The beer market - Belgium

Since 2020, the Belgian beer market has exhibited a generally positive sales trend, with sales increasing by nearly 15% from 2018 to 2022, mainly due to rising consumer prices despite drops in consumption and exports. The trade balance, particularly positive within the EU and augmented by significant exchanges with China, the US, and Russia, leans heavily towards exports, with France as the principal importer. Belgians predominantly prefer domestic beers and have shown an affinity for dishes like carbonnades to pair with their lagers, with lager being the preferred choice in Flanders, and blond or fruity beers more popular in the French-speaking regions. The retail channel for beer consumption has remained stable, while the Horeca channel recovered after a decline during the 2020 health crisis. In terms of production trends, although there was a substantial dip due to the pandemic, production has almost returned to pre-crisis levels, with growth in company start-ups, employment, and payroll indicating the sector's resilience and attractiveness. The market composition includes a considerable number of breweries, and the taxation on beer contributes significantly to government revenues. In contrast, beer consumption has trended downwards by 20% from 2009 to 2022, influenced by health concerns and a decrease in overall alcohol consumption. Men continue to consume more alcohol than women, with beer and wine being the top choices. Regulatory measures, such as excise duties and restrictions on alcohol sales to youth, suggest an increasing focus on health and safety. Notably, the non-alcoholic beer segment has seen a positive uptrend, propelled by technological advancements that maintain flavor profiles and a shifting consumer preference for healthier choices. Globally, the beer market is expected to reach a value of $691 billion in 2023 with a projected CAGR of 4.76% from 2023-2028, despite initial setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic. Belgium's strong beer industry and cultural heritage ensure it remains a key player in this global landscape..Title: Belgian Beer Market Trends and Dynamics – A Comprehensive Overview In the past few years, the Belgian beer market has witnessed a positive trend in beer production. From 2018 to 2022, sales for beer manufacturing in Belgium increased by approximately 15%, reaching an upward trajectory despite dips in consumption and exports. One of the key reasons for this increase was a general rise in consumer prices, which contributed to pushing the sales figures up. The market structure of the Belgian beer industry presents a strong and stable trade balance. By 2022, the coverage rate had reached an impressive 1662%, primarily owing to a significant reduction in imports. The structure also shows a massive preference for domestic over foreign beers, highlighting Belgians' loyalty to their home-grown products. This preference indicates an inclination towards Belgian beers, particularly in the lager category. Moreover, non-alcoholic beer consumption has seen a steady rise against the backdrop of a declining trend in alcoholic beer consumption, which has been on a downward slope for more than a decade. Concerning consumer behavior, Belgians have expressed a distinct preference for local beers over Dutch offerings. They typically enjoy their beers with traditional dishes like Carbonnades, which suggests a close link between Belgian beer and the local cuisine. Moreover, Belgium's favorite beers predominantly fall into the lager category, with Dutch-speaking Belgians showing a particular fondness for them while French-speaking Belgians lean towards blond or fruitier beers. In terms of distribution, the retail market has remained relatively stable despite a temporary peak in 2021. The Horeca sector, severely impacted by the health crisis of 2020, has nearly bounced back to its pre-crisis levels in recent times. Interestingly, fruity beers, while being the most consumed in trade, are conversely the least consumed in retail scenarios where Pils beers dominate. Despite a slight dip in production levels during COVID-19, beer production regained its momentum and is nearly back to pre-crisis figures. The sector continues to attract new businesses, as seen in the rising number of startups/renewals. This trend is accompanied by a rise in employment figures and increasing wages, suggesting sustained industrial interest in the beer sector. In consumption patterns, Belgians, trailing behind their European counterparts, have a slightly higher intake of alcohol, with a trend indicating a potential overconsumption issue. The prevalence of alcohol use disorders noteworthy, particularly among men and the youth, has prompted the implementation of a national action plan aimed at combatting harmful alcohol consumption. Regulations in Belgium.### The Belgian Beer Landscape: Key Players Shaping the Brew Belgium's beer culture is a testament to its rich history and artisanal craftsmanship. As we navigate the effervescent waters of the Belgian beer market, a few names stand out, casting long shadows over this diverse industry with their influence and high-quality brews. **AB InBev** is more than just a company; it is a global beer titan born from Belgian roots. It towers over the beer market, setting the gold standard in brewing and innovation with an extensive portfolio of over 500 beer brands. From the ubiquitous Stella Artois to the hoppy pleasures of a Leffe, AB InBev's footprint can be found in every corner of the globe. **Duvel Moortgat** represents the perfect marriage of tradition and modernity. This family-owned brewery has a nose for characterful and potent flavors, bringing to the table a selection of bold, high-alcohol-content beers. Its namesake Duvel stays true to the Belgian penchant for strong ales, while its acquisition of other breweries shines a light on how this player respects and nurtures the distinctive techniques and profiles that smaller producers bring to the scene. The Trappist brewery of **Chimay** brings a spiritual dimension to the market. This brewery, run by monks at Scourmont Abbey since 1862, offers authenticity with every sip. Their beers are not only an expression of monastic life but a dance of rich, complex flavors that tell a story of devotion and community. **Delhaize** and **Carrefour** may not brew beer, but they are pivotal in its distribution. These large supermarket chains reach deep into every Belgian household, providing an extensive selection of local and international beers. They play an essential role in the accessibility of a wide variety of beer types, ensuring that connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike can enjoy their favorite brews with ease. Then there is **Colruyt**, a retail giant that prides itself on efficiency and affordability. Their mindful selection of beers, including a range of private labels, ensures that the Belgian love for beer flows unabated in these times of careful budgeting. Suppliers like **Brouwland** and **Castle Malting** are the backbone of the brewing industry, providing high-quality equipment and the finest of raw materials that enable brewers to concoct their liquid alchemy. They represent the silent but critical enablers, supplying what's needed to transform water, malt, hops, and yeast into a delightful

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• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 18/12/2023

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Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Trends in beer sales in Belgium
• Evolution of the Belgian beer trade balance
• Belgium's export trading partners for beer production
• Belgium's import trading partners for beer production
• Trend in Belgian beer trade balance (intra-EU)
• Evolution of Belgian beer trade balance (extra-EU)
• Belgians prefer home-grown beer
• Belgium's favourite beer dishes
• Belgium's favourite beers
• Beer consumption trends in Belgium by distribution channel
• Market share by beer type
• Beer production trends in Belgium
• Employment trends in beer production
• Payroll trends in the Belgian beer industry
• Number of new/renewed beer production companies
• Breakdown of per capita alcohol consumption by type of alcohol
• Alcohol consumption by gender
• Beer consumption trends in Belgium
• Reasons why consumers buy no-low products
• Trends in non-alcoholic beer consumption
• World beer market size based on a CAGR of 4.67%
• Trends in world beer production since 1998
• Global market breakdown in 2022 (TOP 10)
• Trends in bodily injury accidents involving at least one driver or pedestrian under the influence of alcohol
• Trends in the proportion of drivers (and pedestrians) tested and found positive for driving under the influence of alcohol among those involved in a bodily injury accident
• Proportion of drivers (and pedestrians) tested and found positive for driving under the influence of alcohol among those involved in a bodily injury accident, by region
• Prevalence of alcohol use disorders and alcohol dependence

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