The edition on Monday 20 October 2025 was undoubtedly a great success. At De Montil in Affligem, we once again welcomed many partners, producers, stakeholders and members. The FEBED Forum thus reaffirms its status as the annual meeting place for the Belgian beverage trade and the entire beverage world.

(all photos © FEBED) 

A new tradition: members’ meeting prior to the Forum

For the first time, a members’ meeting was held prior to the FEBED Forum.

Director Hilde Stockman opened the meeting with a clear message: ‘We are facing an important period with FEBED.’

She highlighted a number of crucial issues that are shaping our sector today:

• The signing of the renewed 2025 code of conduct, the result of months – even years – of consultation with four other federations.
• The Brussels ordinance that would entail a possible split between rental agreements and beverage purchase agreements.
• The litter tax imposed by the three regions on producers, which will inevitably be passed on.
• The European dossier on deposits on PET and cans.
• And finally, the mandatory introduction of Peppol from 1 January 2026 – with a clear call to all beverage retailers to register in good time to avoid fines.

More than 70 beverage retailers were in attendance. Karel Bourgeois, solicitor and partner at Crowell & Moring LLP, gave a clear overview of how FEBED can support the sector and ensure fair competition through a proactive approach.

Inspiring keynotes and current insights

After welcoming all the guests, Virginie Claes took over the presentation. Two strong keynote speakers provided fascinating insights:

• Olivier Minne from Foodservice Alliance gave an update on the current situation in the foodservice market, focusing on hospitality, catering and convenience.
• Vincent Boedt from Black Bird Business shared inspiring insights on smarter and better entrepreneurship in challenging times.

(all photos © FEBED) 

The 16th Beverage Retailer Day

Antoine Marin, vice-chairman of FEBED, gave an update on the upcoming 16th edition of Beverage Retailer Day.

More than 150 beverage centres are participating. On 22 November, these beverage centres, each in their own way, showed customers why a visit to their beverage store is really worthwhile.

The FEBED Quality Crown

A special moment this year was the first presentation of the FEBED Quality Crown, handed over by Kenny Willems, CEO of Alken-Maes.

The trophy went to All Drinks Bevernagie from Lichtervelde and Hello Drink! from Mouscron.

With this recognition, FEBED rewards a drinks retailer that excels in customer focus, quality, sustainability and service – in short: the “Michelin star” of the drinks trade.

A warm conclusion full of connection

The atmospheric walking dinner and drinks stands provided the perfect setting for networking and exchanging ideas.

With a record number of participants and partners, there was a palpable energy in the room – the ideal conclusion to a substantive and inspiring edition.

FEBED is already looking forward to the next edition of the FEBED Forum on Monday 19 October 2026, at Ferme Mont-Saint-Jean in Waterloo.

We look forward to another day full of knowledge, inspiration and encounters between the key figures in our sector.