Claeys Family: Pioneers of the Pork Industry with €106M in Assets

Claeys family

Westvleesa company specializing in pork processing, is a key player in the Belgian meat industry. With annual production exceeding 1.2 million pigs and more 100,000 tonnes of processed meats, their influence extends internationally, serving more than 40 countries worldwide. Their customers range from distributors, wholesalers and central purchasing agencies to retailers, horeca and the restoration sector, which has created a heritage of over of 100 million euros.

Under the leadership of Jos ClaeysWestvlees not only operates as a fast-growing company, but also as a a family business now in its fourth generationwith roots going back to a modest start in a butcher's shop before the First World War. Claeys took over the reins of the company at the end of the 80s, bringing with him an academic background in economics and Spanish literature, as well as a favorable international network, notably with de Italy's leading producers of Parma ham.

The company continues to expand, always seeking to penetrate new markets such as Japan and South Korea, and expresses its determination to conquer the Chinese market. The company has expanded its capacity with the acquisition of the operations of Detry to Aubel in 2011, raising slaughter capacity to 2 million pigs.

2015 marked a strategic turning point for Westvlees with the merger with Covalis of the Boerenbond, giving birth to the Belgian Pork Group. The new entity generates sales of around 750 million eurosThis gave Westvlees control over a third of all pigs slaughtered in Belgium, consolidating its influence on the domestic market and accelerating its export expansion.

Respect for staff at Westvlees is a visible priority, reflected in benefits such as a company-run children's crèche, a fishing pond and soccer pitches. This approach is essential to ensure the precise care taken in the meat-processing process, where every gram counts.

The shareholders of Belgian Pork Group has also evolved, with Propigsan association of pig breeders, which now owns 15 % of sharesleaving the 85 % remaining to the Westvlees Group. This shareholding structure reinforces financial stability and supports the company's continued growth in a competitive sector and the The Claeys family has a fortune of over €106,179,000.