From Yahoo Finance: 2025-06-11 12:29:00

Belgium’s beer exports dropped by 3.4% in 2024, totaling 14.5m hectolitres. EU exports fell by 2.6% to 12.4m hectolitres, while non-EU exports saw an 8% decrease to 2m hectolitres. Despite challenges, 70% of Belgian beer is sold internationally.

Domestic beer consumption in Belgium decreased by 2.1% to 6.39m hectolitres in 2024. Hospitality sector sales dropped by 2.9%, while supermarket sales decreased by 1.5%. Despite the decline, it was an improvement compared to 2023 figures.

Belgian Brewers reported a “structural decline” in the domestic market, with a nearly 20% decrease in consumption over a decade. Six breweries closed in 2024, bringing the total number of breweries in Belgium to 411. The sector contributes €4bn to the country’s GDP.

Trade body director Krishan Maudgal noted a less sharp decline in beer export volumes in 2024 compared to 2023 but emphasized the need for stability and predictability in the business climate. Policymakers were called upon to support investment in innovation and sustainability.

Read more: Belgian beer exports decline again in 2024