From brewery De Zwaan and Mouterij Menu to Mouterij Kloosterzande and finally The Swaen – our company has a rich history, starting in 1906. Renowned for our dedication to quality and tradition, we have evolved over the decades, combining traditional malting techniques with modern innovations. With over a century of history, there are many stories to be told.
Founded in Kloosterzande, in the southwest of the Netherlands, The Swaen has played a significant role in the brewing and distilling industries, supplying high-quality malts to craft brewers and distillers worldwide. Our commitment to quality has been unwavering. We call it the art of malting.
![](https://theswaen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/history-1906-light-1024x512.jpg)
1906
‘De Zwaan’ is born. Jos Buysrogge and Alois Adriaansens found their malting and brewery business, despite the devastating floods.
1923
The original malting and brewery business is sold to Joos Menu, who renames the Manor house to ‘Mouternest’.
![](https://theswaen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/history-1923-light-1024x512.jpg)
![](https://theswaen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/history-1947-light-1024x512.jpg)
1947
During wartime the copper brewing installations are removed for the weapons industry. That is why, after the war, the brewery is closed. Malting now becomes the family’s core activity.
1950s
The malting business grows and production increases to supply the growing local demand and export business.
![](https://theswaen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/history-1950s-light-1024x512.jpg)
![](https://theswaen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/history-1955-light-1024x512.jpg)
1955
The facilities and infrastructure continue to be upgraded and improved, including construction of a new silos.
1960s
The malt capacity increases to 15.000 MT per annum, and the business becomes a leading Dutch commercial Maltster.
![](https://theswaen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/history-1960s-light-1024x512.jpg)
![](https://theswaen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/history-1965-1970-light-1024x512.jpg)
1965-1970
Our malting capability is even further enhanced with the development of a new, more advanced Steeping House.
1972
A new Malthouse is constructed, allowing further expansion of the export business. A peating installation is installed to tend to our distilling customers.
![](https://theswaen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/history-1972-light-1024x512.jpg)
![](https://theswaen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/history-1999-light-1024x512.jpg)
1999
The famous Dutch brewery Royal Grolsch joins the management team, enhancing industry expertise and driving new commercial developments.
2013
Malt Master Jos teams up with the de Groen family when they acquire the Malthouse in joint venture, uniting world-leading tradition and expertise.
![](https://theswaen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/history-2013-light-1024x512.jpg)
![](https://theswaen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/history-2014-light-1024x512.jpg)
2014
Like a phoenix the company once known as De Zwaan, Mouterij Menu and Mouterij Kloosterzande is reborn as The Swaen. Our world-class malting business has a new identity, reflecting its renewed vision for the future.
2015
Unique and modern malting technology is installed: a new germination system, bagging line and a state-of-the-art Probat drum roaster. This ensures our goal to keep growing in the craft beer sector.
![](https://theswaen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/history-2015-light-1024x512.jpg)
![](https://theswaen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/history-2019-light-1024x512.jpg)
2019
With Max (CEO), Sheila (Finance Manager), Oliver (Plant Manager) and Dietrich (Project Manager) a new management team takes over.
2022
Our new kiln is not just a chance to grow our capacity, but also a step towards a more sustainable future.
![](https://theswaen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/history-2022-light-1024x512.jpg)
![](https://theswaen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/history-2024-light-1024x512.jpg)
2024
Wiebke de Groen becomes our new CEO. With over a decade of entrepreneurial experience as a distributor of The Swaen in China, she brings invaluable insights to her new role.