The Rodenbach plant was in serious need
of repair and investment, and contained very little beer (if any!).In February this year RODENBACH ALEXANDER (6%), a cherry flavoured Flemish old red style beer, was discontinued. Strangely, Palm believes it will complete with a cherry based lambic beer, FRANK BOON KRIEK (6%), a brand part-owned by the Palm group.
At the same time Palm announced that the famous "mother beer", RODENBACH GRAND CRU
(6%), was to be placed on a "trial" status for six months.
Thankfully, Palm have had second thoughts about Grand Cru, and are to actively promote the brand.
At present the Rodenbach brewery is closed and will be turned into a hotel and conference centre. A smaller brewery is to be opened in the town in the future?
The former Rodenbach owned GOUDEN BOOM brewery of Bruges was also taken over in the Palm deal. The casualty here was the sale of the BRUGS TARWEBIER (a 5% wheat beer) brand to the new owners in the former Alken-Maes and Kronenbourg break-up and merger. As for the brewery and other beers brands - time will tell?
