Summary

Since 2020, the funeral market has seen significant trends and developments. globally, the market was valued at $62.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% to reach $113 billion by 2033. In Belgium, the aging population has been the main driver of demand in the funeral services market. The country has seen an increase in the number of deaths, with a notable rise in 2020 when the mortality rate reached 11.1 per 1,000 Belgians due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This increase was accompanied by growth in the Belgian funeral market, with cremation becoming the preferred choice for over 60% of Belgians. In addition, average sales for Belgian undertakers are estimated at around 800 million euros, based on 115,000 annual deaths and an average funeral cost of 7,000 euros.

The structure of the market has evolved, with a trend towards consolidation of small family businesses and the emergence of low-cost, environmentally-friendly services that respond to changing consumer preferences. Adoption of funeral insurance has increased, with almost 15% of Belgians holding policies. Funeral services have also gone digital, offering online platforms and streaming services. Geographically, the majority of deaths occur in the Flemish region, accounting for 58% of the total. The funeral services market remains critical as demographics shift towards an aging population, and providers adapt to changing demands with greater emphasis on personalization, affordability and digital channels

Evolving traditions and changing demographics shape the Belgian funeral market

In Belgium, the transformation of the funeral market is mainly due to demographic changes and evolving social norms. The aging of the population, a characteristic trend throughout the country, is driving demand in this sector. In recent years, the number of citizens aged 65 and over has represented around 20% of the population, a figure that is set to rise over the coming decades.

The preference for cremation over traditional burial is on the rise, with more than half of Belgians now choosing this option. This trend is more pronounced in the Flemish region than in the Walloon region. Among the factors driving these trends are ecological concerns, with many people opting for more sustainable funeral practices, such as the use of biodegradable coffins or alternative materials. In addition, the digitization of the sector is creating a new landscape where online communications, digital platforms for funeral planning and even virtual cemeteries are gaining ground. A growing number of consumers are opting for services that enable unique personalization reflecting the personality of the deceased. The Belgian funeral market is not limited to the living and their needs; funeral services for pets are also part of the offering, reflecting the broadening of the sector. As Belgians demand more personalized and caring options, service providers are under pressure to deliver not only traditional service excellence, but also innovative alternatives that match evolving societal standards.

The Belgian funeral market boasts a number of key players who play an essential role in providing funeral services, insurance and adapting to the technological advances that are transforming the sector.

Each of these companies has unique offerings to meet the evolving needs and preferences of the Belgian population. Below is a brief overview of each market player.

DELA: A major player in the Belgian funeral insurance market, DELA offers comprehensive funeral services alongside insurance policies. It provides comprehensive solutions, including funeral organization, coverage of funeral-related costs and assistance with various related formalities. Its multi-faceted approach integrates financial services with traditional funeral care.
Roc Eclerc: Positioned in the funeral services segment, Roc Eclerc caters to those seeking different funeral options. It offers personalized services that are tailored to the unique wishes and requirements of individuals and their families, ensuring a fitting tribute and farewell to loved ones.
Alveus Scrl: Known for its well-designed and personalized funeral services, Alveus Scrl is at the forefront of providing quality services. It prides itself on listening to its customers' needs and helping families through difficult times with dedication and sensitivity.
Sereni: Sereni offers contemporary and dignified funeral services, designed to reflect the life and preferences of the deceased. Through thoughtful, personalized ceremonies, Sereni helps commemorate individuals in a way that resonates with their unique story.
Funerals on a budget: This company responds to the market trend toward more budget-conscious choices. By focusing on providing low-cost funeral options, Budget Funerals opens access to services to a wider audience, ensuring that all individuals can afford a respectful farewell.
DVV Insurance: A player in the insurance segment of the market, DVV Insurance offers traditional life insurance policies that can be used to cover funeral expenses. These products are essential in helping families cope financially with the loss of a loved one.
Funeral Manager: As a start-up, Funeral Manager is pioneering digital transformation in the funeral industry by developing management software as a service (SaaS) for funeral professionals. This platform streamlines their operations, provides valuable information and connects different service providers, modernizing the way funerals are administered.
ANIMATRANS, Rostenne Jean-François, and Crema Dignité: Specializing in pet funerals.

the funeral market - Belgium

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Number of pages : 30 pages
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Last update : 18/04/2023

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Summary and extracts

1 Market overview

1.1 Definition and scope of study

The funeral market is the market for funeral arrangements following the death of a person. Funeral services are the main players in the market, in charge of the various procedures.

The quality of service and the location of the agency play a crucial role in the choice of families or loved ones. Funeral directors are often small, family-run businesses, although there has been a trend towards concentration or mergers in recent years.We are also seeing a diversification in the activities of undertakers, notably with the rise of funeral expense insurance, to which 15% of Belgians had subscribed by 2018. DELA is one of the main players in this market.

The market depends mainly on the country's demographic trends, and Belgium is an ageing country with a growing proportion of people over 65. Over the past ten years, the number of deaths in Belgium has been predicted to rise to around 116,000 by 2022.Practices are also evolving, and cremation is increasingly popular: in 2019, over 60% of Belgians chose this option. A distinction is made between cremation (cremation in a crematorium) and burial (traditional burial in a cemetery).

To remain dynamic, market players are renewing and diversifying their offerings: more ecologically responsible or low-costsolutions are emerging. It's also worth noting the growing importance of online communication for the various networks and players in the funeral industry, who are promoting their services via digital channels.

2 Demand analysis

3 Market structure

4 Offer analysis

5 Regulations

6 Positioning the players

List of charts

Worldwide funeral market sales
Growth forecasts for the funeral industry
Life expectancy at birth
Trend in the proportion of the Belgian population aged 65 and over
Increase in the number of deaths by region in 2020 vs. the 2017-2019 average
Trend in the number of deaths in Belgium
Number of deaths by region
Breakdown of fatalities by sex
Number of cremations
% of people incinerated by region
Percentage of Belgians opting for cremation
Percentage of Belgians with funeral insurance
Growth in the number of undertakers

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Companies quoted in this study

This study contains a complete overview of the companies in the market, with the latest figures and news for each company. :

Le choix funéraire

Roc Eclerc

DELA

Alveus Scrl

Sereni

Budget Funerals

Funeral Manager

DVV Assurances

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