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  1. Home
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  3. Food & Beverage
  4. Hoegaarden
Hoegaarden logo
Food & Beverage

Who Owns Hoegaarden?

Hoegaarden is owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE: BUD), the world's largest brewer. The brand was acquired through AB InBev's 2004 merger with Interbrew, which had purchased the Hoegaarden brewery from founder Pierre Celis. AB InBev is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, and reported $59.3 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2025. Hoegaarden is classified as a multi-country brand.

Parent Company

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

Acquired

2004

Status

Publicly Traded

Headquarters

Hoegaarden, Belgium

Hoegaarden Timeline

1966

Hoegaarden

Founded by Pierre Celis

Founded
2004
Acquired by Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV acquired Hoegaarden

Acquired
mid rangemass marketGlobalOfficial Website

Who Owns Hoegaarden?

  • Parent Company: Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV
  • Ownership Type: Wholly owned
  • Acquisition Year: 2004
  • Company Type: Publicly Traded
  • Stock Ticker: NYSE: BUD
BrandParent CompanyOwnership Type
HoegaardenAnheuser-Busch InBev SA/NVWholly owned

Where to Buy

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AmazonHoegaarden on Amazon

History of Hoegaarden

  • Founded: 1966
  • Founders: Pierre Celis
  • Acquired by Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV: 2004

The village of Hoegaarden in Belgium had been known for witbieren (white beers) since the Middle Ages. At its peak, thirteen breweries operated in the village. The last local wheat beer brewery, Tomsin, closed in 1957, ending centuries of brewing tradition.

Pierre Celis, a milkman who had grown up next to the Tomsin brewery, decided to revive the traditional white beer style. In 1966, Celis started a new brewery called de Kluis (the Cloister) in his hay loft. He used the traditional witbier ingredients: water, yeast, wheat, hops, coriander, and dried Curacao orange peel. The beer is unfiltered, giving it a hazy, milky appearance that earns it the name "white" beer.

As demand grew in the 1980s, Celis expanded operations by purchasing Hougardia, a former lemonade factory. In 1985, a fire damaged the brewery. Interbrew, Belgium's largest brewer at the time, provided financial assistance for rebuilding. Over time, Celis felt pressured to change the recipe for broader commercial appeal. He sold the brewery to Interbrew and moved to Austin, Texas, where he established the Celis Brewery to continue brewing what he considered the original recipe.

Interbrew merged with AmBev in 2004 to form InBev. In November 2005, InBev announced the closure of the Hoegaarden brewery, with production moving to InBev's larger brewery in Jupille. The decision sparked protests from Hoegaarden locals, who were upset at losing the town's largest employer. The move was never completed. Brewers in Jupille remained unsatisfied with the quality of beer produced there. On September 10, 2007, InBev reversed the decision and kept production in Hoegaarden. The company invested 60 million Euros in upgrading the Hoegaarden facility.

InBev merged with Anheuser-Busch in 2008 to create AB InBev. Under AB InBev ownership, Hoegaarden has been distributed globally through the company's network in over 80 countries. The brand has expanded its product line beyond the original witbier to include several variants.

The original Hoegaarden witbier has an alcohol content of 4.9%. Product variants include Rosée (3% ABV, launched 2007, available in Benelux), Citron (3% ABV, launched 2008), Grand Cru (8.5% ABV, launched 1985), Julius (8.8% ABV), Forbidden Fruit (8.5% ABV), and Speciale (5.7% ABV, launched 1995, available October to January).

About Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

What does AB InBev own?
AB InBev owns more than 500 beer brands sold across approximately 50 countries. Its three global flagship brands are Budweiser, Stella Artois, and Corona. Other major brands include Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Beck's, Leffe, Hoegaarden, Brahma, Skol, Harbin, and Goose Island. The company also holds a majority stake in Ambev, the separately listed Latin American brewing subsidiary.

Is AB InBev publicly traded?
Yes, AB InBev is publicly traded on Euronext Brussels under the ticker symbol ABI and on the New York Stock Exchange under BUD. The company also holds secondary listings on the Mexico Stock Exchange (ANB) and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (ANH).

Who founded AB InBev?
AB InBev was formed in 2008 through the merger of InBev and Anheuser-Busch. InBev itself was formed in 2004 through the merger of Belgian brewer Interbrew and Brazilian brewer AmBev. The founding families of the Belgian Interbrew group and the Brazilian investors associated with 3G Capital, including Jorge Paulo Lemann, Marcel Telles, and Carlos Alberto Sicupira, are the principal architects of the company's current form.

Where is AB InBev headquartered?
AB InBev is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, where the Belgian predecessor Interbrew was based. The company maintains major operational centers in New York, Sao Paulo, and other cities globally.

How many brands does AB InBev own?
AB InBev owns more than 500 beer brands globally, ranging from global flagships like Budweiser and Stella Artois to local champions that hold dominant positions in specific national markets.

Who owns AB InBev?
AB InBev is publicly traded, but the founding shareholder group, including the Belgian families associated with the original Interbrew and the Brazilian investors associated with 3G Capital, holds approximately 50% of voting rights through Stichting Anheuser-Busch InBev, a Dutch foundation. This gives the founding group effective control of strategic decisions despite the company's public listing.

What is AB InBev's revenue?
AB InBev reported full year 2025 revenue of $59.32 billion with normalized EBITDA of $21.22 billion and underlying EPS of $3.73. In Q2 2026, the company reported organic revenue growth of 5.6% with reported revenue of $16.66 billion and underlying EPS of $1.21, up 23.4% year over year.

Does AB InBev own Corona in the United States?
No. In the United States, the rights to Corona and several other Mexican beer brands are held by Constellation Brands under a perpetual license agreement that predates the SABMiller acquisition. AB InBev owns Corona rights in all other markets globally. This arrangement was a condition of U.S. antitrust approval for the 2016 SABMiller deal.

  • Founded: 2008
  • Headquarters: Leuven, Flemish Brabant, Belgium
  • Company Type: Publicly Traded
  • Stock: NYSE: BUD
  • Revenue: $59.3B (FY2025)
  • Employees: ~150,000

Visit Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV website

View full company profile for Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

Where Is Hoegaarden Made / Based?

  • Headquarters: Hoegaarden, Belgium
  • Manufacturing / Operations: Belgium

Hoegaarden Categories & Tags

Wheat BeerBelgian BeerWhite BeerWitbierAb InbevBelgian Brand

Hoegaarden Sustainability & Ethics

Hoegaarden does not hold independent sustainability certifications. The brand participates in AB InBev's corporate sustainability framework, which includes goals for emissions reduction, water stewardship, and sustainable agriculture.

AB InBev has committed to 100% purchased electricity from renewable sources. The company aims to reduce carbon emissions by 25% across its value chain. These targets apply to all brewing operations, including the Hoegaarden brewery in Belgium.

Water is a critical ingredient in brewing. AB InBev implements water stewardship programs focused on water efficiency in brewing processes, water replenishment in water-stressed areas, and watershed protection in brewing communities. The Hoegaarden brewery participates in these programs.

Hoegaarden's ingredients, including wheat, barley, hops, coriander, and orange peel, are sourced through AB InBev's smart agriculture programs. These initiatives focus on sustainable farming practices and support for local farming communities.

AB InBev publishes comprehensive sustainability reports and participates in CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) reporting for climate and water security. However, Hoegaarden-specific performance metrics are not reported separately from AB InBev's aggregate corporate targets. Consumers seeking sustainability data should consult AB InBev's sustainability reports.

Hoegaarden Recalls & Controversies

The most significant controversy in Hoegaarden's history was the proposed brewery closure in 2005. In November 2005, InBev announced the closure of the Hoegaarden brewery, with production moving to the Jupille brewery. The decision sparked protests from Hoegaarden locals, who were upset at losing the town's largest employer. The move was never completed because brewers in Jupille could not replicate the beer's quality. On September 10, 2007, InBev reversed the decision and invested 60 million Euros in upgrading the Hoegaarden facility.

Pierre Celis, the brand's founder, publicly stated that Interbrew pressured him to change the recipe for broader commercial appeal after the 1985 fire. Celis sold the brewery to Interbrew and moved to Texas, where he founded the Celis Brewery to brew what he described as the original Hoegaarden recipe. This created ongoing debate about authenticity and the tension between traditional craft brewing and corporate mass production.

No product recalls, food safety incidents, or regulatory enforcement actions specific to Hoegaarden have been reported as of August 2026.

Brands Owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

Anheuser-BuschFood Beverage

Anheuser-Busch

Owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

American brewing company and subsidiary of AB InBev, producing Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob ULTRA, and other beer brands in the United States.

brewingbeerunited-states
Beck'sFood Beverage

Beck's

Owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

German pilsner beer founded in Bremen in 1873, now owned by AB InBev and sold in more than 80 countries worldwide.

beerpilsnergerman-beer
BrahmaFood Beverage

Brahma

Owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

Brazilian lager beer founded in Rio de Janeiro in 1888, one of the best-selling beers in Brazil and a cornerstone of the AB InBev corporate heritage.

beerlagerbrazilian-beer
BudweiserFood Beverage

Budweiser

Owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

American pale lager introduced in 1876 by Anheuser-Busch. Known as "The King of Beers" and ranked the #2 most valuable beer brand globally by Kantar BrandZ 2026.

beerlageramerican-beer
CoronaFood Beverage

Corona

Owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

Mexican beer brand known for its light lager, sold in over 180 countries.

beermexican-beerlager
LeffeFood Beverage

Leffe

Owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

Belgian abbey ale with origins at the Abbey of Leffe dating to approximately 1240, now owned by AB InBev and brewed at the Stella Artois brewery in Leuven, Belgium. Available in over 60 countries worldwide.

beerbelgian-beerabbey-ale
View all brands owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

Hoegaarden Ownership: Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • +Access to AB InBev's global distribution network in over 80 countries
  • +Manufacturing infrastructure and R&D resources from the world's largest brewer
  • +Marketing investment scaled to a $59.3 billion parent company
  • +Continued production in the original Hoegaarden village after 60 million Euro facility upgrade
  • +Position as a multi-country brand in AB InBev's premiumization strategy

Considerations

  • -No independent public listing or separate financial disclosure for the brand
  • -Revenue is aggregated within AB InBev's portfolio, limiting transparency
  • -Founder Pierre Celis alleged recipe changes after selling to Interbrew
  • -2005 proposed brewery closure created community backlash before reversal
  • -Tension between traditional Belgian brewing heritage and corporate efficiency goals

Frequently Asked Questions About Hoegaarden

Sources & Further Reading

  • AB InBev 2025 Annual Report
  • AB InBev FY2025 Earnings Release
  • AB InBev Q1 2026 Earnings Release
  • Hoegaarden Brewery Wikipedia
  • Hoegaarden Official Website
  • AB InBev Official Website
  • AB InBev Investor Relations
  • AB InBev Sustainability
  • The Guardian: Pierre Celis Obituary
  • Beer Advocate: Hoegaarden Reviews

Competitors to Hoegaarden

These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.

BrandParent CompanyCountryFoundedMarket PositionPrimary MarketGender Target
LeffeLeffeSister Brand
Ab Inbev
Belgium
1240
PremiumGlobalAll-ages

Learn More About Competitors

LeffeFood Beverage

Leffe

Owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

Belgian abbey ale with origins at the Abbey of Leffe dating to approximately 1240, now owned by AB InBev and brewed at the Stella Artois brewery in Leuven, Belgium. Available in over 60 countries worldwide.

beerbelgian-beerabbey-ale

Competitive Analysis

Market Positioning: Hoegaarden competes with 1 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.

Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.

Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.

Independent Alternatives to Hoegaarden

Looking for brands with different ownership structures? These similar brands are not owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV, giving you alternative choices that support different corporate structures.

BarillaFood Beverage

Barilla

Owned by Barilla Group

Italian pasta and food brand owned by Barilla Group, a leading global pasta and sauce manufacturer.

pastafooditalian
Privately Owned

Barilla is privately owned, unlike Hoegaarden which is under a publicly traded parent company.

CelebrationsFood Beverage

Celebrations

Owned by Mars, Incorporated

British chocolate assortment brand featuring a variety of chocolate candies, owned by Mars, Incorporated and distributed globally.

chocolateassortmentcandies
Privately Owned

Celebrations is privately owned, unlike Hoegaarden which is under a publicly traded parent company.

Froot LoopsFood Beverage

Froot Loops

Owned by Ferrero

American colorful ring-shaped corn cereal with fruit-flavored sweetness, introduced in 1963 by Kellogg's. Known for its toucan mascot Toucan Sam and the "Follow your nose" advertising slogan.

breakfast-cerealkids-cerealcolored-cereal
Privately Owned

Froot Loops is privately owned, unlike Hoegaarden which is under a publicly traded parent company.

Frosted FlakesFood Beverage

Frosted Flakes

Owned by Ferrero

American sweetened corn flake cereal introduced in 1952 as Sugar Frosted Flakes by Kellogg's. One of the best-selling breakfast cereals in the United States, famous for the Tony the Tiger mascot.

breakfast-cerealcerealkids-cereal
Privately Owned

Frosted Flakes is privately owned, unlike Hoegaarden which is under a publicly traded parent company.

Galaxy ChocolateFood Beverage

Galaxy Chocolate

Owned by Mars, Incorporated

British chocolate brand owned by Mars, Incorporated, known for smooth and creamy chocolate bars and confectionery products.

chocolatechocolate-barsconfectionery
Privately Owned

Galaxy Chocolate is privately owned, unlike Hoegaarden which is under a publicly traded parent company.

Krispy KremeFood Beverage

Krispy Kreme

Owned by JAB Holding Company

American doughnut brand founded in 1937, publicly traded on NASDAQ (DNUT) with JAB Holding as largest shareholder at 43%. Operates over 2,100 shops globally with a hub-and-spoke distribution model.

doughnutsbakeryfood-beverage
Privately Owned

Krispy Kreme is privately owned, unlike Hoegaarden which is under a publicly traded parent company.

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Stock Information

Jobs at Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

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Last reviewed: August 1, 2026 · Reviewed by Who Brands Editorial Team