Future project: John Martin, Zemst

The success of beer in discovering the world would not have been possible without the adventurers and explorers who brought the recipe and secrets of beer. John Martin, for example, a young Englishman who arrived in Antwerp in 1909, introduced the legendary Guinness to Belgium in 1914, becoming a pioneer in importing Irish, as well as English and Scottish beers to Belgium and the rest of Europe.

Despite the popularity of local artisan breweries, Belgian beer continues to spread its influence abroad today. In 2023, 18 million hectolitres of Belgian beer crossed the border, representing 62% of annual production. China has become an important partner, with a growing preference for authentic Belgian beers, including fruity Lambic.

Anthony Martin, the current manager, is John Martin’s grandson. The latter founded the company of the same name in 1906, active in liquor trading and brewing beer. The company specialised in importing British and Irish beers, such as Guinness, Bass and Gordon scotch ale. These were often given a special version for the Belgian market. It didn’t take long before the company, renamed Martin’s, started brewing the successful beers in Belgium itself. In 1993, the Timmermans lambic brewery was acquired. This made anchoring in Flemish Brabant a reality.

Want to find out more about Winlock?

Winlock Systems bvba

Choose your country

Choose your country