Chimay launches first Trappist beer in cans

For the first time in brewing history, a Belgian Trappist beer is being sold in cans. To mark the 175th anniversary of the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Scourmont, the Trappist brewery Chimay is launching canned versions of its Chimay Dorée, Chimay Rouge and Chimay Triple – a move that reflects shifting consumer habits and aims to better preserve beer quality.

The new 33cl cans, already tested in markets like the USA and Japan, are a direct response to evolving demand and the growing popularity of canned craft beer. In Belgium, around one-third of all beer is now consumed from cans, though this marks a historic first for any Belgian Trappist beer. According to Pierre-Louis Dhaeyer, CEO of Chimay, the shift is not just marketing: “Cans offer better protection from light exposure, thus preserving the beer’s quality.”

However, the stronger Chimay Bleue and Chimay Verte will remain exclusively bottled. “You don’t drink those in just a few gulps,” Dhaeyer explained.

The launch also comes at a challenging time for the brewery. Production has declined from nearly 190,000 hectoliters pre-pandemic to 167,000 hl in 2023. Profits have plummeted from EUR 2.8 million in 2022 to just over EUR 800,000 last year. Nearly 80% of Chimay’s beer is consumed in Belgium, a market where total beer consumption fell by 2.1% in 2024.

The Trappist brewing tradition itself is under pressure. In recent years, the number of recognized Authentic Trappist Product breweries has declined, with several losing their status or shutting down. This reflects two core challenges: fewer monks in monasteries, leading to closures, and shrinking beer consumption in saturated markets like Belgium. Despite these trends, Chimay remains committed to its monastic roots and traditional values, while cautiously adapting to modern demands.

Despite the trend toward non-alcoholic options across Europe, Chimay is holding firm. While the brewery has experimented with alcohol-free variants, none have yet passed the approval of the monastic board. “We’ll only release it when it’s right,” Dhaeyer confirmed.