability at federal level. Extending
with the moderate Flemish nationalist New CD&V, its Walloon sister party the CDH, regional autonomy effectively means giving
Flemish Alliance (NVA), defeated former the Francophone Socialist Party (PS), the Belgium’s biggest and wealthiest region,
Vilvoorde (BHV), a bilingual electoral district political journalist Peter de Backer sums
around Brussels within the Dutch-speaking up the importance of the situation: “The
province of Brabant. Unlike Flanders and Flemish want and need reforms because
Wallonie which are each administered that is what they promised their electorate.
by one language group, in BHV voters The French, on the other hand, promised
have the option of voting for candidates that there would be no reform, because they
from either language group. For the last fear that this will be the end of Belgium.”
18 months Flemish politicians have been The international media have been
calling for an end to this situation in line quick to pick up on the threat of Belgium’s
with a 2003 court ruling. That would stop demise, and have predicted that the end-
French-speaking politicians from seeking game has already started. “Time to call it
votes in Flemish areas and effectively end a day,” declared The Economist cheerily.
special bilingual rights for some 70,000 “Belgium has served its purpose. A praline
French speakers living in Flanders, but divorce is in order.” Belgians themselves
outside Brussels. Wallonian legislators on appear to be more pragmatic about the
the other hand are blocking these changes, future of their country with opinion polls
fearing an erosion of their power, and that showing most Belgians believe that the
a divided Belgium would end the subsidies political leadership, whether led by Leterme
that flow south from richer Flanders. or someone else, will “muddle through as
The BHV issue has been a particularly usual”. The country has negotiated several
emotive one for both sides. In one rounds of state or “institutional reform” since
incident, Liedekerke, a small town in BHV, 1970, which have seen the establishment of
controversially sought to bar French- the country’s three regions and three cultural
speaking children from school outings such communities and Belgium becoming a fully-
as swimming classes if they can’t speak fledged federal state with various powers
Dutch. Flemish interior minister Marino devolved to regional and community level.
Keulen quickly annulled the Leiderkerke Analysts point to the stability of the
decision on school outings, but he too economy and to the effective governance
has expressed annoyance at Flemish at regional level as allowing there to be a
subsidies to Wallonie. One of Keulen’s fair degree of instability at federal level. And
officers, Steven Vansteenkiste, was widely while the likelihood of Belgium bursting
quoted in the media complaining about in the near future, as predicted by the
Flanders, more power to run its own affairs a francophone veto, and the amount “België Barst!” graffiti in Liederkerke, is
while devolving similar economic, industrial of money going from north to south. small, the fact that the old antagonisms
and other powers to poorer Wallonie as For both sides there is a lot at stake when between the two main groups are out
well as the Brussels Capital Region. Leterme’s government reports back on the in the open represents a shift in the
progress of the state reform negotiations in political landscape. One thing’s for sure:
BHV issue mid-July 2008. Any retreat from a regionalist whatever the outcome of the current
The most difficult state reform dossier is agenda would see Leterme rapidly losing round of state reform negotiations, no-one
that of the potential split of Brussels-Halle- the support of Flemish parties. Belgian can accuse Belgium of being boring.
InBev CEO Carlos Brito will be chief company will generate approximately a hydrogen peroxide megaplant and in an
executive officer of the combined company, €22.9 billion in annual net sales and brew Epicerol industrial unit which will produce
which will be called Anheuser-Busch InBev. about a quarter of the world’s beer. epichlorohydrin with natural glycerin. In
The expanded company will have a leading plastics, the Group is building a world-class
position on the world’s top five markets — Solvay posts record returns vinyls production unit in Russia, which
China, the U.S., Russia, Brazil and Germany The Solvay Group, a world leader in will complement the leadership positions
— and balanced exposure to developed and chemicals, plastics and pharmaceuticals, it has built up in South East Asia, Latin
developing markets. In a statement in July is continuing its impressive growth and America and Europe. In India, Solvay is
2008 the companies said the transaction posting record sales and profitability figures. inaugurating a new manufacturing unit
“creates significant profitability potential both Operating from its international headquarters for one of its high value added plastics
in terms of revenue enhancement and cost in Brussels and employing more than 28,000 specialties, Polyetheretherketone (PEEK).
savings”. The combination is estimated to people worldwide, Solvay had consolidated Sales in pharmaceuticals remained steady
“yield cost synergies of $1.5 billion annually sales of €9.6 billion in 2007 from its three in 2007 but the sector suffered setbacks with
by 2011 phased in equally over three years”. core areas with operating results (REBIT) the loss of the prescription drug Pantoloc
InBev agreed to pay $70 per share up 9% from 2006 at €1.19 billion. in Canada, negative repercussions from the
for the maker of Budweiser, up from its Growth in chemicals and plastics euro-dollar exchange rate as well as pressure
original unsolicited bid of $65 per share. was impressive while the Group suffered on pricing in several countries and for
This sweetened offer, which effectively setbacks in its pharmaceutical division. prescription drugs in Europe. Pharmaceutical
means that InBev will be paying $50 Recently announced projects in Solvay’s sales elsewhere in the world continued
billion for the merger, marked a 27% chemical division include expansion in strongly with TriCor and Androgel performing
premium to Anheuser’s record-high stock Thailand where the Group is undertaking excellently in the United States. The sector
price in October 2002. The combined ground-breaking proprietary technologies in also suffered a setback in Neuroscience
Population growth, the depletion of natural management and waste processing. With the many innovative companies operating
resources and climate change are issues backing of internationally renowned university in the field of renewable energy and
affecting all countries in the world, both and private research centres, Belgium has Belgian industry encourages partnerships
developed and developing. responded to the need for a greener global with developing countries. Belgium has
From an entrepreneurship point of view, economy by investing heavily in six areas of particularly acknowledged expertise in
it’s each company’s duty to look after the eco-business: renewable energy, energy solar and wind energy sectors. The world’s
these evolutions and continually launch efficiency, air, water, soil, recycling and waste. largest offshore wind farm is for example
new applications to meet them. Europe’s currently being built in the North Sea,
businesses have chosen to transform Developing clean-energy partnerships off the Belgian coast. Around 40 Belgian
constraints into opportunities. At the heart According to the International Energy Agency companies are involved in this project.
of Europe, Belgium has also taken up the (IEA), global energy consumption is set to
challenge of green technologies with a relish. increase by 50% by 2030. The sun, wind Towards improved energy efficiency
Many Belgian companies have become and water are potential climate-neutral Energy efficiency is a priority for all
world leaders in renewable energies, water energy sources. That’s why Belgium boasts governments. Belgian industry boasts a
JAPAN
Population (Belgium = 1)
Ireland Belgium China Netherl. Germany Japan France Italy Spain USA UK
Specialization
index 3.5 2.3 1.6 1.4 1.2 1.0 1.0 0.9 0,8 0.8 0.7
Population
(Mio) 4.1 10.4 1,313.9 16.5 82.4 127.5 62.8 58.1 40.4 298.4 60.6
Industry in a Nutshell
Located right in the middle of the European automotive
industry, gifted with a wide knowledge and a lot of know how
and a flexible and productive workforce: welcome to the
Belgian Automotive Industry!
“Belgium has a lot to offer: we are located right in the centre of the European automotive
industry, we have a wide knowledge and a lot of know how, and we can call on a flexible
and productive workforce.” Erik Vandervreken, Director, Agoria Automotive.
Turnover Employment
Branches
(2006) (2006) Food Safety Succes Story
Abattoirs and meat 16.8 % 16.2 % The Federal Agency for the Safety of
Dairy 11.1 % 8.1 % the Food Chain (FASFC) has brought a
Cocoa, chocolate and confectionery 10.1 % 8.3 % completely new dynamic to the Belgian
Bread, pastries and biscuits 8.8 % 29.2 % agro food chain, ranging from mixed
Feeding of livestock 8.5 % 3.5 % feed manufacturers, to agriculture and
Grain processing, pasta and starch 8.3 % 3.5 % food industry to distribution and the
catering industry. This is the result of a
Fruit and vegetable processing 7.1 % 8.7 %
unique form of dialogue between the
Water and soft drinks 5.8 % 4.5 %
FASFC and the sectors. This dialogue has
Breweries 5.5 % 6.5 % been transformed into complementary
Vegetable and animal oils and fats 5.5 % 1.2 % government and business efforts to
Sugar industry 3.5 % 1.8 % protect consumer health.
Other 9.0 % 8.5 %
Total 100 % 100 % • The FASFC completely reformed
food chain monitoring on the basis
of a new concept, focusing on the
Food-wise Belgians live in the land of plenty. is a healthy consumer who enjoys his
chain’s approach and integrating the
Almost everything’s available at affordable food and drink but eats a balanced diet
various inspection departments in one
prices. This wasn’t the case fifty years ago, and therefore eats in moderation.
umbrella monitoring organisation; it
when 40% of the family income was spent
thoroughly monitors contaminants,
on food. Today the figure is just 15%. Food Consumers abroad have also learned
works on the development of
was much more expensive for our parents to appreciate Belgian food products,
tracing and optimum quality control
and grandparents, simply because there was as the fast growth of export indicates.
throughout the agro food chain
so little of it. Our farmers just didn’t produce In 25 years time, turnover figures state
enough to feed their own population. The that the export share of the Belgian food
European agricultural policy didn’t exist industry has risen from 20% to 50%. • The producers pursue a strong brand
yet and Belgium had to import sugar, grain policy of total quality; they write
and milk year after year to supplement its This requires new products, packaging, guides for guaranteeing quality and
production shortages. Only the rich could sales channels and consumption moments. food safety per sector, enter into
afford luxury products. Despite the price There is constant innovation to tap this agreements about quality control in
increase of agricultural raw produce during the potential. The Belgian food sector has winning consultative bodies per market and
last months, tasty and healthy food remains cards to face the future with confidence! organise hygiene and quality control
fundamentally cheap and available to all. training for their staff.
Thanks to our diet, Belgians live longer and Packing Waste Success Story Thanks to this unique cooperation
healthier than their parents and grandparents. Packaging is no longer an environmental between government and private
The current life expectancy of the average problem in Belgium today. Reusable operators, the Belgian food
Belgian is 13 years longer than in 1950. bottles are being introduced on a safety monitoring system has
In 1950, eight year-old boys from poor large-scale, being ecologically and become a reference in Europe
families were on average 4 cm smaller than economically sound and over 90% of in just a few years time.
their wealthier playmates. Since then, the one-off packaging is now recycled,
success of the European agricultural policy thanks to the initiative of FOST Plus and
has led to a major revolution. The average the entire population’s cooperation. This
agricultural yield has increased by on average result makes Belgium Europe’s number FEVIA
2% annually during the past few decades. one. But Belgium also scores pretty well Fédération de l’industrie Alimentaire asbl
when it comes to prevention. In 2003 in 43 Avenue des Arts
These days, growth in the food industry is Belgium, 157kg domestic and industrial 1040 Brussels
no longer a matter of more, but of better. packaging waste was produced per Tel: 02/550.17.40
Better when it comes to ingredients, inhabitant, which is the third lowest figure Fax: 02/550.17.59
freshness, vitamins, antioxidants, etc. in Europe. Email: info@fevia.be
Because what the food industry wants www.fevia.be
Balta
The 2,680 companies of this industry jointly has undergone an extremely important
employ 57,000 people and invested over 400 adaptation process. There is one major
million euro last year. With added value worth constant: the companies increasingly aim to
3.2 billion euro and a positive trade balance distinguish themselves from the competition
of 2.7 billion euro, the sector offers a major by developing and manufacturing other,
contribution to Belgium’s prosperity. different products. Today we note that
there is major diversity of products in the
Innovation and diversification textile, wood and furniture industry and
The current position of the Belgian textile, this will undoubtedly increase further.
wood and furniture industry is partly due to Each company sought a niche – although
a strategy of innovation and diversification. this is sometimes a volume product – that
Extremis
top when it comes to design garden furniture, and textile finishing. In the wood and furniture
where our companies excel because of their industry, there is also major production of
advanced design as well as their innovative board material – especially chipboard and
choice of materials. fibreboard, both rough and processed - and
Within the growing subsector of wooden packaging such as crates, pallets and
technical textiles, a number of companies tailor-made packaging.
are specialized in protective textiles. This mosaic of extremely diverse and
They manufacture materials with specific specialized activities and products are what
characteristics which protect people in their makes our Belgian textile, wood and furniture
work: fire fighter clothes, bullet-proof vests, industry so high achieving.
signalisation clothing for road workers, etc.
Currently, artificial grass is one of the high- The textile, wood and furniture industry: 10
tech products of the Belgian carpet industry. main subsectors
Three Belgian manufacturers are world players - interior textiles
in this field. Many national and international - technical textiles
football teams play their home matches on - clothing textiles
Belgian artificial grass. - spinning mills
- textile finishing
Sioen
Stûv 30 : 3 stove in 1! It can operate behind its glass door, as openfire and barbecue or as a slow-burning fire.
Other similar models are available : a stove to be integrated in the construction or a wall-suspended model.
The home of the European Union, NATO Luxembourg, Madrid and Dublin), Brussels services groups Fortis and KBC. Brussels is
and other international organisations, emerged with the highest level of productivity regarded as the fourth-most attractive city
Europe’s de facto capital has a reputation and one of the highest GDPs. in Europe for starting a business. Brussels-
for bureaucracy and political decision- The backbone of this successful economy based journalist Leo Cendrowicz explains that
making but there is far more to Brussels is its services sector, which accounts for the city “has many hidden advantages, such
than this. It is a city of banking and around 88% of jobs in the region. Services as a strategic geographical location in Europe,
business, stylish architecture, vibrant culture include banking, research, information some of the most productive workers in the
and exceptional beer and chocolate. technologies, tourism, transport and health. world, excellent transport connections with
Brussels is also dynamic and successful. The star performer in this area is the financial other cities and a plentiful supply of relatively
In a recent study by BAK Basel Economics sector, where Brussels has an established cheap office space”.
comparing the Brussels Metropolitan banking tradition, a respected stock exchange A key growing sector in Brussels’ economy
Region (BMR) to 14 other major European and a variety of insurance, leasing and is information and computer technology,
metropolitan centres (such as Paris, London, investment fund firms including major financial with around 4,500 ICT companies employing
lobbyists, consultancies, advertising agencies catered for with houses like Godiva, Pierre
and journalists. Many Belgian companies Marcolini, Wittamer, Leonidas and Neuhaus
have their headquarters in Brussels even if represented. Brussels also has numerous
business activities are centred elsewhere. taverns to sample the country’s 450 world-
The capital is home to 54,000 businesses, of renowned beers, which include delicious
which 2,000 are foreign, and the city attracts local specialities such as Trappist beer and
over 1,000 business conferences annually. the yeast-free ‘lambic beer’.
From a quality-of-life point of view, the city All of these attractions contribute towards
boasts numerous attractions for young and Brussels’ success, as does its international
old alike, a vibrant cultural life and a wealth of character as a cultural meeting-place. This
quality restaurants. Tourist landmarks include: multi-culturalism is not without its challenges,
the Grand Place, the majestic town square however. In some respects Brussels reflects
which is home to terrace cafes and functions the broader historical, political and linguistic
as the venue for numerous concerts; the divisions of Belgium itself, and greater
Atomium, a giant model of nine linked spheres cooperation with the Flemish and Walloonian
which represents an iron molecule’s atoms authorities would increase the city’s standing
and which serves as a symbol of the city; as a world-class cosmopolitan city.
the impressive EU headquarters; the Royal Economically, while the Brussels region
Palace; the neoclassical Palace of Justice, is a rich and successful one, levels of
75,000 people. Health is another vehicle for and the town’s gothic town hall. Museums unemployment are high (above 20%),
growth and employment, while excellent and galleries honour artistic talents Peter especially amongst the growing sector of
university research has contributed to the Brueghel, Tintin creator Hergé, surrealist less-educated immigrants from Turkey,
city’s leading role in developing life sciences, painter Magritte and Art Nouveau’s Victor Greece and North Africa. Companies and
including biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Horta. The city also has its own style district international experts recommend better
With the decline of traditional industrial around the rue Dansaert with numerous education and retraining of the unemployed,
activities in the region, it is the international boutiques, trendy restaurants and art galleries. both in technical and language skills, to
character of Brussels which has assumed There are countless restaurants offering improve the situation.
vital economic importance. The city is the fine food, from the national dish of “moules Given its long history dating back to the
second-largest diplomatic city in the world et frites” (mussels and chips) to ethnic dishes 13th century of making the most of changing
and is host to 159 embassies and some from Turkey, China, Morocco, Vietnam, circumstances, Brussels will continue to meet
2,500 diplomats as well a vast contingent Tunisia, Italy and elsewhere. Belgium’s these new opportunities and remain one of
of EU officials, civil servants, interpreters, most famous food export, chocolate, is well Europe’s most dynamic and desirable cities.
Major infrastructure projects already In 2007 Antwerp, which is Europe’s second TEU) will soon be able to navigate unhindered
underway or in the pipeline include a bridge largest port, handled 183 million tonnes of right to the Deurganck dock.
and tunnel road link which will complete the freight from almost 17,000 cargo-carrying Work on widening the navigation
circle of the Antwerp ring, further deepening ships, increasing its annual handling volume channel by up to 370 metres between
of the river Scheldt, an expansion of the by 9.3%. The main driver of this growth is the Europaterminal and up to 500 metres
harbour, and a railway link between Antwerp general cargo with a sharp rise in container upstream of the Deurganck dock is set to
and Brussels airport. cargo in 2007 to nearly 95 million tonnes. commence following the implementation
Strategically located in the heart of Europe, This growth is set to continue with further of environmental protection measures from
Antwerp has long had a strong tradition deepening of the Westerschelde scheduled October 2008.
in logistics thanks to its inland location to be complete by 2009. Deepening work, There is strong political commitment to
which gives it excellent rail, water and road which is necessary to guarantee navigability this project from the Flemish government,
connections to Europe’s leading economies: and keep up with developments in ship with Flemish Minister-President Kris Peeters
the Netherlands, France, Germany, construction, got underway in December stressing that “widening the navigation
Luxembourg and also the United Kingdom. 2007. Big container ships (up until 12,000 channel in the Westerschelde is of great
Rail link
In terms of rail infrastructure, Belgium has
one of the most comprehensive rail networks
in the world and transported a total of 188
million passengers and 62 million tonnes
of freight in 2006. Regional improvements
are set to benefit Antwerp as well with the
Diabolo project currently underway resulting
in Brussels airport becoming a major junction
in the Belgian and international railway
network. By providing a new direct rail link
importance for the economic development more and multinationals choose Belgium between Brussels airport and major railway
in Flanders and the Netherlands”. as their European distribution centre on stations such as Mechelen and Antwerp, the
Peeters added that the “expected profits the grounds of its exceptional location, project will significantly reduce travel times
from transport as a result of this third road network and logistics know-how. To on existing services.
deepening of the Westerschelde up to ease this congestion and allow for smooth Antwerp also provides excellent access
2030 are estimated at between €0.7 and expansion, Antwerp is planning a bridge to Belgium’s extensive network of inland
€1.1 billion for Flanders alone”. The cost and tunnel link (known as the Oosterweel waterways (1,532 km) which provides fast,
of the dredging work is €100 million. link) to complete the circle of the Antwerp environmentally-friendly and cost-efficient
ring. Dubbed the Lange Wapper after a transport to the heart of Europe.
Improving road mobility figure in Antwerp’s folklore, the 2.4 km Whatever the outcome of the wrangling
The fast expansion of Antwerp’s port is also state-of-the-art cable-stayed bridge will over Antwerp’s road infrastructure
leading to faster than expected growth in be an impressive feat of engineering and development, the city’s expansion as a multi-
road haulage. Antwerp’s already congested serve as an eye-catching icon to the modal logistics hub is strengthening its global
road network is becoming even busier as city. Five 110-metre pillars will support competitiveness.
Robert Voorhamme, Councilor for Education, Work & Economy - City of Antwerp
© Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine
Logistics has secured a place as a strategic sustainably if the connection with industrial character, such as assembly, adding options
sector for Benelux. The added value of activities is strong enough. This means or kitting. These types of activities are labour
logistics is over 8% of the gross domestic that the boundary between logistics and intensive, providing work for more than
product, and it employs over 8% of the production is becoming less defined. This 30,000 people in more than 790 European
working population. can be seen in the changing design of larger distribution centres (EDCs) supplying at least
These figures alone show that logistics is warehouses. For example the pure storage five European countries.
more than just transport and warehouses. space is increasingly making way for added Aside from the obvious benefits of logistics
Furthermore, logistics today can only flourish value activities with an increasingly industrial for the economy, the social and ecological
Gosselin, an Antwerp-based moving and The company’s core activities cover every international success have been former
logistics group of companies with more aspect of the removal business: moving, line- company chairman Dolf Gosselin and the
than 75 years of professional expertise, has haul, warehousing, packing and unpacking current CEO, Marc Smet. Dolf Gosselin
taken the business of moving and logistics of containers, customs clearance, and road, was a “real Antwerpenaar”, a “mover and
to another level. Started in 1930 as a local sea and air transportation. These activities shaker” who expanded Vivet-Gosselin
Belgian moving company, the firm has are divided according to the three divisions: from a local moving company into Gosselin
evolved over the years into an impressive Gosselin Moving, Gosselin Logistics, and World Wide Moving, a major player in the
international moving empire with 48 branches Gosselin Support Services. international moving scene. They oversaw
in 32 countries. The two driving forces behind Gosselin’s its steady expansion within Western, Central
The Westerlund Group is a world leader in supplying ship’s provisions. Over 100 years Kingdom and China, and the group also owns
the handling and logistics of paper, pulp later, the Westerlund Group has a strong and operates the world’s largest terminal
and other forest products and provides a tradition in forwarding and warehousing paper, specialising in forest products.
complete distribution service for producers pulp and forest products and is continuing Westerlund’s steady expansion and then
and consumers through its port terminals in its global expansion through strategic specialisation in forest products received a
Antwerp, Rouen and Changshu. acquisitions and buyouts. massive boost in 1968 when the founder’s
When Captain John Westerlund, a ship In 2008 the Westerlund Group handled sons built one of the first large modern
owner from Gothenburg in Sweden, settled over nine million tons through its regional terminals in Antwerp to specialise in pulp,
in Antwerp in 1903, he set up a business operations in Belgium, France, the United paper and forest products. 1987 marked the
dust-free) bulk kaolin receiving terminal on 14001 certification, becoming the first Belgian
Antwerp’s right bank. terminal operator to obtain this distinction.
A key aspect of Westerlund’s success has Ongoing investment in systems, procedures
been the growth of its regional operations. In and training at its various terminals ensures
Europe, Westerlund France started operating that Westerlund provides the highest quality
a marine terminal at Rouen in 1993 and also service while having the least impact on the
runs a container freight station at Marseilles/ environment and the community.
Fos. Westerlund UK started running its BBI buyout consolidates Westerlund’s
business from Tilbury in 1995. In France, global position
Westerlund recently strengthened its position 2008 has seen a major development for the
as a market leader through the acquisition of group with the decision by Babcock & Brown
Cimep-Mondia Forest Products. This buyout Infrastructure (BBI), Europe’s largest bulk
increased its French activities by 50% and and break bulk operations group specialist,
enlarged its storage capacity in Rouen to to acquire the Westerlund Group. Through
85,000m2. its majority-owned subsidiary Benelux
In Asia, Westerlund commenced business Port Holdings, BBI acquired a majority
in 1996 with the building of terminals in the shareholding in the Westerlund Group as part
new Chinese port of Changshu, west of of its long-term business strategy of acquiring
Shanghai on the Yangtze River. Westerlund and developing high quality port companies.
Changshu nearly doubled its handling BBI employs 2,900 people worldwide in its
volumes from one million tonnes in 2004 to port holdings and operations and handles
almost two million tonnes in 2007. A newly approximately 150 million tons of various
opened office in Shanghai coordinates the commodities annually. In 2007 BBI achieved
group’s Asian logistics. group revenue of €0.8 billion.
Jean-Jacques Westerlund, who remains
Full logistical services CEO of the Westerlund Group, assured all
Westerlund’s activities have developed rapidly stakeholders that the quality and commitment
over the past few years beyond traditional of Westerlund would remain unchanged.
stevedoring to include full logistical services, “Babcock & Brown has a record of
including complete distribution to final clients operating to the same high quality standards
as well as the exporting of paper from Europe. as Westerlund is known for, and you may
The group combines its expertise in pulp be assured that Westerlund will continue
and paper handling with strategic partners in providing the dedicated service and attention
order to offer a seamless logistics network. to your interests in all the ports we operate,”
Forwarding by road, rail, barge or sea, or any he said.
combination thereof, is carried out by a single “We firmly believe that the new
service provider for reliable and competitive shareholding structure will allow our company
export solutions. A worldwide network of to successfully pursue growth in our major
company-owned and managed terminals markets and to serve our clients even better
start of a period of significant growth as the ensures high quality warehousing for safe in future.”
company opened the very first terminal on storage and efficient handling. As part of its
the left bank of the river Scheldt. Doubling comprehensive service to both producers
its capacity four years later, Westerlund’s and consumers, the group also provides a full
Antwerp terminal became the largest in the online tracking system to monitor shipments Philip De Mulder
world specialising in the handling of paper at all stages of the paper chain. Group Commercial Manager
and pulp. It covers an area of 880,000m2 with A major accomplishment with regards to Westerlund Group
260,000m2 of covered storage. In addition quality control was Westerlund’s achievement Email: Pdemulder@westerlundgroup.com
the group operates Europe’s largest (and in 2002 of simultaneous ISO 9001 and ISO www.westerlundgroup.com
BOECKMANS
and Forwarding BELGIE
The global economy is going through rough caught up with the American economy by expand our exports and attract investment.
times. As the dust of the subprime crisis 2035, as a recent Carnegie Endowment True, Belgium could do better in this
settles, and western economies brace for peace report predicts. It will be respect. While we are still the fourth most
themselves for more, not less uncertainty, twice as large by 2050. The BRICS by popular investment destination world wide
one undeniable truth looms large. The that time will have dwarfed the size of (UNCTAD stats 2006), we seem to find it
epicenter of the global economy is shifting the G7 by over a hundred per cent. more difficult to attract BRIC investments.
to the east. Or rather more precisely: it is Does this mean the demise of the old Also, we should urgently increase our
heading into BRIC territory. continent is near? I would argue quite export market share in BRIC territory (27th
This is an unavoidable trend. And the contrary: BRIC markets offer us an out of 30th place in terms of growth of
one that will speed up in the decades to unprecedented opportunity to add wealth to BRIC exports between 2002 and 2006).
come. The Chinese economy will have our own societies as long as we are able to The Belgian government however is fully
St. Petersburg
Moscow Nizhny Novgorod
Montreal Kiev
Toronto
New York Tasjkent
Chicago Istanbul
Los Angeles Tunis Teheran Beijng
Damascus Seoul Tokyo
Atlanta Algiers
Tel Aviv Bagdad Islamabad Osaka
Tripoli
Casablanca Caïro Kuwait Shanghai
Mexico City Riyad New Guangzhou
Havana Dubai Delhi Taipei
Hanoi Hongkong
Mumbai
Manilla
Bangalore Bangkok
Abidjan
Bogota
Nairobi Singapore
Kinshasa
Jakarta
Helsinki
Sao Paulo Oslo
Johannesburg
Stockholm
Santiago
Looking
315/29 Wereldkaarten to locate or 1expand your business
FIT-Netwerk.indd Once established in Flanders, we assist you, • cutting-edge building materials,10-04-2008
interior 14:47:39
in Flanders? among other things, with your expansion design and environmental technology firms;
Flanders Investment & Trade can assist plans and help you identify new export • top fashion designers and diamond cutting
with your plans to locate your operational markets. industry;
base in Flanders, at the heart of Europe. We • breweries and producers of delicious
provide you with useful insights and up-to- Looking for high-quality suppliers? chocolates.
date information on a wide range of aspects If you are a company selling foreign products,
relating to business relocation, such as: Flanders is a place worth running your ruler We can help you get in touch with the many
over. Its industries offer many high-quality, suppliers of profitable products developed
• site selection and local labor supply; innovative and semi-manufactured products and produced here in Flanders.
• legal aspects, tax benefits and government that will astound you. This region is noted, the
incentives; world over, for its Looking for support in your quest for
• business, government and academic innovation?
contacts; • renowned chemical, logistics, automotive Flanders Investment & Trade supports both
• integration into local community life. and life sciences industries; local and foreign companies in their ongoing
© Imec
© Televic
quest for innovation. We provide, among other government bodies, Flanders Investment & network of representatives in over 90 cities
things, expert advice and guidance for: Trade had posted several technology attachés around the globe. To find out more on what
around the globe: Flanders has to offer foreign companies
• Obtaining government subsidies for looking to do business in and with the
innovation projects; • Information and Communication European region of the future, visit:
• Tax incentives for R&D staff and for patent- Technology (Mumbai, India); www.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com
derived income; • Biotechnology and Nanotechnology (Tokyo,
• Partnerships with our research centers and Japan);
knowledge cluster; • Biotechnology (New York, USA); Flanders Investment & Trade
• Joint ventures and transfer of technology • Environment & Energy (Beijing, China); Gaucheretstraat 90
with Flemish hi-tech companies. • Information and Communication 1030 Brussels, Belgium
Technology (Los Angeles, USA). Tel: +32 2 504 87 11
To encourage the flow of innovative and Fax: +32 2 504 88 99
technological know-how between Flemish and Our global network at your service E-mail:info@fitagency.com
foreign companies, centers of knowledge and Flanders Investment & Trade has an extensive www.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com
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Although Wallonia generates only 0.60% of highly qualified labour force, has enabled infrastructure fully interconnected with
European Union GDP, its share of exports Wallonia to position itself in a number of the European networks, the availability of
is almost twice as high. Walloon sales as niche sectors. space in industrial and science parks, its
part of total European Union external trade Although the spirit of enterprise level of education and training, its culture of
have grown by 15% over the past 10 years. appears to be vital to any economic partnership with scientific and technological
This means that the trend amongst Walloon redeployment, the mobilisation of all centres of excellence (300 research centres;
enterprises has been to increase their market its energies – academic, scientific and 60% of Belgian spin-offs), the networking
share against their European counterparts political – is also a key factor of its success. of its high added value industrial fabric, the
throughout the world for the past decade. These are the principles that underpin the availability of its managers… and so on.
Exports are on an identical trend, rising Walloon government’s Marshall Plan for Not forgetting its human qualities!
by an annual average of 8.5%. This result Wallonia, designed to stimulate the creation Wallonia is a welcoming and friendly region,
places Wallonia’s performance at a higher of businesses and jobs. With a major rich in tradition and proud of its multicultural
level than that of its immediate neighbours transversal international dimension, the Plan components, which have forged a spirit of
and of the EU15 as a whole. aims to focus on a few major economic tolerance. It is quite simply a beautiful place
Foreign investment is also a driving fields in which Wallonia is highly competitive to live and to discover!
force of regional development as foreign (aeronautics-space, food processing, life
companies setting up in Wallonia represent sciences, mechanical engineering and
75% of turnover, more than 70% of logistics-transport). In this framework the
employees and 55% of its exports. During actors involved have pooled their strengths
the past 7 years (2000-2007), foreign to accomplish shared objectives. The
companies have invested close to 5 billion Plan also provides tax breaks to boost the
euros in Wallonia, leading to the creation of competitiveness of enterprises with the
more than 13,290 jobs. creation of free zones and a strong focus on
This trend indicates real business training, job support and the social sector.
dynamism. It is the fruit of the changing These are just some of the measures that
economic and industrial environment in will increase the attractiveness of Wallonia,
Wallonia which started to develop ten years which naturally already benefits from
ago. This success results largely from the many international assets, for both buyers
ability of its enterprises to innovate. and investors: its central geographical
The high percentage of SMEs (95%), position just a short distance from the EU
offering flexibility and a multilingual and Capital, its multimodal communication www.wallonia-international.be
One of the most striking projects in with Samsung Engineering & Construction DEME was closely involved in the Pearl
the Middle East building boom is the and Arabtec. Besix is also involved in the Qatar project which features a 400-
construction of the world’s tallest tower, construction of a $40 billion development hectare residential island. DEME’s €152
the Burj Dubai, scheduled for completion on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi which includes million share of the project consisted of
and occupation in the UAE’s financial a retail centre, hotels, a leisure complex dredging, reclamation, soil improvement,
and trading hub in September 2009. The and a Formula One motor racing circuit. dry earth and rock excavation, onsite
projected final height of the Burj Dubai Qatar’s building boom has also provided quarrying, and shore protection. In 2007
remains a secret but industry observers exciting opportunities to Belgium’s leading the group also completed a 1,700-
estimate it will be approximately 818 metres dredging groups, Dredging, Environmental hectare land reclamation to create a
high with 162 habitable floors, making it the and Marine Engineering (DEME) and platform for the new Doha international
world’s tallest free-standing structure. Top Jan De Nul, who between them had an airport in Qatar’s capital city.
Belgian construction firm Besix is one of annual turnover of €2.5 billion in 2007 Fellow Belgian dredging giant Jan De
the primary builders on the project together and employed 7,800 people worldwide. Nul recently signed a contract with Qatar
Petroleum to extend the port of Mesaieed. contract with the Qatar-Bahrain Causeway and CCC. The dredging work will be
The €330 million contract, awarded to Foundation for the construction of a 40 undertaken by the Middle East Dredging
a consortium of Jan De Nul and STFA, km causeway between the two countries. Company (MEDCO), a subsidiary of DEME.
will see Jan De Nul constructing an extra The “Friendship Bridge” as it is called will The causeway will cut the current
350 metre quay wall and dredging five be the longest bridge in the world and five-hour road journey between the
million m³ of relatively hard rock to a consist of a 2x2-lane, fixed motorway two countries to 30 minutes and be
depth of -15.5m and over a distance of link between the two Gulf states. It will a major boost for trade and tourism.
4.5km. The total duration of the contract feature 18 km of embankments and 22 Following rigorous environmental and
including the civil works is two years. km of viaducts and bridges, including two ecological assessments, the four-year
400-metre cable-stayed bridges allowing project is scheduled to get underway
World’s longest bridge shipping to pass through deeper waters. in early 2009. The bridge will come
DEME is also part of a consortium that The other partners in the consortium are into service in 2013 with an estimated
recently signed a $3 billion design-build Vinci Construction Grands Projets, Hochtief daily traffic of 12,000 vehicles.
With 150 years of experience, an annual farm, involves a range of specialist activities. 2007 the group also completed a 1,700 -
group turnover of €1.3 billion in 2007 and This contract requires thirty 45 metre-high hectare reclamation to create a platform
a combined workforce of 3,500 people, gravity-based foundations to be installed on for the new Doha international airport.
the DEME group is a world leader in its pre-dredged foundation pits 30 km. off the In the UAE, DEME is constructing the Al
sector, providing a diverse range of high Belgian coast for its 5MW wind turbines. Raha Beach waterfront in Abu Dhabi and
tech operations across the globe — from “In this project we have dredging, heavy the Al Marjan artificial islands in Ras Al
Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India, lifting at sea, stone dumping activities, Khaimah; A new 350 million Euro contract
China, and Australia to South America. trench dredging, cable laying and directional has been awarded there for the construction
DEME was established as a holding drilling – and the whole project delivers of the huge artificial island Al Dana.
company in 1991 and includes names such renewable energy,” says Hubert Fiers, Important international projects in Asia and
as Dredging International and Baggerwerken communications manager for DEME. “So Oceania include the construction of two new
Decloedt in the dredging sector, Tideway, it is a really good example of how the ports in India at Damhra and Gangavaram,
GEOSEA and Scaldis Salvage & Marine synergies within the one group can work.” the creation of Jurong island in Singapore and
Contractors in marine engineering and oil- While DEME’s European base provides a the operation of one of DEME’s jumbo trailers
and-gas related activities; DEC, de Vries & backyard to try out new things and train its in several port access channels in China for
van de Wiel and Ecoterres in environmental staff for their overseas contracts, 80% of the the past two years. The project in Singapore
techniques; and DEME Building Materials group’s turnover is generated in other regions. entails the joining of seven islands into one
(DBM) in fluvial and marine aggregates. In the Middle East DEME has recently built, to create a petrochemical hub for the East
The group’s success can be attributed in partnership, a 400-hectare residential island Asian region. Some 5000 hectares of land
to the unique and valuable contributions in Qatar. Here petro-dollars can purchase are being created in the process and 70%
of each member, which complement the the creation of entire islands. DEME’s €152 of the project has so far been completed.
activities of the other companies. In its million contract in this so-called Pearl Qatar I n Australia, DEME has just finished
home market of Europe for example, the project involves dredging, reclamation, soil a deepening project on the west coast
group’s headline project in Belgium, the improvement, dry earth and rock excavation, at Cape Lambert while it recently won
construction of the C-Power far-shore wind onsite quarrying, and shore protection. In contracts for maintenance dredging at
© Legendes
Thorntonbank wind farm off the Belgian coast Stone revetment works for the protection of the new industrial areas reclaimed at Jurong Island, Singapore
© Legendes
© Legendes
Al Marjan Island Development – Ras Al Khaimah – U.A.E. Rainbowing activities for the Coega harbour development in South Africa
Bunbury, Port Hedland and for deepening but one aspect of DEME’s contribution to while a wide spread of activities gives
the approach channel to the port of sustainable development. DEME focuses on DEME the opportunity to offer total turnkey
Gladstone. In a new €100 million contract, environmentally-friendly dredging techniques solutions and packages to clients.
DEME undertakes a major extension of while also carrying out remediation and “What we do allows future generations to
Newcastle, Australia’s major coal port. decontamination of silt and soils. DEME’s prosper,” says Fiers. “We are creating new
In South America, DEME has completed work treating dredged materials includes infrastructure, new ports, new residential
a major port development at Sepetiba in working on landside projects, cleaning up areas and new sites for sports and recreation
Brazil and has started a new port access the soils of petrochemical sites, brownfield facilities. We are making positive tracks to
dredging work in Itaguai, also in Sepetiba rehabilitation, remediation of so called “black create a better living world for tomorrow.”
Bay. Maintenance dredging works have been spots”, remediation of waste deposit areas,
executed in the Orinoco River and Maracaibo and landscaping. Its UK subsidiary, DEC UK,
Lake in Venezuela for a number of years now. participates in the cleaning of 500 hectares of
In West Africa, DEME coordinates its contaminated soil on the area earmarked at
activities in the region from its base in Stratford for the London Olympics 2012 site.
Nigeria whilst the group’s projects in South
Africa include the creation of an entirely Positioning for the future
new access channel to the port of Durban While DEME will always be, first and foremost, DEME
and extensive maintenance dredging in a dredging company, they have established Dredging, Marine, Environmental Engineering
Richard’s Bay. In Angola, Luanda Bay is satellites around this core business in support. Haven 1025, Scheldedijk 30
being given a new waterfront, while a new Two important strategies for the B-2070 Zwijndrecht
site platform is being reclaimed in Soyo. future are the maintenance of a “good Belgium
geographical spread” and a multi-disciplinary Tel: +32 (0)3-250.52.11
Environmental projects approach. Fiers points out that having Fax: +32 (0)3-250.56.50
Approximately 10% of DEME’s business a worldwide presence makes the group E-mail: info@deme.be
entails environmental projects. This is less dependent on cyclical fluctuations www.deme.be
Innovation is a hot topic in Belgium, margins, and thus economic growth. The
perhaps too hot, with the result that the alternative is declining wages and protracted
term is often abused in hollow marketing social conflict. Looking at Belgian innovation
slogans. But we need to be clear: from achievements—in sectors such as biotech,
an economic perspective innovation is of engineering, microelectronics, materials,
fundamental importance to this country. aerospace, industrial design—there are
The European Commission’s review of some clear patterns to be observed. To start
innovation policy (INNO Policy Trendchart with the cliché, most Belgian innovative
2007) sums it up nicely. Firstly, economic companies are ‘niche’ players, i.e., they are
forecasts predict that Belgian growth rates active adjacent to the main categories in
in the coming years will not be sufficiently their market. They make the often invisible
high to prevent the reappearance of public components in the products we as consumers
deficits, or in another scenario, sufficiently experience. They often occupy a spot
high to maintain social protection for an earlier on in the value chain, producing a
ageing population. Secondly, there is a long- component or supportive system that is
term trend of declining rates of productivity required by another product, or a next phase
growth. Thirdly, exporters are losing market of the value chain. This is no accident.
shares due to the decline in (external) Most Belgian innovative companies have a
competitiveness of our main export industries. clearly outlined strategy in that regard. They
There is only one way out of this economic have identified their category, their market
doom scenario and that is via innovation. segment, and their strategy is to dominate
It is via innovation that Belgian companies or lead that category worldwide, both from a
will be able deliver superior value on world technology and market (share) perspective.
markets, thereby increasing revenues and For example, it is estimated that ICOS Vision
This article is based on the recently published book ‘Innovators: Innovation & Design in Belgium’, published by The Fifth Conference in 2008.
From its origin in a potato shed twenty-one a strategic partnership with two established
years ago to its position as a leader in the international research and development
crop protection industry today, Belchim Crop companies which allowed not only a more
Protection (Belchim) has shown remarkable specialised product portfolio, but also further
growth and has adapted well to the changes expansion into Europe. The company was
in the industry. In 2007 it earned consolidated renamed Belchim Crop Protection (Belchim)
annual revenues of €170 million and currently and is now a large player operating in the
operates in 19 European countries. European crop protection market competing
Managing director and the driving with Syngenta, Bayer Crop Sciences and
force behind Belchim, Dirk Putteman was BASF. Belchim operates in 19 European
introduced to the crop protection industry at countries and has plans to extend operations
the young age of 21 at Schering. At the age to the newer European member states.
of 30, he founded his own crop protection The company operates from its
business, Belchim, in 1987. By the late HQ in Londerzeel, Belgium, but a
1990s, after expansion in The Netherlands, flexible reporting structure enables the
Belchim Benelux was ready for further various European entities to retain a
enlargement and Putteman sought and found strongly market-oriented approach.
about People
Belgium is full of talent, and Randstad’s role is to bring
that talent together with world class organisations.
Its innovative view of work is summed up in For over 40 years, Randstad has been Randstad, with its global headquarters
the motto, “to know, serve and trust”: and providing companies and employees in in the Netherlands, is the third largest
that motto holds true not just for Randstad Belgium with staffing services. That mission staffing company in the world based on
but for the entire employment chain. This has evolved through the years along with revenue. In 2007, it generated revenue of
dedication to its position as a “people the needs of the job market. From its €9.2 billion, with a net income of €384.9
services” company, and its commitment beginnings as a temporary employment million, from its 2,886 branches located
to community, has led it to be the first agency, Randstad has developed into in 19 countries around the world.
company in Belgium to achieve the SA 8000 a leader in matching demand for and In Belgium, Randstad employs weekly
accreditation for decent working conditions. supply of labour and HR services. 35,400 people working for 17,000 different
Introduction observation is made that most companies, the back flap of all the new books which
“Because people are important”. This classic however, talk a lot about “people are appear about human resources, personnel &
among the elections slogans has developed our most important capital” but in reality organization or whatever you’d like to call it.
over the course of the years into the icon perform more maintenance on their copying Let alone each time embark on the complete
of one-liners. Enter “because people are machines than on their people’s capacities. book. And nevertheless, to read something
important” just on Google today and you Beautiful quote but grossly exaggerated? from time to time… rewards the (big) effort.
get 3,710,000 hits. Not bad, definitely not Yes, of course. Only it can’t do any harm But then what to choose from that supply
if you compare it with “washes whiter than not just to listen to what is being said but of thousands of “classics”? Take, e.g., “The
white” that only gets 12,800 hits. Politics also to have a look at what is being done. Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”
revolves around people. OK, but management What does personnel policy mean in reality? by Stephen R. Covey. And, no doubt, for
just the same. Because what makes the What could it be? What does it produce? those for whom the whole tome is too
difference between successful and less- Are companies with a sophisticated and, weighty, a summary exists somewhere.
successful businesses? Not the quality of admittedly, a personnel policy that costs
their fleet or the power of their computers, quite a bit, also more effective? Differently Why would we make the effort?
also not the raw materials or thousand- said: is it worth it to invest in people? For quite a few people personnel policy
and-one things that we use daily. Is it consists of recruiting people, spotlessly
possible that the simple slogan of days past A little bit of literature as administering their file, ensuring that they
contains a wealth of truth? Undoubtedly! a warm-up exercise are correctly paid at the end of the month,
People are our most important capital. Before entering into the pragmatics of day- each day arranging more than a hundred-
With this bromide we already get closer to-day personnel policy, it’s worth the effort and-one things (holidays, time credit,
to the traditional management-speak. The to quickly get into the helicopter and admire part-time working…) and - for a lot of HR
pronouncement is not in the least popular. the landscape. First just look at the forest hands-on people a serious chunk out of
Only 84 hits. One of it leads to an amusing and then at the trees later. It’s impossible their time budget – hopefully maintaining
website (http://taan.eu) where the intriguing to keep pace. It’s a full-time job just to read good relations with the trade unions.
HR Strategy
HR also needs a long-term vision. Moreover,
this should be aligned with the strategy of defined by individual or at team level, most which philosophy lies behind the company
the complete organization. HR may not be an of them must satisfy a number of criteria: processes. For HR that organization culture
island that stands separate from the business. they must be specifically measurable or at is a key factor. It determines the learning
least verifiable, feasible and at the same capacity of the organization, its willingness
Competence Management time ambitious. Moreover, and perhaps most to change, how people are treated.
To realize that strategy, the organization important, they must be an extension of the
needs the correct competences. Randstad company objectives. By means of correctly Social Commitment
distinguishes 3 types of competences: formulating objectives the organization can More and more organizations are themselves
generic competences (frequently also called ensure that everybody is on the same page. aware of their specific role in society.
core competences), which are expected of Important social trends translate themselves
all employees, behavioural competences, Reward also to internal company processes: how
which are inherent to the function and Research has shown that remuneration is to treat older employees, how seriously
job related technical competences which a very important factor to determine the is the slogan “work is fun” taken, how is
are directly related to the function. attractiveness of a company. It is also an the lamentation by many employees to be
Having a proprietary company set essential element for motivation of the able to realize a proper balance between
of competences is important for all employees... An important component of the “work life” and “private life” handled,
HR processes. Competences come HR happening has been aimed at dealing what can diversity mean to you,… ?
looking around the corner both during with this creatively and purposefully. In
recruitment, evaluation and development. addition to a fixed remuneration, a company Conclusion
could also build in a variable element and “Because people are important” the
Staffing beside the hard euro there still are numerous people-oriented aspect in organizations
In-, through- and outflow of employees is possibilities for expressing your appreciation. will come more and more to the forefront.
a daily worry of each HR worker. Having HR will be shaking off its “soft” image
correct people at the correct moment in the Talent Management and be wholeheartedly committing to the
correct numbers is, of course, a permanent The “war on talent” rages in abundance. The business. The language of the future HR
objective. Important issues in this respect competitiveness and the innovative capacity manager is business oriented, his eyes
are: how does your organization recruit, of your organization depend on the degree are focused on the future and his nose is
how flexible are you with regard to contract in which you succeed in attracting talent, constantly searching for talent. “You have
types, how do you treat employees who developing it further and preserving it. a nose for talent”… a bigger compliment
want or must leave the organization, ... you cannot get as HR manager.
Organization Culture
Performance Management Each company is different, exudes a different Hugo De Vreese
Formulating objectives for employees or atmosphere. It is that company culture that Managing Consultant
teams is no sinecure. Irrespective whether determines which profile is attracted and Randstad HR Consulting
Christophe Ketels
Compagnie Gagarine’s founder, Christophe
Ketels, is the main photographer at the
agency. What drives him is originality, the
consistent attempt to photograph subjects
from an original point of view, whether it is
a building, monument, a person or concert.
Photography for Ketels is a constant search
for that particular angle and light which
no one has found before, or which no one
has wanted to try before. It means leaving
the normal conventional path and trying
something unusual in order to allow emotion
and amazement to take over. Perspectives
that go far beyond the traditional images,
as well as bringing details and objects to
our attention which most of us would never
have noticed. Just like the astronaut Youri
Gagarin was the first man in space, where
no man had gone before and what many
B-Apparthotels 90 – 91
Barry Callebaut 70 – 71
City of Antwerp 38 – 39
Creamoda 130-131
DEME 194-195
Essenscia 158-159
Fedustria 164-165
Fevia 162-163
Godiva 68-69
HealthCity 118-119
HRD 42 – 43
Meevida 46 – 47
Muziektheater Transparant 34 – 35
Pralibel 74-75
Randstad 204-205-206-207-208-209
ROSAS 32 – 33
Stûv 166-167