Brouwerij de 7 Deugden

In 2009, a theologian and HR manager named Garmt Haakma faced a difficult moment. He had to let go of an employee with an autism spectrum disorder because the role wasn't the right fit, a decision that weighed heavily on him. That experience sparked an idea: to create a business where people who have difficulty accessing the traditional job market could find meaningful work. This led to the founding of Brouwerij de 7 Deugden in Amsterdam in October 2010. The brewery's mission was clear from the start: to brew distinctive, flavorful beers while functioning as a social enterprise. De 7 Deugden intentionally provides employment to people with a distance to the labor market, creating a supportive environment where they can develop skills and confidence. This dual focus on craft beer and social impact became the company's core identity. As the brewery grew, it needed more space. A significant milestone occurred in 2018 when De 7 Deugden moved to a new, larger location in Sloten, next to the historic Molen van Sloten. This move allowed for a major increase in production capacity, from 100 liters to a 2,000-liter system, enabling them to create more jobs and meet growing demand. Like many businesses, the brewery faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic but was sustained by support from crowdfunding.