Escapades d'été : Et si le patrimoine wallon cachait votre futur coup de cœur immobilier ?
Et si on explorait le patrimoine wallon autrement cet été ? De juin à septembre, l'événement Patrimoine en Spectacle vous invite à découvrir des lieux chargés d’histoire sous un tout nouveau jour. Concerts, visites insolites, reconstitutions théâtrales, spectacles son et lumière… Autant de rendez-vous chaleureux et parfois inattendus qui mettent en lumière les légendes, le folklore et les habitants de notre magnifique région.
Promenade contée au solstice, piano-bar au château, rock en chœur à l’abbaye… Les activités de l’été en Wallonie vous réservent bien des surprises. Mais pour nous, amoureux des belles pierres, ces sorties culturelles sont aussi l’occasion rêvée d'une double quête. Et si votre prochaine sortie culturelle vous menait droit vers votre futur chez-vous ?
Profitions des festivités pour explorer la Belgique francophone un village à la fois, et zoomer sur le marché immobilier local.
Le Brabant Wallon : Le charme discret des fermes en carré et du contemporainSi le spectacle de votre été vous emmène dans les plaines ou les abbayes du Brabant Wallon, vous serez immédiatement séduit par la douceur de vivre de la province. Entre deux événements culturels, prenez le temps de flâner dans les villages environnants.
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Le style local : La région regorge de superbes fermes en carré historiques, souvent divisées en copropriétés de charme, ainsi que de villas contemporaines nichées dans la verdure.
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Le marché : C'est un secteur très prisé, caractérisé par une demande forte et une excellente tenue des prix. L'exigence sur les performances énergétiques (PEB) y est particulièrement élevée, faisant du confort moderne un standard de la région.
Un concert au coucher du soleil ou une pièce de théâtre au pied d'une citadelle ou d'un château fort ? Bienvenue dans la province de Namur, où l'architecture s'intègre parfaitement à une nature vallonnée et sauvage.
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Le style local : Ici, la pierre bleue et les moellons de grès dictent le style. Les maisons de caractère y ont un cachet fou, avec leurs poutres apparentes et leurs feux ouverts.
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Le marché : Une mine d'or pour les amateurs de projets de rénovation. Les prix y sont souvent plus accessibles que dans le Brabant Wallon, offrant de magnifiques opportunités pour créer une seconde résidence ou une maison de famille chaleureuse.
Des hauteurs de Spa au cœur historique de Liège, Patrimoine en Spectacle investit des lieux magiques. C'est l'occasion idéale de comparer la vie citadine et le calme des sommets.
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Le style local : Des maisons de maître d'époque au centre-ville aux chalets robustes et propriétés forestières en bois et pierres dans les Hautes Fagnes.
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Le marché : Le marché liégeois offre un excellent rendement pour l'investissement locatif (notamment pour les kots d'étudiants ou les appartements branchés). Côté Ardennes, le marché des gîtes et des résidences secondaires reste une valeur refuge très recherchée.
L'astuce de Monsieur Immo : Cet été, ne vous contentez pas de regarder la scène ! Avant que les lumières ne s'éteignent, baladez-vous dans le centre du village, testez les commerces locaux, observez l'architecture des façades et repérez les panneaux "À Vendre". La perle rare se trouve peut-être à deux pas de votre événement de l'été.
Laissez-vous inspirer par la sélection de l'été, ouvrez l'œil, et surtout : préparez vos agendas !
Pour découvrir le programme complet et planifier vos escalades de juin à septembre, rendez-vous directement sur l'agenda officiel : visitwallonia.be/patrimoine-en-spectacle.
Vignette: Catégories: InvestirVivreVisiter
Youth Peace Conference - 2 eme édition
Pour notre deuxième édition de la conférence pour les jeunes, nous avons eu l'occasion de faire nos débats au sein du Parlement de la Fédération Wallonie Bruxelles avec une soixantaine de jeunes d'Enghien dans le Hainaut.
Nous avons eu la chance d'avoir le témoignage sur la situation de l'Iran.
Les jeunes ont lu des témoignages d'amour entre un Rwandais et une congolaise.
Identiquement une histoire d'amitié sur plusieurs générations entre une iranienne et une israélienne.
Et enfin, la lecture du témoignage d'une libanaise qui a quitté son pays en raison de guerre et aujourd'hui elle et sa soeur servent la Belgique dont l'une Wallonie dans des postes clefs.
Nous avons aussi pu prendre une minute de silence pour les pays en guerre sous le chant d'Amanda Malela " City of Joy".
Les associations Action for Peace, l'arbre du Petit Nicodème, Surch for Common Ground, Consense étaient présents.
Les jeunes sont partis avec des clefs pour devenir acteurs de paix à leurs niveaux et dans le quotidien.
Vignette: Catégories: EtudierFemmes et Education citoyenne !
Dans le cadre de mes activites citoyennes, j'ai eu l'opportunité d'organiser une visite guidée du Parlement Fédérale ainsi que du Sénat pour une trentaine de femmes issues de l'immigration et suivant une formation à Louvain- la- Neuve dans le Brabant Wallon.
Identiquement, la même démarche a été faite au niveau du Parlement Bruxelois avec d'autres jeunes diplômés en sciences politique issus principalement de la Wallonie.
Nos vistes se sont poursuivies au Parlement de la Fédération Wallonie- Bruxelles et au Parlement européen.
L'intégration passe aussi par la compréhension de l'histoire de notre pays et de nos institutions.
Vignette: Catégories: EtudierYouth Peace Conference - 1ere édition
En 2016 au Sénat belge, j'ai recu le titre honorifique de femme de Paix et depuis 2021 je suis Ambassadrice de la marque Wallonia.be
Pour aller plus loin dans mon engagement, j'ai lancé une série de conférences destinées particulièrement aux jeunes " Youth Peace Conference" dont le but est de les éduquer à la paix, les sensibiliser aux questions de justice sociale etc de sécurité ainsi qu'à la citoyenneté.
Pour notre première édition, nous avons reçu une septantaine de jeunes en provenance de Wavre, capitale du Brabant Wallon.
Les associations suivantes étaient présentes : Action for Peace, Peace For all (Burkina Fasso), Pax (Pays Bas) et un témoin de guerre en provenance de la République Démocratique du Congo.
A la fin de notre session, les jeunes ont pu remettre aux intervenants des semences de graines de coquelicots afin que ces derniers puissent continuer de propager la paix dans leurs environnements respectifs.
Vignette: Catégories: Etudier
Les Belges Histoires | Mara Taquin : raw talent, meteoric rise
The story begins like any other: young Mara took drama classes at her secondary school, alongside her friend, the future actress Salomé Dewaels. But at the age of 17, things started to move quickly for Mara. The teenager was hanging out in front of her school when a director (Camille Mol) spotted her for her short film ‘Créatures’ - on a street casting.It was late 2014: her first performance and revelation.
She then went on to appear in several short films, feature films and television series. In Belgium, the public began to recognise her, as Mara has appeared in numerous series in recent years: Ennemi Public (Public Enemy), Fils de (Son of), Sambre... Then came the feature film ‘Hors Normes’ (The Specials) by directors Toledano and Nakache: the Brussels native only played a small role, but it made her more visible. This experience propelled her into another dimension — she attended the Cannes Film Festival, among other events. That was in 2018, and since then, her charm has never ceased to work. Mara continues to show the extent of her talents in front of the camera.
What makes her so charming is as much her talent as her spontaneity. Far from the capricious behaviour of most film stars, Mara is making giant strides while keeping her feet on the ground.
Discover the other episodes on the Les Belges Histoires' playlist
Les Belges Histoires
The production of « Les Belges Histoires, les talents de Wallonie-Bruxelles » is an initiative of Wallonie-Bruxelles International.
VivreEtudierQualité de viePourquoi la Wallonie s’impose comme l’écosystème stratégique et innovant de la défense en Europe
La Wallonie renforce sa visibilité internationale autour d’un secteur stratégique : la défense. Forte d’un écosystème industriel historique, innovant et connecté aux grands enjeux européens, la région se positionne comme un partenaire de choix pour les entreprises, investisseurs et acteurs technologiques actifs dans la défense et les technologies duales. Cette ambition est actuellement soutenue par une campagne digitale internationale, diffusée notamment sur CNN International. Retrouvez ici les principales raisons d'investir en Wallonie dans ce secteur porteur.
Une Wallonie historiquement ancrée dans les technologies de défense
Forte d’une tradition industrielle solide, la région a su évoluer vers des technologies de pointe à forte valeur ajoutée, répondant aux enjeux actuels de souveraineté, de résilience et de sécurité internationale.
La Wallonie concentre, principalement autour de Liège et Charleroi, 67 % de l’industrie défense belge.Un atout clé de la Wallonie est sa maîtrise des technologies duales. Des solutions développées pour la défense sont également utilisées dans la sécurité civile, la gestion de crise, le spatial ou les infrastructures critiques.
Inversement, des innovations issues du civil (IA, data, cybersécurité) sont adaptées aux exigences militaires.
Un positionnement stratégique
La région bénéficie d’un positionnement géographique unique au cœur des structures de décision et de commandement de l’OTAN et de l’Union européenne. Cette proximité inclut notamment :
- Le siège de l’OTAN à Bruxelles
- SHAPE et des entités stratégiques en Wallonie
- Plusieurs infrastructures liées à l’espace et au cyber
Ce positionnement permet à la Wallonie d’être pleinement intégrée dans les programmes de défense internationaux et dans les chaînes d’approvisionnement européennes.
Autre atout majeur : la concentration géographique, puisque toute la chaîne de valeur est accessible en moins de 90 minutes, favorisant rapidité, coordination et efficacité.
Un écosystème d’innovation complet et structuré
L’écosystème industriel wallon couvre l’ensemble de la chaîne de valeur de la défense :
- Recherche et développement (R&D)
- Conception
- Prototypage
- Production
- Maintenance (MRO)
- Intégration de systèmes
L’industrie régionale repose sur :
- Plus de 200 entreprises actives dans la défense, allant des PME technologiques aux grands groupes
- Des leaders nationaux (ex. FN Browning, John Cockerill, Sonaca, SABCA…)
- Des partenariats avec de grands acteurs internationaux (ex. Thales, Safran, Leonardo, Naval Group, KNDS…)
Cette structuration permet une capacité “end-to-end”, c’est-à-dire de couvrir l’ensemble du cycle industriel, avec une forte spécialisation technologique.
Cet écosystème intégré et la proximité des entreprises avec les centres de recherche, les universités et les pôles de compétitivité permet un passage rapide de la recherche au marché, d’autant que la région compte des infrastructures de test, de prototypage et de validation technologique.
Des domaines technologiques stratégiques et différenciants
- Aéronautique et spatial (capteurs, matériaux avancés, systèmes embarqués)
- Cyberdéfense et sécurité des systèmes d’information
- Systèmes autonomes et robotique,
- Exail robotics, ID2move, Thales,..
- Intelligence artificielle et traitement des données,
- Matériaux avancés et technologies de protection
- Communication sécurisée et électronique de défense
- Telespazio, Thales, Sonaca, Spacebel, Multitel..
Ces compétences répondent directement aux besoins des forces armées modernes et aux standards internationaux (OTAN, UE).
Les acteurs wallons sont habitués à travailler dans des environnements multinationaux, sécurisés et réglementés et les pouvoirs publics mettent en place des dispositifs de financement ciblés pour la R&D et l’innovation.
Useful links: Investir en Wallonie dans la défenseTrouver votre partenaire en WallonieInvestirAcheterSavoir-faire techniqueLa Marque Wallonia.beDocuments liés: Defense_Industry_in_Wallonia.pdf Wallonia_your_strategic_partner_in_defense.pdf
Le timbre des Objets : Listening to the Invisible
In the hushed silence of our everyday actions, largely dominated by the digital revolution – a finger swiping across a screen, or a card tapping a card reader - there are some objects that are starting to fall quiet. For Laurence Humier, a Walloon designer with a multi-disciplinary background, “the timbre is a unique acoustic signature that we can attribute to a specific voice, gesture or object.”
Le Timbre des Objets (The Timbre of Objects), supported by the Irène Heidebroek and Eliane van Duyse Fund and managed by the King Baudouin Foundation, focuses on the sound of objects that are starting to disappear, and are recognised as part of intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
This project highlights a uniquely Walloon approach. which is “human-centric and resolutely oriented towards the future of cultural institutions, both physical and virtual.”
The project has been organised in collaboration with the Musical Instruments Museum along with the Belgian Comic Art Museum, both based in Brussels. It involves inclusive workshops bringing together sighted and visually impaired audiences, musicians and illustrators. Together, they explore the ergonomics of the invisible and its prominence in museum design.
WAB Magazine
VisiterQualité de vieEn Wallonie, une artiste parle le langage du coeur
Victoria B. Lohay, l’art comme langage du cœur
Il existe des artistes qui créent des œuvres.
Et puis il existe ceux qui offrent une part d’eux-mêmes à travers chaque image, chaque couleur, chaque mot.
Victoria B. Lohay appartient à cette rare catégorie d’artistes pour qui l’art n’est pas une discipline, mais une respiration intérieure. Une nécessité. Une manière de traverser le monde avec intensité, sensibilité et humanité.
Artiste wallonne profondément attachée à l’émotion, elle développe depuis plusieurs années un univers singulier où photographie, peinture et écriture se rencontrent dans une même quête : celle du vrai. Du vivant. De ce qui touche l’âme sans jamais avoir besoin de bruit.
Chez Victoria B. Lohay, rien n’est figé. Chaque œuvre semble habitée d’une vibration intime. Une lumière fragile sur un paysage, une présence silencieuse, une texture, un regard, une couleur… Tout devient prétexte à raconter l’invisible. Ses créations ne cherchent pas simplement à être regardées ; elles cherchent à être ressenties.
Car l’artiste travaille avant tout avec ce qu’elle porte en elle : une hypersensibilité assumée, une profonde empathie pour le vivant et cette capacité rare à transformer les émotions en langage universel.
À travers son parcours artistique, Victoria B. Lohay a construit une œuvre profondément humaine, où la beauté n’est jamais décorative. Elle devient refuge, mémoire, transmission et parfois même réparation. Son art parle de résilience, de lumière intérieure, de fragilité, mais aussi de force. Une force douce, discrète, presque silencieuse, qui traverse chacune de ses créations.
Cette authenticité lui vaut aujourd’hui une reconnaissance qui dépasse largement les frontières belges. Ses œuvres et son travail artistique ont été distingués à plusieurs reprises et présentés lors d’événements culturels et artistiques internationaux, notamment en Belgique, en France, en Italie, à Monaco, aux États-Unis ou encore en Nouvelle-Zélande.
Ambassadrice de la marque Wallonia.be, Victoria B. Lohay porte également l’image d’une Wallonie créative, sensible et ouverte sur le monde. Une Wallonie où l’art demeure un espace de dialogue, d’émotion et de liberté.
Son engagement artistique dépasse d’ailleurs la simple création. À travers son univers, elle défend une vision profondément humaine de la culture : une culture qui relie les êtres, qui apaise, qui questionne et qui rappelle que la sensibilité n’est pas une faiblesse, mais une puissance.
Dans un monde saturé d’images rapides et d’émotions éphémères, l’œuvre de Victoria B. Lohay invite au contraire à ralentir. À ressentir. À contempler.
Et peut-être, simplement, à se reconnecter à soi-même.
Son travail ne laisse pas indifférent parce qu’il ne cherche jamais à séduire artificiellement. Il touche parce qu’il est sincère. Parce qu’il porte cette vérité rare des artistes qui créent avec le cœur autant qu’avec le regard.
Victoria B. Lohay ne suit pas les tendances.
Elle suit l’émotion.
Et c’est précisément ce qui rend son univers profondément intemporel.
Pour faire connaissance avec Victoria, quelques infos.
www.victorialohay.be
www.facebook.com/VBLohay
lohayvictoriab@gmail.com
Merveilleuse rencontre humaine à tous.
Vignette: Catégories: VivreAcheterVisiterLa photographie lyrique wallonne.... toute une partition !
La Wallonie est riche d'artistes talentueux. Je poursuis ma présentation d'artistes wallons en vous présentant Marie-Hélène Sigart. Photographe lyrique.
Il existe des artistes qui cherchent à expliquer le monde. Et puis il y a ceux qui le vivent.
Elle photographie comme d’autres respirent : instinctivement, silencieusement, avec sa sensibilité. Son travail naît d’un regard, le sien, celui d'une femme que la vie a entraînée de manière riche..
Dans l’intimité de son atelier, elle expérimente la matière, les fluides, les encres, les produits naturels tels que le lait, la crème ainsi que les réactions imprévisibles des couleurs et de la lumière. Puis, au-dessus de ces mouvements éphémères, elle capte un instant qui n’existe qu’au moment du déclenchement de son appareil photo.
Chaque image est une apparition.
Ni peinture, ni simple photographie, ses œuvres se situent dans cet espace rare où la matière devient émotion.
Des paysages intérieurs semblent émerger, des formes organiques, des présences, parfois presque cosmiques, parfois infiniment délicates.
L’artiste n’impose aucun titre, aucune lecture.
Elle laisse au spectateur la liberté de ressentir, d’imaginer, de rêver.
Cette absence d’explication, de message est peut-être ce qui rend son travail si profondément contemporain : chaque œuvre devient une rencontre intime entre l’image et celui qui la contemple.
À travers cette démarche sincère et instinctive, l’artiste nous rappelle que la beauté n’a pas toujours besoin d’être comprise pour être profondément ressentie.
Pour vivre ces oeuvres seul.e en toute intimité vibratoire, il suffit de prendre un rendez-vous avec NovaLys Art Gallery.
Je vous souhaite une merveilleuse découverte, un joli moment avec cette artiste wallonne.
art-photography.be
Marie-Hélène Sigart
www.facebook.com/NovaLysArtGallery
NovaLys Art Gallery
Victoria Lohay
Ambassadrice Wallonia.be
Vignette: Catégories: AcheterVisiterSavoir-faire technique
Kersia: the company that ensures food safety worldwide
We are now in 2026. As sanitary requirements become increasingly stringent, supply chains more complex, and regulatory pressure intensifies, industry players are looking for partners capable of anticipating risks, driving innovation, and delivering concrete solutions. It is precisely in this context that Kersia, one of the global leaders in food safety and biosecurity, inaugurated its Centre for Food Safety Excellence on May 20, 2026, in Seneffe, Wallonia. This new hub reflects a clear ambition: to strengthen its technological edge and accelerate innovation from Belgium to markets worldwide.
A global leader at the heart of food safety challenges
Operating in more than 140 countries, Kersia develops solutions designed to prevent contamination and disease throughout the entire food chain—from agricultural production to food service, including the food processing industry.
The company’s positioning is built on a comprehensive approach that combines solutions (detergents, disinfectants, animal nutrition products) and services (sanitary protocols, training, technical support). This ability to offer integrated solutions is one of the key pillars of its leadership.
In a sector where health risks are constantly evolving, Kersia invests heavily in research and innovation to address emerging challenges and sustainably support players in the food and beverage industries.
Innovation as a driver of performance and global leadership
Kersia’s international success is rooted above all in its applied innovation model. The company’s objective is not only to develop solutions in the lab, but also to demonstrate their effectiveness under real industrial conditions.
The Centre for Food Safety Excellence (CFSE) in Seneffe perfectly embodies this approach. Unique in Europe, this 1,000 m² facility brings together scientific research, applied validation, and training under one roof.
By connecting laboratories, a semi-industrial application hall, and training spaces, the centre enables a seamless transition from research to real-world application. Solutions can be tested on equipment similar to those used by manufacturers and then adjusted to meet operational constraints.
This ability to bridge science, field application, and skills development represents a major competitive advantage for Kersia.
Belgium as a strategic hub for food safety innovation
The choice of Seneffe, a town in southern Belgium, is far from accidental. The site builds on the industrial heritage of a Belgian company (formerly Sopura), renowned for its hygiene solutions in the food industry and integrated into the Kersia group in 2020.
With the CFSE, the site enters a new phase, becoming a center of expertise with international reach. Belgium is thus positioned as a key European hub for food safety innovation within the group.
This investment also highlights Wallonia’s strengths as a destination for high-value industrial projects: strong technical expertise, a dynamic agri-food ecosystem, a strategic geographic location, and direct access to European and global markets.
An answer to major challenges across the food chain
Food safety has always been a global priority. Today, driven by several structural trends, it is more critical than ever: rising consumer expectations, stricter regulations, environmental imperatives, and increasingly complex supply chains.
The Centre for Food Safety Excellence enables Kersia to provide concrete answers to these challenges. Teams develop and test solutions in chemistry and microbiology, optimize their effectiveness, and train industry professionals in best practices.
This integrated approach accelerates innovation while ensuring its safe deployment at scale. By strengthening its ability to demonstrate the real-world impact of its solutions, Kersia reinforces its role as a strategic partner for food industry players worldwide.
A sustainable and responsible industrial model
Beyond technological performance, Kersia is also committed to sustainable development. The Seneffe facility was designed according to high environmental standards, with a target of BREEAM “Very Good” certification.
The building incorporates concrete choices in terms of energy efficiency, including the absence of gas and the use of heat pumps, as well as careful attention to materials and resource management.
This positioning reflects a major evolution in the sector: food safety can no longer be separated from environmental and societal challenges.
A global player with strong local roots
With more than 3,300 employees and a turnover of €665 million, Kersia confirms its status as a global leader. Yet its growth also relies on strong local anchors, such as in Wallonia (Belgium).
The opening of the Centre for Food Safety Excellence in Seneffe illustrates this dual dynamic: a global company leveraging regional centers of excellence to innovate and expand internationally.
In a world where food safety remains a strategic priority, Kersia demonstrates that innovation, proximity to industrial players, and the ability to anticipate risks are the true keys to global leadership.
Illustrations © Kersia Group
Useful links: KersiaWagralimFind the best from WalloniaAcheterSavoir-faire techniqueLes Belges Histoires | Ionnyk, the magic frame
Mathieu Demeuse and Charlotte Dubois invented Ionnyk, the world’s first smart picture frame.
This Belgian couple are art and technology enthusiasts, fans of the Harry Potter universe and fascinated by the living paintings that decorate the walls of Hogwarts, the school of witchcraft and wizardry. So Charlotte and Mathieu let their boundless imagination guide their entrepreneurial spirit. From initial trials to conclusive tests, the unimaginable took shape... secretly, at home.
Until that rather special dinner party, to which Mathieu and Charlotte invited their friends... When a steam train suddenly appeared on a photograph of a bridge, the excitement that swept over the guests was revelatory. Charlotte and Mathieu refined and marketed this unforgettable experience, which had been conducted in a private setting, developing it professionally. Together with their partner Antoine Baudoux, they succeeded in creating a new medium for art photography.
Once the right technology had been selected (namely, millions of tiny ink capsules), Ionnyk was officially born. Manufactured in Belgium, these smart frames offer enthusiasts an artistic experience in its purest form, with a growing collection of works of art. Charlotte and Mathieu are constantly developing collaborations with Belgian and international artists.
Ionnyk is not like any other frame, it’s magical!
Discover the other episodes on the Les Belges Histoires' playlist
Les Belges Histoires
The production of « Les Belges Histoires, les talents de Wallonie-Bruxelles » is an initiative of Wallonie-Bruxelles International.
AcheterSavoir-faire techniqueLa Grappe d’Or - Experience the art of cheese
Driven by tradition and small producers, Wallonia’s evolving gastronomy is in the spotlight thanks to its recent recognition by Gault&Millau.
In Arlon, Monia Aouini and Clément Petitjean, the winners of the prestigious restaurant guide’s 2026 Cheese Experience of the Year award, maintain an increasingly rare tradition: the cheese trolley.
Their outlook is based on a collaborative vision of the profession. The cheese trolley provides “a living selection, that changes with the seasons,” in close partnership with Fromagerie Antony (affineur), Pascal and Maud Fauville (master cheesemakers), and Peter and Barbara De Cock of la Bergerie d’Acremont (agricultural engineers and passionate master cheesemakers).
Every cheese has a story to tell. “The experience becomes an opportunity for dialogue, in which the team shares the origins of these products, their respect for nature and the richness of the terroirs.”
This prestigious Gault&Millau award confirms that Wallonia’s gastronomy blends innovation, quality and international appeal.
WAB Magazine
VisiterDiscover the Walloon Companies Present at PLMA in Amsterdam
For nearly 40 years, PLMA’s annual international “World of Private Label” trade show has brought retailers and manufacturers together to help them discover new products, establish new contacts, and find innovative ideas to grow and strengthen their private label programs. Wallonia will be represented there by 35 companies.
The 2026 edition of PLMA’s “World of Private Label” trade show will take place at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre on Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 May. Over the course of two days, the exhibition will become the key meeting point for the largest concentration of private label professionals in the industry.
Wallonia will be represented by four non-food companies in the Holland Complex, Halls 8–13 – Non-Food Section, Stands C25-D26. Visitors will find Actifar, a company specialized for more than 25 years in the development and distribution of medical devices (MD), in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVD), and technical hygiene products.
Chembo Bevil will showcase its household cleaning product packaging solutions, while Group Riem, active since 1963, specializes in aerosol products. Also present will be Vadigran, a producer of pet food and accessories.
Wallonia will mainly be represented in the Europe Complex, Halls 1–8 and 13–14, Food Section, Stands B59-C88, with 31 companies active in the food industry and looking for new customers.
Food Companies for Every Moment of the DayThere will be something for every taste and every moment of the day. Visitors will find everything needed for breakfast, including coffee from Cafe Liegeois, jam from Confiture l’Ardennaise, butter from Corman, cheese from Fromagerie de Rochefort, pastries from Panistar, and dairy products from Solarec.
For aperitifs, Goumanisto will be on hand, while Food Impact will present ready-made Asian dishes.
Several sauce producers will also be present at PLMA: Bionat, Delka, Conserverie et Moutarderie Belge, and Produits Habi.
If you are looking for dessert or a sweet snack, the Walloon pavilion will be the place to visit. You will discover waffle producers such as Avieta, Dely Waffels, and Smiling Baker; dessert specialists Dessert Factory – Mellow; vegan desserts from Nats Rawline; tiramisu from Alfiero; and pastries from L’Ecopain d’Ignace.
To accompany your waffles, you can choose between syrups from Meurens & Rodrigues or Siroperie Meurens — two distinct companies not to be confused.
Continuing with sweet treats, biscuits will be represented by Biscuiterie Destree, Desobry, La Biscuiterie Namuroise, and PM Sweet with its macarons. Chocolate lovers will also enjoy products from Bruyerre Chocolates and La Chocolaterie Galler.
For healthier alternatives, Nutradia and Basic Business/Fit Food will offer suitable options.
For those looking for ingredients to perfect their recipes, Castle Ingredients develops high value-added ingredients for the food industry, including dairy powders, functional blends, plant-based ingredients, premixes, egg and cocoa replacers, as well as toasted flours and seeds.
Finally, Belourthe, a long-standing expert in infant nutrition, offers safe and balanced food solutions.
Isabelle Anneet (AWEX)
InvestirAcheter“Vrai Sirop de Liège”, the flagship product of Siroperie Meurens, celebrates its 125th anniversary
Well known among Belgians, “Vrai Sirop de Liège” is now setting out to conquer Europe, starting with neighboring countries: the Netherlands, Germany, and France. Meet Siroperie Meurens.
Have you ever heard of Liège syrup? Made from pears, apples (65% fruit), and sugar (35%), “Vrai Sirop de Liège” has been produced by Siroperie Meurens for 125 years. An authentic and iconic product in Wallonia and Belgium, the company is now expanding into neighboring countries.
“For 125 years, the company has remained in the same family and has always operated from the same production site. In Belgium, studies show that 99% of people recognize our product just from the packaging. The product practically sells itself. It is also used in many culinary dishes, especially Liège-style meatballs and Flemish beef stew. Today, our challenge is to make our products known to a younger audience and beyond our borders,” explains Jurek Ciechanowski, Head of Business Development & Marketing at Siroperie Meurens.
That is why Siroperie Meurens has launched new “Squeeze” packaging, designed to modernize the way Liège syrup is consumed, along with apricot and raspberry variations.
Although the company will celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2027, it continues to modernize. Recently, Siroperie Meurens undertook expansion work to increase both production and storage capacity.
A company exporting its products worldwideThrough its ingredients division, Solufruit, Siroperie Meurens provides solutions for the food industry (B2B).
“We process dates, prunes, raisins, and figs into concentrated juices and purées adapted to a wide range of applications and functions: bakery, beverages, sauces, flavorings, cereal bars, and much more,” adds Jurek Ciechanowski.
While Liège syrup is sold 95% on the Belgian market and only 5% abroad, the proportions are very different for Solufruit products.
“For Solufruit, 95% of our business is export and 5% domestic. We meet global demand, whether in China, the United States, Singapore, and beyond,” he continues.
While Solufruit has already established itself internationally, Liège syrup is currently targeting neighboring markets: the Netherlands, Germany, and France.
“In the Netherlands, people mainly know beet-based syrup, so we have a great opportunity in that market. The German market is already familiar with Vrai Sirop de Liège because we were present there in the past. Our goal is therefore to regain our position there. And of course, we are not forgetting France. Vrai Sirop de Liège pairs perfectly with cheese, and everyone knows France is a country of cheese lovers. The potential there is therefore extremely important,” explains Jurek Ciechanowski.
How should Liège syrup be enjoyed?If you are not familiar with Liège syrup, Jurek Ciechanowski shares a few ideas on how to taste it. “The most common way is with a piece of cheese on bread. But it can also be used in yogurt, on pancakes, ice cream, or waffles.”
Liège syrup is also used in savory recipes such as Liège-style meatballs or Flemish beef stew. It can also be incorporated into vinaigrettes. “At a barbecue, you can put Liège syrup on ribs to create caramelization.”
In short, Liège syrup can be enjoyed with almost anything, at any time of the day.
Isabelle Anneet (AWEX)
AcheterSavoir-faire techniqueRecycling 100% of PVC: the innovative CIRC-PVC project led by INEOS Inovyn in Wallonia
Fully recycling PVC, including waste currently considered non-mechanically recyclable: this is the objective of the CIRC-PVC project. Led by INEOS Inovyn and a broad consortium of Walloon partners, the project has enabled the development and testing of an innovative prototype. Overview.
Even today, a significant share of plastic waste is sent for incineration or landfill, despite its potential to become a raw material for new applications. PVC, widely used in the construction sector, clearly illustrates this challenge.
While mechanical recycling of PVC is already well developed for certain rigid applications such as window frames or pipes, and for flexible uses like cables or flooring, there are still waste streams for which no industrial solution exists. This is particularly the case for applications containing legacy additives that are now banned or for composite materials.
An innovative approach across the entire value chainTo address this challenge, INEOS Inovyn launched the CIRC-PVC project. The ambition is to analyze and demonstrate the feasibility of a complete value chain, from waste collection to reintegration of recycled material into new products.
“We wanted to consider the entire process: recovering PVC waste from construction and demolition sites, sorting it, and then developing a solution for waste that cannot be mechanically recycled. It is within this framework that we developed a dissolution technology,” explains Eric Romers.
This technology makes it possible to process waste containing legacy additives that are now banned, as well as composite materials.
“These additives can no longer be used, but they are still present in many PVC products and will remain so for decades. Their presence prevents mechanical recycling. We therefore developed a technology to extract them before reusing the material,” he adds.
A consortium of partners rooted in WalloniaThe project is based on close collaboration between several industrial and scientific partners, particularly in the Jemeppe-sur-Sambre region, where the INEOS Inovyn site is located.
• Entreprises Générales Louis Duchêne handled the collection of PVC and other plastic waste.
• Vanheede Environmental Logistics provided collection solutions and expertise in waste sorting.
• ROVI-TECH developed an innovative sorting technology prototype.
• ECO-DEC contributed its expertise in solid-liquid separation.
• Avient Corporation (Belgian site) formulated new PVC compounds using recycled material and validated their performance.
Industrial partners were also supported by Centexbel for analytical capabilities, and by University of Liège, which worked on both life cycle analysis and supply chain optimization. The competitiveness clusters GreenWin and Logistics in Wallonia also supported the project from its inception.
Proven results and long-term prospectsAfter two years of research, the consortium developed a functional prototype and demonstrated the viability of the entire value chain, from waste to new product.
The next phase of the project aims to go further. “Our objective is to create a new consortium to continue work on additive extraction and the valorization of this waste, which is currently costly to treat through incineration,” says Eric Romers.
By 2030, the ambition is to establish an industrial unit dedicated to dissolution and the extraction of banned additives. An intermediate step will nevertheless be required.
“This will require subsidies, but also support from the European Union to create incentives enabling the emergence of a competitive market for recycled PVC,” he concludes.
Isabelle Anneet (AWEX)
InvestirAcheterSavoir-faire techniqueLes Belges Histoires | Christine Frison, laws serving nature
Christine Frison is a lawyer with a master’s degree in international public law.
A professor at the Free University of Brussels, she is also a legal researcher, with a particular interest in legal instruments for the conservation of agricultural biodiversity, also known as agrobiodiversity.
Christine Frison’s research combines law, the environment and decolonisation. Its aim is to (re)think a system in which biodiversity conservation benefits all stakeholders equally. The overall ambition is to maintain food security for our societies.
Unfortunately, a colonial rationale continues to govern international negotiations on this subject, particularly since genetic sequencing has come to play a predominant role.
Christine has therefore assembled a team of researchers and founded the ambitious EcoLAWgy project, demonstrating exemplary commitment and determination. Together, the team members are considering how to take into account the voices of farming communities in the South. These communities are all too often sidelined, even though they are crucial in the face of the climate and environmental challenges that lie ahead.
As part of her DecoLawBiodiv project, DecoLawBiodivp project, Christine Frison is supported by the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant).
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The production of « Les Belges Histoires, les talents de Wallonie-Bruxelles » is an initiative of Wallonie-Bruxelles International.
EtudierSavoir-faire techniqueInvesting in Wallonia: strategic choices and sustainable success — the examples of Google, Skechers, Takeda and Van der Valk
Establishing a strategic business operation in an increasingly competitive environment between European regions is a decisive choice to make. Several international groups have decided to set up in Wallonia. Various sectors such as tech, biopharma, logistics and hospitality all came to the same conclusion: location, skills, stability, public funding and capacity for innovation create an environment that fosters long-term success. We will focus on stories from Google (USA), Skechers (USA), Takeda (Japan) and Van der Valk (Netherlands).
GOOGLE - strategic infrastructure and digital sovereignty
Google’s total investment in Belgium, including the €5 billion announced in 2025, now stands at over €11 billion since the launch of its first data centre in Saint-Ghislain, back in 2007. The campus is now expanding, with the addition of a seventh building.
The initial choice was based on a combination of factors specific to this region: “energy availability, access to water for cooling, connectivity, land for potential expansion and the quality of the road network,” explains Frédéric Descamps, Head of Operations. Saint-Ghislain has established itself as a strategic link in the European cloud infrastructure, which consists of AI, critical digital services, storage and processing capacity.
The company’s innovation is not limited to digital technologies. “Saint-Ghislain is the first campus to have on-site solar power generation, thanks to a solar farm we inaugurated in 2017. Its capacity has since been increased. After completing a pilot project, we switched to water treatment using CO2 rather than acid, which has reduced our water consumption and use of hazardous chemicals. We have also installed electrical energy storage batteries.”
Local impact has been even greater: “We support local sponsorship initiatives and have helped develop a master’s degree course in Data Centre Engineering with the Haute École de Mons.” This has inspired the American group to develop further projects. Today, the site employs around 900 people and works with 80 Walloon suppliers.
SKECHERS - European logistics hub and job stabilityFor over 20 years, the American company Skechers has been sending sport and casual footwear throughout Europe from Wallonia. As one of Wallonia’s largest employers, the site comprises over 1,200 staff.
“We had investment opportunities in other European countries, but we chose Wallonia due to its location and the availability of land,” says Sophie Houtmeyers, Managing Director of Skechers EDC. “We also benefited from strong support and guidance from the authorities.”
This convinced the parent company in the United States to go ahead with the venture in Wallonia. A construction project for new infrastructure at the Liège Airport site is currently underway. “Keeping jobs here was a decisive factor. Having stability for the teams is a key performance factor.” This is especially true as the teams remain loyal to the company, sometimes spanning several generations. At the same time, multimodality, proximity to European transport routes and social stability also weighed heavily in the decision.
In the meantime, the Milmort site has become a European logistics hub for the group. It handles large volumes and operates 24/7. The site secures thousands of jobs that cannot be relocated, in stable industrial environment, all while integrating both local partners and training providers.
TAKEDA - Industrial excellence and a global biopharma presenceThe Lessines site is now the group’s third-largest production site worldwide. Specialising in immunoglobulins, it supports patients in over 80 countries
After investing €118 million in a production line in 2021, in 2022 Takeda announced an investment of nearly €300 million for the construction of a new state-of-the-art production unit, which will be operational by early 2027. This investment came hand in hand with a new net-zero carbon warehouse in Lessines, which has been operational since 2024. Without wishing to disparage other European regions, Thierry Pestiaux, Site Head at Takeda Lessines, maintains that “Wallonia offers significant advantages: scientific expertise, a skilled workforce and close collaboration between industry, universities and public authorities.”
The site excels thanks to its industrial performance, scientific expertise and pioneering approach to sustainability. “Lessines is the world’s first pharmaceutical production site to recycle 60% of its wastewater for reuse in drug manufacturing. This saves 1.2 million litres every day.”
With a round-the-clock staff of 1,200 people from 23 different countries, Lessines also illustrates the human focus of the Walloon model. “Belgium has a particularly strong ecosystem when it comes to life sciences. Our collective abilities can help to adapt and accelerate skill growth.” In this way, continuous professional development, partnerships with the education sector and upskilling initiatives turn into strategic drivers.
VAN DER VALK - generating systems of structureThe Dutch family-owned group has been present in Wallonia since 1977, with 19 hotels in the region. Now, they are expanding further, with major projects projected for Liege Airport and Charleroi.
Their strategy is based on setting up locations along major economic corridors: airports, urban centres, business hubs. “We seek a constant balance between travel for business and leisure, to ensure year-round activity,” explains François Breuer, CFO of Van der Valk. The hotel chain has generated 700 jobs in Wallonia.
But Van der Valk’s impact extends beyond the hospitality sector itself. It is what makes the brand unique: in addition to the hotel, they have a restaurant, wellness facilities and venues for events. “Each establishment functions as an economic microcosm, attracting visitors and businesses. Investing in the hotel acts as a catalyst for the local area. Business attracts business. Sometimes, local authorities contact us directly to establish a Van der Valk hotel in their area.”
They have great ambitions: “We are planning two new establishments in the centre of Charleroi and at Liege Airport within the next two years. At the same time, we are exploring the French market, where our experience in Wallonia will be a real asset.”
Infrastructure, a skilled workforce, stability and industrial vision are all key factors that make Wallonia a strategic partner in the heart of Europe. Wallonia does not merely attract investment; it builds lasting foundations.
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InvestirAccessibilité
Q1 Scientific expands its European operations from Wallonia
Q1 Scientific, a Cambrex company and a leading provider of ICH-compliant stability storage and GDP-certified pharmaceutical storage services, has announced a significant expansion of its operations in Wallonia with an additional 4,000 m².
This investment marks a major milestone for Q1 Scientific’s activities in Villers-le-Bouillet and reflects Cambrex’s ongoing strategic commitment to developing life sciences infrastructure and capabilities in key regions worldwide.
The additional 4,000 m² includes temperature-controlled stability storage areas, GDP storage, and modern office space, significantly increasing Q1 Scientific’s capacity to support the rapidly growing European pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and clinical research sectors.
“This expansion represents a major step forward for Q1 Scientific in Belgium and for the life sciences community in Wallonia. With an additional 4,000 m², we are significantly increasing our capacity to support clinical and commercial supply chains with high-quality, GDP-compliant storage solutions,” comments Cécile Jacoby, Managing Director of Q1 Scientific SRL in Villers-le-Bouillet.
The expansion strengthens Q1 Scientific’s ability to support both clinical trials and commercial manufacturers by adding substantial GDP-certified storage capacity for investigational medicinal products and finished pharmaceuticals.
Products destined for hospitals, pharmacies, and distributors in Belgium and across continental Europe will now benefit from increased capacity for secure, compliant, and fully temperature-controlled storage.
With purpose-built storage chambers ranging from -80°C to +40°C, the expanded site will enable long-term, accelerated, and intermediate stability studies, as well as secure commercial storage and disaster recovery services for emergency situations.
“Q1 Scientific continues to invest in Belgium due to the exceptional quality of talent, strong logistics infrastructure, and the dynamism of the life sciences sector. This expansion demonstrates our long-term commitment to the region and our confidence in the future of our operations in Belgium. By increasing our stability and GDP storage capacity, we are strengthening our ability to support global pharmaceutical companies with reliable, compliant, and scalable solutions exactly where they are needed,” concludes Stephen Delaney, Managing Director of the Q1 Scientific Group.
Isabelle Anneet (AWEX)
InvestirThe Walloon winners of the Michelin Red Guide 2026
The famous Michelin Red Guide has awarded its highly coveted stars for Belgium and Luxembourg. A new Walloon restaurant has earned its first star: La Table-Lasne by Alain Bianchin.
This is always a highly anticipated moment for chefs of fine dining restaurants. The Michelin Red Guide has revealed the rankings for the 2026 edition for Belgium and Luxembourg.
“The 2026 selection once again highlights the gastronomic dynamism of Belgium and Luxembourg. The inspectors have distinguished restaurants where technique is, above all, at the service of taste and the diner’s experience,” emphasizes Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide.
Wallonia is well represented in this new edition. First of all, the Sommelier of the Year award went to Nicolas Campus from the restaurant Les Gribaumonts in Mons.
For several years now, the Michelin Guide has awarded a Green Star to promote pioneering restaurants fully committed to genuine gastronomic transition. The restaurant Màloma in Rosières received this distinction for the first time.
“The Màloma project is part of my DNA and that of my team: cooking in harmony with nature by highlighting local producers committed to agroecology and organic farming. The surprise menu evolves with the micro-seasons and the products they bring. Each ingredient is used in its entirety, explored in different forms through our creations. Behind every product and every material, the human hand of our artisans transforms and gives meaning. Seasonality, terroir, simplicity, and the human dimension have always guided our approach,” comments Georges Athanassopoulos for Michelin.
A Walloon restaurant earns its first starA new Walloon restaurant has been awarded its first star: La Table-Lasne by Alain Bianchin in Ohain. During the Michelin ceremony, Alain Bianchin spoke emotionally about the circumstances that led him to close his previous restaurant, as well as how quickly he managed to bounce back by partnering with a restaurant seeking a chef. The result speaks for itself, and the Michelin Guide is full of praise.
“Alain Bianchin is a true craftsman. He combines a classical background with modern reinterpretations, showing great sensitivity, while also incorporating some Asian influences. His versatility and finesse rely on meticulous technique. The kitchen is his playground. He highlights the subtle harmony between tuna and foie gras with blood orange and a smoked oil and soy sauce jus; but he also offers a juicy, aromatic lamb dish with Mediterranean accompaniments and a cooking jus with Roscoff onion. A menu that elevates exceptional products. The wine list follows the same spirit, well stocked with Burgundy wines. The beautiful view over the green hills of Lasne perfectly completes the experience in this contemporary restaurant blending design and authenticity,” comments the famous Red Guide.
BIB GourmandThe BIB Gourmand rewards establishments offering excellent food at affordable prices. Wallonia has two new entries in this category: Basta! in Wanze and Restaurant Coquo in Bierwat.
The full listThere are those who gain stars, and those who retain them.
Wallonia has four two-star restaurants: L’Eau Vive in Arbre, D’Eugénie à Emilie in Baudour, L’air du temps in Liernu and La Table de Maxime in Our.
In total, 34 restaurants in Wallonia hold one star. In addition to the newly starred establishment, the other one-star restaurants are: La Grappe d’Or in Arlon, Quai n°4 in Ath, Chai Gourmand in Beuzet, Les Gourmands in Blaregnies, Pré de chez vous in Bouge, Maison Marit in Braine-l’Alleud, Philippe Meyers in Braine-l’Alleud, Bistro Racine in Braine-le-Château, Un Max de Goût in Comblain-au-Pont, Le Beau Rivage by Curtis in Dave, Le Grand Verre in Durbuy, La Grande d’Hamois in Emptinne, Le Vieux Château in Flobecq, Le Roannay in Francorchamps, La Table de Manon in Grandhan, Aux petits oignons in Jodoigne, Héliport Brasserie in Liège, Toma ! in Liège, Bistrot Blaise in Marche-en-Famenne, Arabelle Meirlaen in Marchin, Les Pieds dans le Plat in Marenne, La Roseraie in Modave, Attablez-vous in Namur, Le Gastronome in Paliseul, L’Impératif d’Eole in Quévy-le-Grand, Vicomté in Roucourt, Philippe Fauchet in Saint-Georges-sur-Meuse, Quadras in Sankt-Vith, Zur Post in Sankt-Vith, Au Gré du Vent in Seneffe, Le Coq aux Champs in Soheit-Tinlot, l’Essentiel in Temploux, Arden in Villers-sur-Lesse and Le Cor de Chasse in Wéris.
Isabelle Anneet (AWEX)
VivreSavoir-faire technique
Elneo, an engineering company with a collective vision
For over 50 years, Elneo has been a breath of fresh air in the industry. Based in Awans, Liège and with 5 sites in Belgium, France and Canada, the company employs more than 100 people in three demanding fields: compressors, pneumatics and instruments.
For Elneo, innovation does not mean disruption but rather the ability to integrate, optimise and improve the reliability of the critical installations of major clients such as John Cockerill, Walibi or GSK. “We focus on technical expertise and service. Our approach is comprehensive: advice, installation, maintenance and monitoring. That is the added-value we provide to our clients,” says Jonathan Bouhy, CEO and the third generation of the family to run the business. Elneo’s mission is to offer “solutions that are effective and, above all, sustainable.”
Innovating across the boardIn the context of rising geopolitical tensions and reliance on distant supply chains, Bouhy states: “clients are looking for greater proximity, control and security in industrial partnerships.” Our mission is to help each of our clients develop and become autonomous and bring their tools into the world of tomorrow.”
Elneo’s model is equally innovative. With the launch of Elneo Partners in 2024, its employees were able to become shareholders. Around forty have done so already. “It’s my proudest professional achievement. Everyone is involved in Elneo’s vision. It’s a governance system that supports entrepreneurship and enables the launch of new departments based on employee initiatives.”
“Together, we are unstoppable! ”A quote which neatly sums up a Walloon SME which, with its employees and clients, is able to export its expertise, its capacity for integration and a responsible model of entrepreneurship. More proof that European industrial innovation has a home in Wallonia.
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AcheterSavoir-faire technique
