About us

We are La Martiniquaise Benelux, the Benelux division of La Martiniquaise Group. We are a producer and distributor of alcoholic and non-alcoholic festive beverages, with an extensive portfolio of major national and international brands.

What?

We combine local tradition and craftmanship with a strong sense of environmental friendliness. We’re passionate about delivering the highest value at the best price and making our drinks widely accessible for everyone.

Why?

Our goal is simple. We want to bring people together. We want them to make every occasion a special one. We want them to relax, enjoy a drink and have an unforgettable experience. Responsibly.

Our values

Independence

Independence

  • We operate independently and are given the freedom to make our own choices within the agreed framework.
  • As a family business, we promote entrepreneurship. We work for the company as if it were our own business.
  • We do not only aim for short-term objectives. With every decision we make, we also look at whether it contributes to the success of our company in the future.
  • We like a flat structure that allows us to be agile. We are a flexible organization that responds quickly to customer needs.
  • Within the group, as the Benelux division, we steer our own course and take the decisions necessary to achieve our objectives.
Responsibility

Responsibility

  • We listen to each other, we respect colleagues and we take each other into account.
  • We are result-oriented. We do everything we can to achieve the common goals. When we start something, we finish it.
  • We are honest, reliable and correct. A word is a word, we keep our promises.
  • We take care of the resources that are made available to us.
  • We pay permanent attention to people, society and the environment. We take topics such as energy and water conservation, waste reduction, recycling and responsible alcohol use very seriously.
Inclusivity

Inclusivity

  • We are open to each other’s ideas and opinions, we listen to each other without prejudice, we want everyone to feel good at work.
  • With us you are not a number, everyone is valuable, we need everyone.
  • We choose the right person in the right place regardless of age, gender, education, religion, origin, orientation,…
  • We want everyone to feel that they belong, no one is excluded here.
  • Together we are stronger, together we can achieve more. We help each other, also across departments and national borders.
Passion

Passion

  • We’re involved. We feel connected to the organisation, the work and colleagues.
  • We are motivated. We are enthusiastic, get energy from work and like to go the extra mile when necessary.
  • We are passionate about working here. We enjoy coming to work, we enjoy our work.
  • We are creative. We are open to each other’s (sometimes crazy) ideas, we think in terms of solutions, even if they are not always obvious.
  • We strive to be the best, we want to stand out and improve continuously.
Expertise

Expertise

  • Standing still is going backwards. That is why we are constantly looking for new or better processes, products or services.
  • We are an excise company, we operate by the book. Every day we strive for top quality in terms of product, process and service. We are a reliable, professional partner for our stakeholders.
  • Craftsmanship is strongly present here, not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience. We are specialists in our profession.
  • We are never done, we can always learn something new, also from each other. And we’re open for that.
  • We are committed to attracting competent employees who reflect our values. We nurture the talent in our organization.

Our history

1884

1884

Wine and liqueur distribution

The Belgian industrial revolution is at its height. Pieter Bruggeman starts trading in wines and liqueurs. He opens his “Noordpool” shop in the De Muide district of Ghent.

1924

1924

Distillation

Anaïs Bruggeman, Pieter Bruggeman's daughter marries Louis de Schepper, the son of a brewer in the Brabantdam area of Ghent. Louis de Schepper starts producing alcoholic drinks.

1941

1941

Construction of a grain distillery

A new grain distillery is built in Langerbrugge, along the Ghent-Terneuzen canal. Bread yeast is produced here from 1946 onwards.

1952

1952

Construction of an industrial molasses distillery

An industrial molasses distillery for yeast and alcohol is built in Langerbrugge.

1987 new

1987

Opening of new production unit

The distillation department is moved from the city centre to a new industrial complex on Wiedauwkaai.

1988

1988

Purchase of the Hasselt Fryns distillery

Bruggeman acquires the Hasselt Fryns distillery which enables it to produce Hasselt AOC genever.

1998

1998

Purchase of Ainslie’s Whisky

Bruggeman buys the international rights to the Scotch whisky Ainslie’s and its secondary brands: Royal Edinburgh and King's Legend.

2007

2007

Boisset takes a 49% stake in Bruggeman's capital.

The French beverage group wants to continue its European expansion policy and distribute its own beverages in Belux via Bruggeman.

2009

2009

The Group La Martiniquaise (France) buys Bruggeman.

Expansion and diversificaiton of the spirit brand portfolio: Poliakov, Label 5 and Canadou.

2010

2010

Continuation of the diversification process

Caraïbos, Tiscaz, Aguacana, Gibson, Bally and Old Nick enrich the brands on offer from Bruggeman.

2011

2011

Bruggeman buys Smeets, the no. 1 brand in Hasselt genever.

By buying Smeets Bruggeman becomes the market leader in 30° and over grain genever.

2012

2012

Bruggeman takes over the distribution of the Saint James brand for the Belgian and Luxembourg markets.

Taking over the distribution of the Saint James brand enables Bruggeman to increase its brand portfolio and position itself on the rum market with a unique brand. A pure cane AOC Martinique rum.

2013

2013

Bruggeman continues to expand its portfolio.

In October 2013, Bruggeman adds the Porto Cruz, Mangaroca Batida de Côco and Negrita rum brands to its range, positioning itself more and more as a real challenger on the Belgian market.

2014

2014

Bruggeman expands and develops its market area.

Bruggeman is building a new state-of-the-art warehouse of 2400m², which will increase the storage capacity to more than 5,200 pallets. In addition, Bruggeman enters into a joint-venture agreement with the Dutch company Inspirits to distribute the Poliakov, Label 5, Saint James and Porto Cruz brands in the Netherlands. As a result, Bruggeman will be active in the entire Benelux.

2015

2015

Bruggeman becomes a real challenger on the Benelux spirits market.

Bruggeman takes over the Dutch jenever brands Olifant, Smeets and Goblet from Wenneker. This also includes the acquisition of the Eliterna brand and 50% of the shares of Inspirits.

2017

2017

Bruggeman takes over Inspirits Premium Drinks.

Through this acquisition, Bruggeman acquires the brands Joseph Guy, Jachtbitter, Café Marakesh, Gorter Jenever, and Sonnema Berenburg (H. Jansen). Bruggeman becomes market leader in the jenever category with brands such as Peterman, Smeets and Hertekamp in BeLux and Olifant, Goblet and Gorter in the Netherlands.

2018

2018

: Bruggeman acquires DBBS.

DBBS was founded in 1993 in Huy. It specialized in the production of aperitifs based on fresh, hand-pressed fruit juices. The ZiZi Coin Coin brand is the flagship product of DBBS. Other brands are Couille de Singe or Monkey Balls. DBBS is present in Belgium and in neighbouring markets such as France and the Netherlands. The exceptional quality and taste of these local Belgian brands are a real asset for the “local heroes” range.

2019

2019

Bruggeman acquires Kidibul

With the acquisition of Kidibul, Bruggeman continues with the diversification strategy towards alcoholic and non-alcoholic party drinks.

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The Group

Founded by Jean Cayard in 1934, LA MARTINIQUAISE is an independent French spirits group with a large portfolio of international brands. Headquartered near Paris, the Group operates in over 100 countries with 38 subsidiaries and production sites. Full control of the elaboration process and a strong commitment to promoting sustainable development are at the heart of the group culture and identity.