Liège reinforces its role as a logistics powerhouse
Liège is solidifying its position as a pivotal center for logistics and food processing with the inauguration of Wallonia's first dedicated vegetable processing facility, known as a 'légumerie', in Bressoux. This significant infrastructure is a cornerstone of the broader "Pôle circuit court" (short supply chain hub) initiative, designed to revolutionize the regional food ecosystem.
A new hub for agri-food processing and distribution
This impressive complex features the new légumerie, a sprawling 3,100 m² facility, alongside the 1,000 m² Horizon logistics hall. Together, these form a formidable hub for the storage and distribution of local produce. The légumerie's primary function is to bridge the gap between local farmers and large institutional kitchens—including crèches, schools, nursing homes, and hospitals—by efficiently washing, peeling, cutting, and packaging organic vegetables.
This innovative setup directly addresses critical market needs: alleviating the processing constraints often faced by collective kitchens and streamlining the complex logistics for local producers. Businesses involved in packaging, specialized machinery, or supply chain optimization will find this development particularly relevant, highlighting a growing demand for advanced industrial solutions in the region.
Sustainable development and job creation
Operated by Terra Alter Belgique, a social economy enterprise, the facility not only aims for high efficiency—with ambitions to process up to 1,400 tons of vegetables annually—but also emphasizes social impact. It is projected to create stable employment for approximately twenty less-qualified individuals, demonstrating a commitment to local economic development. The inclusion of a cannery further enhances its value, transforming surplus produce into valuable products like soups, effectively combating food waste and opening avenues for co-packing or ingredient supply partnerships.
Future growth and investment potential
The success of this pioneering project in Liège is set to pave the way for future growth, with plans already underway for a second similar facility in Charleroi. This regional expansion is strongly supported by significant European funding, totaling 16.49 million euros allocated for the Walloon region. Such substantial investment underscores the region's commitment to developing robust, sustainable food supply chains and signals a dynamic environment for businesses considering industrial or logistics property investments.
Source: sillonbelge.be
