Historical background

 

In 1895, Léon Stassen, a farmer, produced his first cider, using apples from his own orchard in Aubel.

He wrote down his original recipe, which was carefully treasured and passed on to his son, Léon, who in 1937 founded a small traditional cider brewery in the centre of the village. Léon junior’s son Jean kept this passion for cider alive for over 50 years, only retiring from the business at the age of 68 after entrusting its destiny to his three sons, who today carry on the family tradition.

Between 1987 and 1991, the company experienced exceptional growth thanks to the success of its flavoured ciders. It thus became the leader in the Belgian and Dutch cider markets.

In 1992, the Stassen family sold the business to the English cider group Bulmer, which wished to expand its markets on the continent, mainly with its famous Strongbow brand. Eleven years on, in 2003, Europe’s third largest brewer, Scottish & Newcastle (market leader in the UK) took back Bulmer, and so the Stassen business in Aubel too.

In January 2008, the Stassen ciders return to the family bosom. Philippe Stassen, great-grandson of Léon Stassen, takes all the shares of Stassen S.A. back. The negotiations also ended in a production and bottling contract.

Stassen S.A. is now an independent family company which acquired an great know how by the combination of its international and enterprising mind.