Jean Muller, owner of Moulins de Kleinbettingen; Credit: Chronicle.lu

On Friday 16 September 2022, the Moulins de Kleinbettingen celebrated its 101st anniversary, with COVID-19 restrictions causing a cancellation of its centenary celebrations originally planned for last year.

At a press conference in the morning, Jean Muller, owner of the mill, recalled the origins of the company, from Steinsel to its current home in Kleinbettingen, where it has now been for a hundred years. He addressed the important issue of sustainable agriculture in Luxembourg, with over 50% of Luxembourg’s wheat now grown in sustainable conditions. He also addressed environmental and societal issues which he explained are at the heart of the company’s ethos, as well as corporate social responsibility.

He then addressed plant-based protein and the paradox it poses for farmers, advocating its future and explaining that its application can be enormous. In that context, he sees the company evolving from a “maison de céréales” to a “maison des plantes”. He then unveiled the new corporate logo to reflect this evolution.

The company currently has one production line in operation for plant-based products, with a second already foreseen, both in a new building adjacent to the main complex in Kleinbettingen which houses the two existing mills. A couple of years ago, the company launched a range of pasta products under the same brand as its traditional flour products, with a number of additions to its flour range as well as new packaging too. With the new plant-based products, it is continuing its evolution and regular investment in new equipment and new products.

In the afternoon, Grand Duke Henri is to be the guest of honour to the event which features 101 years of a Luxembourgish family story. The company has been in operation for longer, since 1704; however, it was in 1921 that it started operations in Kleinbettingen, near Steinfort, close to the border with Belgium. The mill is one of the most modern in Europe.

The Moulins de Kleinbettingen will participate in the national Open Days event this weekend, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September 2022, along with other organisations across the Grand Duchy.