A timely toast for an 850-year-old classic brew - Leffe

Centuries of brewing tradition and beer culture are being toasted across Europe as the world's best-known Belgian abbey beer, Leffe, celebrates a major landmark.

It was 850 years ago that the Abbey Notre-Dame de Leffe was founded by Norbertine monks - and today its famous brew is known throughout the drinking world. In Belgium, it is the fastest growing abbey beer and is also achieving success in more than 50 export markets, particularly France where it is the No 1 speciality beer.

Interbrew is marking the anniversary with a range of activity across Europe including beer-tastings, recipe contests, the production of a specially-printed 75cl year-end bottle, the publication of a book about the brewery and even the issue of a commemorative postage stamp in Belgium. The Abbey is also opening its doors for a weekend in August to allow the outsiders a rare glimpse inside.

France and the Netherlands, currently Leffe's biggest markets outside Belgium, are also taking part in the festivities. A giant, stained glass window has been commissioned in Pariswhile a special artwork will also be exhibited at The Louvre to mark the occasion.

Interbrew UK - which markets and distributes the brand in the UK - has identified the speciality beers sector as a key growth opportunity because speciality beers match long-term UK consumer trends towards more affluent, unisex drinking for discerning consumers, with less emphasis on "sessioning".

Allan Tudor, On-Trade Sales Director at Interbrew UK, says: "Retailers can create added value in the beer category by supporting the growth of distinctive, speciality beers through stocking a good range."