Belgium’s brewing industry experienced a continued downturn in 2024, with beer volumes declining both domestically and internationally, according to new data released by the Belgian Brewers association.
Total export volumes fell by 3.4% to 14.5 million hectolitres last year. Exports within the European Union dropped by 2.6%, reaching 12.4 million hectolitres, while shipments outside the EU saw a sharper 8% decrease to around 2 million hectolitres. Despite these declines, Belgian beer remains a key export commodity, with approximately 70% of production destined for international markets.
Although the 2024 export figures represent a contraction, the decline is less severe than in 2023, when volumes decreased by 7.5% to 15 million hectolitres. Domestic consumption also fell by 2.1%, totaling 6.39 million hectolitres. Within Belgium, beer sales in the hospitality sector dropped by 2.9%, while supermarket sales declined by 1.5%. This reduction in domestic demand, while notable, marks an improvement compared to the 6% fall recorded in the previous year.
Krishan Maudgal, director of Belgian Brewers, noted that while the decreases are less steep than the previous year, the sector has yet to see a definitive reversal of the downward trend. He emphasized the necessity of stability and a predictable business climate to secure the industry’s long-term sustainability.
The trade body highlighted a “structural decline” in Belgium’s domestic beer market, with overall consumption shrinking by nearly 20% over the past decade. Factors such as ongoing pressure on consumers’ purchasing power, rising operational costs, and geopolitical uncertainties have contributed significantly to this downturn.
In 2024, the brewing landscape contracted further as six breweries closed, reducing the total number of operational breweries in Belgium to 411.
Despite these challenges, the sector remains an important contributor to the national economy, generating approximately €4 billion, or around 1% of Belgium’s GDP, according to the Federal Planning Bureau.
Alongside the release of its annual report, Belgian Brewers called on policymakers to enhance the stability and predictability of the business environment to foster continued investment in innovation, sustainability, and quality within the brewing industry.
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