Hard Seltzer - Belgium

The Hard Seltzer market in Belgium has been experiencing significant growth in recent years.

Customer preferences: Belgian consumers have shown a growing interest in healthier beverage options, which has contributed to the rise in popularity of Hard Seltzers. These low-calorie, low-sugar alcoholic beverages appeal to health-conscious individuals who are looking for a refreshing and light alternative to traditional alcoholic drinks. The trend of mindful drinking and the desire for more natural and transparent ingredients have also influenced the preference for Hard Seltzers among Belgian consumers.

Trends in the market: One of the key trends in the Hard Seltzer market in Belgium is the increasing variety of flavors available. Manufacturers have been introducing a wide range of fruit flavors to cater to the diverse taste preferences of consumers. This trend reflects the demand for more unique and exciting flavor profiles in the market. Additionally, the convenience factor of ready-to-drink canned beverages has contributed to the growing popularity of Hard Seltzers, as they are easy to consume on-the-go or during social gatherings.

Local special circumstances: Belgium, known for its rich beer culture, has traditionally been dominated by beer consumption. However, the rise of the Hard Seltzer market indicates a shift in consumer preferences towards lighter and more refreshing options. The market has seen the entrance of both local and international brands, each bringing their own unique offerings to cater to the evolving tastes of Belgian consumers. The growing popularity of Hard Seltzers can be attributed to the desire for variety and experimentation among consumers, as well as the influence of global trends.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The growth of the Hard Seltzer market in Belgium can also be attributed to several macroeconomic factors. The increasing disposable income of Belgian consumers has allowed them to explore new and premium beverage options. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce platforms and online delivery services has made it easier for consumers to access a wide range of Hard Seltzer brands and flavors. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the growth of online sales, as consumers turned to online platforms for their beverage purchases during lockdowns and social distancing measures. In conclusion, the Hard Seltzer market in Belgium has experienced significant growth due to the shifting consumer preferences towards healthier and more refreshing beverage options. The increasing variety of flavors, convenience factor, and influence of global trends have also contributed to the rising popularity of Hard Seltzers in the country. With the support of favorable macroeconomic factors, the market is expected to continue its growth trajectory in the coming years.

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.