Beer - Belgium

Belgium, known for its rich beer culture and brewing traditions, has a thriving beer market that continues to evolve and adapt to changing customer preferences.

Customer preferences: Belgian consumers have a strong affinity for beer, with a wide variety of styles and flavors available in the market. They appreciate the craftsmanship and quality that goes into brewing traditional Belgian beers, such as Trappist ales and lambics. However, there is also a growing demand for innovative and experimental beers, including craft beers and imported brews from other countries. Belgian consumers value authenticity, taste, and the overall experience of enjoying a good beer.

Trends in the market: One notable trend in the Belgian beer market is the rise of craft breweries. These smaller, independent breweries are gaining popularity among consumers who seek unique and artisanal beers. Craft breweries often experiment with different ingredients and brewing techniques, offering a diverse range of flavors and styles. This trend reflects a global shift towards craft beer consumption, as consumers increasingly value quality, variety, and the story behind the beer they are drinking. Another trend in the Belgian beer market is the increasing demand for low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beers. Health-conscious consumers are looking for alternatives to traditional beers that contain lower levels of alcohol and fewer calories. This trend aligns with a broader movement towards healthier lifestyles and moderation in alcohol consumption. Brewers in Belgium have responded to this demand by introducing a variety of low-alcohol and non-alcoholic options, providing consumers with more choices to suit their preferences and dietary needs.

Local special circumstances: Belgium's beer market is unique due to its long-standing brewing traditions and the presence of Trappist breweries. Trappist beers, brewed by monks within the walls of their monasteries, hold a special place in Belgian beer culture. These beers are highly regarded for their quality and authenticity, and they contribute to the country's reputation as a beer lover's paradise. The Trappist breweries adhere to strict production methods and use traditional recipes, ensuring that their beers maintain their distinctive character.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: Belgium's strong beer culture and the popularity of its beers contribute to the growth of the beer market. The country's tourism industry also plays a significant role, as visitors from around the world come to Belgium to experience its beer culture firsthand. Additionally, Belgium's location in the heart of Europe makes it a hub for beer exports to other countries in the region. These factors, combined with the increasing popularity of craft beer and the demand for low-alcohol options, create a favorable environment for the growth and development of the beer market in Belgium.

Data coverage:
The data encompasses B2C enterprises. The at-home market covers retail sales via super- and hypermarkets, eCommerce, convenience stores, or similar sales channels. The out-of-home data encompasses all sales to hotels, restaurants, catering, cafés, bars, and similar hospitality service establishments. Combined numbers encompass both the at-home market and the out-of-home market. Both the at-home and the out-of-home market are valued at retail selling prices including all sales and consumption taxes.

Modeling approach:
Market sizes are determined through a Top-Down approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use resources from the Statista platform as well as in-house market research, national statistical offices, international institutions, trade associations, companies, the trade press, and the experience of our analysts. In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, consumer spending (e.g. consumer spending on alcoholic beverages, consumer spending at Hotels, Restaurants etc.), and price level index. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:
In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the exponential trend smoothing is well suited for forecasting the Alcoholic Drinks market with a projected steady growth. The main drivers are GDP per capita and consumer spending per capita.

Additional notes:
The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level.