Spirits - Belgium

The Spirits market in Belgium has been experiencing steady growth in recent years, driven by changing customer preferences and local special circumstances.

Customer preferences: Belgian consumers have shown a growing interest in premium and craft spirits, as they seek unique and high-quality products. This trend is in line with the global shift towards premiumization in the spirits market. Consumers are increasingly willing to spend more on spirits that offer a superior taste and a distinct brand story. As a result, there has been an increase in the number of premium and craft spirits available in the market, catering to the evolving preferences of Belgian consumers.

Trends in the market: One of the key trends in the Spirits market in Belgium is the rise of gin. Gin has gained popularity among Belgian consumers due to its versatility and the wide range of flavors available. The gin trend can be attributed to the growing interest in craft spirits and the revival of classic cocktails. Belgian distilleries have capitalized on this trend by producing a variety of artisanal gins, using locally sourced botanicals and unique production methods. The gin trend has also been fueled by the emergence of gin bars and speakeasies, which have created a vibrant gin culture in Belgium. Another trend in the Spirits market in Belgium is the increasing demand for whiskey. Belgian consumers have developed a taste for whiskey, particularly Scotch whiskey, which is known for its rich flavors and heritage. The popularity of whiskey can be attributed to the growing interest in premium spirits and the rise of whiskey tasting events and clubs. Whiskey bars and specialist retailers have also contributed to the growth of the whiskey market in Belgium, offering a wide selection of international and locally produced whiskeys.

Local special circumstances: Belgium has a strong tradition of beer brewing, and this has influenced the spirits market in the country. Belgian consumers have a sophisticated palate and appreciate complex flavors and craftsmanship. This has led to the growth of artisanal spirits, such as gin and whiskey, which offer a similar level of complexity and attention to detail as craft beers. The presence of a strong beer culture has also created a market for beer-based spirits, such as genever, a traditional Belgian spirit that is made from malt wine and flavored with juniper berries.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The growth of the Spirits market in Belgium is also supported by favorable macroeconomic factors. Belgium has a stable economy and a high standard of living, which allows consumers to spend more on premium and craft spirits. Additionally, the country's thriving tourism industry attracts visitors from around the world, who are eager to explore the local food and drink scene. This has created a demand for authentic Belgian spirits, further driving the growth of the market. In conclusion, the Spirits market in Belgium is experiencing growth due to changing customer preferences, including a preference for premium and craft spirits, and the rise of gin and whiskey. The local special circumstances, such as the strong beer culture and the presence of a stable economy, also contribute to the growth of the market. Overall, the Spirits market in Belgium presents opportunities for both domestic and international spirits producers to cater to the evolving tastes of Belgian consumers.

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.