Alken-Maes is Belgium's second-largest brewing group and a subsidiary of Heineken International. The company was formed through the merger of two historic Belgian breweries: Brouwerij Alken, founded in the municipality of Alken in the Belgian province of Limburg, and Brasserie Maes, based in Waarloos. Over the decades, the group has grown significantly through acquisitions and partnerships, becoming a major force in the Belgian beer landscape and an integral part of Heineken's global brewing network. The portfolio of Alken-Maes spans a wide range of beer styles, from mainstream lagers to heritage Belgian ales. The group brews and markets well-known Belgian brands including Cristal, Maes Pils, and Ciney, as well as the abbey beer Affligem — brewed under licence with the monks of Affligem Abbey retaining ownership of the brand and overseeing the recipes. The group has also revived and commercially relaunched Hapkin, a strong golden ale originally brewed by the family-run Brouwerij Louwaege. Alken-Maes plays a notable role in the broader Belgian beer culture, participating in initiatives such as the collaborative microbrewery at Grimbergen Abbey and contributing to sector-wide organisations. The group has also invested in sustainability, with its Alken site appearing among the top solar-powered breweries in Europe. As part of Heineken, Alken-Maes combines Belgian brewing heritage with the resources of one of the world's largest brewing companies.