Synthèse

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.
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Détail du contenu

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  • Nombre de pages : 30 pages
  • Format : Version digitale et PDF
  • Dernière mise à jour : 18/04/2023
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Sommaire et extraits

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.

1.2 The global funeral market

In ****, the global funeral market will be worth $**.* billion, and is expected to grow at an average annual rate of *.*% over the next ten years, reaching $*** billion in ****.

Forecast growth in funeral sales World, ****-****, in billions of dollars Source: ****

The funeral market varies widely around the world, as funeral expenses ...

1.3 The Belgian funeral services market

Estimated sales for Belgian undert akers :

If we take :

the average number of deaths (***) in recent years, which is around ***,*** per year the average cost of a funeral, which according to DELA is €*,*** (***)

Assuming that all funerals are organized by funeral directors at an average price of €*,***, we can therefore estimate ...

1.4 The impact of the Covid-19 crisis

While the mortality rate had been falling overall since the ****s, **** saw an increase in the mortality rate .

Whereas in ****, the rate was *.* per *,*** Belgians, in **** it rose to **.* per *,*** Belgians. [***]

Mortality was particularly high in densely populated regions.

Increase in number of deaths by region in **** vs. average ****-**** Belgium, ...

2 Demand analysis

2.1 The ageing of the Belgian population: a fundamental trend

An aging population:

In ****, there will be *.* million people aged ** and over in Belgium, corresponding to **.*% of the population. [***]

According to the Federal Planning Bureau, this proportion will rise to **% by **** and even **% by ****. [***]

Evolution of the proportion of over-**s in the Belgian population Belgium, **** - ****, in Source: ****

Nevertheless, life ...

2.2 Trend in the number of deaths in Belgium

The number of deaths has been stable overall since **** (***) at around ***,*** per year, but **** showed a much more significant increase in the number of deaths. In ****, we also see an increase in deaths, of *.*% compared to the ****-**** average.

Trend in the number of deaths in Belgium Belgium, **** - ****, in number ...

2.3 Funeral service expectations

The rise of cremation: In ****, over **% of Belgians have opted for cremation, compared with around **% in **** .

Share of Belgians choosing cremation Belgium, ****, in % Source: ****

Cremation has thus become the majority option in Belgium, overtaking the more traditional burial.

Trend in the number of cremations Belgium, **** - ****, in thousands of people Source: ...

2.4 Main demand trends

Environmentally-friendly coffins:

More and more Belgians are opting for ecological solutions for their funerals. Coffins made from materials other than wood, such as cardboard or wicker, are on the rise.

Personalized services:

The desire to reflect the personality of the deceased during the funeral can be seen in the choice of ...

3 Market structure

3.1 Sector organization

The funeral director can take care of the entire funeral organization.

Before the ceremony, the undertaker can take care of a number of tasks:

placing the body in the coffin, mortuary cleansing and coffin supply, according to budget and customer wishes placement of the deceased's body in a funeral home, if ...

3.2 Player typology and dynamics

There are *** undertakers in Belgium in ****, according to the SNI (***).

The number of undertakers has grown steadily over the past decade.

Trend in the number of undertakers Belgium, **** - ****, in % Source: ****

A sector dominated by small businesses ...

These companies are often family businesses with fewer than ** employees. These companies are locally ...

3.3 Digitization of the sector

The rise of connected services around the sector:

Connected services are also present in a *.* funeral market: online death announcements and condolences, funerals that can be followed in real time on a tablet, virtual cemeteries. Funerals can now be organized, authorized and paid for online. Funerals can also be streamed, and ...

3.4 Geographical distribution

Funeral parlours are distributed as follows in Belgium:

Funebra

4 Offer analysis

4.1 Types of funeral services and prices

The average total cost of a funeral is usually between €*,*** and €*,***, depending on the region and the services requested. The following table breaks down this average price by Funebra.

An upward trend in prices:

Between **** and ****, prices rose by over **%, while the cost of living increased by **%.

Inflation is similar in ...

4.2 Funeral expenses insurance

In Belgium in ****, there was an increase in the number of people unable to pay for their funerals: at least one case in ** on average in Belgium in ****. This represents almost *,*** defaulted funerals a year. To meet the needs of these customers, the undertakers' federation created funeral insurance in ****.

By ****, almost ...

4.3 Supply trends

The arrival of low-cost players:

Faced with price inflation in funeral services, low-cost players are cutting prices as far as possible to attract customers.

The B-Funerals company launched Belgium's first low-cost funerals, which are said to cost up to four times less than a traditional funeral. To achieve such a low ...

5 Regulations

5.1 Regulations

Regulatory framework for organizing a funeral:

According to Belgium.be, funerals can be organized independently, although most of the time they are carried out by a funeral director.

In the case of a funeral (***), authorization from the Commune is required, which is taken care of by the funeral director, who also ...

6 Positioning the players

6.1 Segmentation

Liste des graphiques

  • Chiffre d'affaires du marché funéraire mondial
  • Prévisions de croissance pour le secteur funéraire
  • Espérance de vie à la naissance
  • Evolution de la proportion des plus de 65 ans dans la population belge
  • Augmentation du nombre de décès par région en 2020 vs la moyenne 2017-2019
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Entreprises citées dans cette étude

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Le choix funéraire
Roc Eclerc
DELA
Alveus Scrl
Sereni
Budget Funerals
Funeral Manager
DVV Assurances

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