Belgian beer consumption takes a nosedive
Beer consumption in Belgium has shown a 20% decrease over the last decade, according to the Belgian Brewers Federation. The post Belgian beer consumption takes a nosedive appeared first on The Drinks Business.
Beer consumption in Belgium has shown a 20% decrease over the last decade, according to the Belgian Brewers Federation.
The data, which showed that in 2024 the consumption of beer in Belgium dropped 2.1% and in 2023 it plummeted 6% has been largely due to economic pressures, increasing costs, and geopolitical instability.
Both the on and off-trade in Belgium have been hit by reduced sales with bars and restaurants seeing a 2.9% drop and sales in stores dipping 1.5%.
According to reports, the closure of six breweries in Belgium last year also brought the total down to 411 showing how the Belgian beer sector is struggling.
Looking at the figures, exports of Belgian beer, which have historically assisted the reduction of domestic sales have now also become impacted and in 2024 exports decreased by 3.4%. In 2023, exports saw a 7.5% drop and the industry is yet to recover.
Despite the difficulties, Belgian beer continues to be a popular exported beer style, with 70% of production still being sold internationally. Plus, the Belgian brewing industry has also shown versatility and has been quick to consider how it evolves, thanks to a €178 million investment last year to modernise facilities and improve its sustainability credentials.
James Clay & Sons recently collaborated with VisitFlanders to launch the very first Belgian Beer Week in the UK, an event that has helped boost Belgian beer exports as well as tourism.
The beer sector is fundamental to assisting the country and how well it thrives and continues to remain a significant contributor, adding an estimated €4 billion, equal to 1% of GDP, to the local economy.
As a means of appeal, the Belgian Brewers Federation has now asked policymakers to assist in stabilising a business environment for the sector and to not give up on its longevity amid so much economic uncertainty.
Describing the situation, Belgian Brewers Association director Krishan Maudgal said: “Stability and a predictable business climate are essential to ensure a sustainable future for our sector. We therefore very clearly call on the new federal government to guarantee legal certainty and not to impose additional regulatory burdens on beer, or alcohol in general.”
Maudgal added: “With more than 400 breweries firmly established in our regions, our brewers must have the space they need to continue to innovate and operate sustainably.”
The data, which showed that in 2024 the consumption of beer in Belgium dropped 2.1% and in 2023 it plummeted 6% has been largely due to economic pressures, increasing costs, and geopolitical instability.
Both the on and off-trade in Belgium have been hit by reduced sales with bars and restaurants seeing a 2.9% drop and sales in stores dipping 1.5%.
According to reports, the closure of six breweries in Belgium last year also brought the total down to 411 showing how the Belgian beer sector is struggling.
Looking at the figures, exports of Belgian beer, which have historically assisted the reduction of domestic sales have now also become impacted and in 2024 exports decreased by 3.4%. In 2023, exports saw a 7.5% drop and the industry is yet to recover.
Despite the difficulties, Belgian beer continues to be a popular exported beer style, with 70% of production still being sold internationally. Plus, the Belgian brewing industry has also shown versatility and has been quick to consider how it evolves, thanks to a €178 million investment last year to modernise facilities and improve its sustainability credentials.
James Clay & Sons recently collaborated with VisitFlanders to launch the very first Belgian Beer Week in the UK, an event that has helped boost Belgian beer exports as well as tourism.
The beer sector is fundamental to assisting the country and how well it thrives and continues to remain a significant contributor, adding an estimated €4 billion, equal to 1% of GDP, to the local economy.
As a means of appeal, the Belgian Brewers Federation has now asked policymakers to assist in stabilising a business environment for the sector and to not give up on its longevity amid so much economic uncertainty.
Describing the situation, Belgian Brewers Association director Krishan Maudgal said: “Stability and a predictable business climate are essential to ensure a sustainable future for our sector. We therefore very clearly call on the new federal government to guarantee legal certainty and not to impose additional regulatory burdens on beer, or alcohol in general.”
Maudgal added: “With more than 400 breweries firmly established in our regions, our brewers must have the space they need to continue to innovate and operate sustainably.” 
