Soft Drinks - Belgium

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

Customer preferences: In Belgium, there is a growing demand for healthier and natural beverages, which has led to an increase in the consumption of low-sugar and organic soft drinks. Consumers are becoming more health-conscious and are actively seeking out products that are perceived as better for their overall well-being. This shift in consumer preferences has prompted soft drink manufacturers to introduce new product lines that cater to this demand, including sugar-free and natural ingredient-based beverages.

Trends in the market: One of the key trends in the Soft Drinks market in Belgium is the rise of functional beverages. These are drinks that offer additional health benefits beyond hydration, such as energy-boosting or immune-boosting properties. Functional beverages have gained popularity among consumers who are looking for added value in their soft drink choices. Manufacturers have responded to this trend by introducing a wide range of functional beverages, including sports drinks, enhanced water, and beverages with added vitamins and minerals. Another trend in the market is the growing popularity of premium soft drinks. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for high-quality, unique, and artisanal soft drinks that offer a more sophisticated and indulgent drinking experience. This trend is driven by the desire for novelty and the increasing importance of aesthetics and presentation in the food and beverage industry. As a result, there has been a rise in the availability of craft soft drinks and limited-edition flavors in the Belgian market.

Local special circumstances: Belgium is known for its strong beer culture, and this has influenced the soft drinks market as well. Non-alcoholic beer and beer-based soft drinks, such as shandies, are popular choices among Belgian consumers. This unique aspect of the market sets Belgium apart from other countries and contributes to the overall growth of the soft drinks industry.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Soft Drinks market in Belgium is also influenced by macroeconomic factors. The country has a stable economy and a high standard of living, which allows consumers to have disposable income to spend on beverages. Additionally, Belgium is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. This influx of tourists contributes to the demand for soft drinks, as they seek out local and unique beverage options. In conclusion, the Soft Drinks market in Belgium is evolving to meet the changing consumer preferences for healthier and more premium options. The rise of functional beverages and the demand for craft and limited-edition flavors are driving the growth in the market. The local special circumstance of Belgium's beer culture also plays a role in shaping the soft drinks market. Overall, the stable economy and the presence of tourists contribute to the continued development of the soft drinks industry 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 Non-Alcoholic Drinks, 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 Non-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. The market is updated twice a year.