Beer market in Belgium - statistics & facts
Choose a region:
Belgium is known around the world for its beer. The country's beer tradition is characterized by a large variety of flavors, colors, and alcohol percentages, meaning that there is a Belgian beer for every consumer. Some of Belgium’s breweries are among the oldest known production sites, and their beers are consistently rated highly by beer aficionados globally. In addition, Belgium is home to Stella Artois, one of the biggest beer brands in the world.
Beer is an important part of Belgium’s tradition and although both domestic consumption and exports are declining, the industry remains very profitable and is continuously growing. The number of active breweries keeps increasing and alcohol-free beer is gaining popularity.
From the Middle Ages to modern times
The history of beer in Belgium dates back a thousand years ago to the monasteries that engaged in brewing as a means of sustenance, and a few of them are still active to this day. These so-called Trappist or abbey beers have inspired modern beer types and flavor profiles, from a subtle blonde beer to a strong “Tripel”. Whereas the number of abbey breweries has been declining for centuries, the total number of breweries is increasing rapidly. As of 2023, there were 417 active breweries in Belgium, over twice as many as in 2015. The annual revenue of Belgium’s beer industry totaled close to three billion euros in 2024 and is expected to keep rising. This is despite the fact that both production and export volumes have been progressively shrinking over the past years.Consumption habits
Belgians are drinking less and less beer: annual consumption dropped under 6.4 million hectoliters in 2024, while it amounted to over seven million hectoliters in 2019. They stay, however, avid consumers of their coveted “speciaalbier”, or craft beer. Whereas one would expect it to be served in specialized bars and restaurants, Belgians buy it as much in supermarkets and other retail locations. Another increasingly popular beer type is alcohol-free beer, a healthier and low-calorie version: the average Belgian drank close to three liters in 2024, a figure that is forecasted to increase year by year.Beer is an important part of Belgium’s tradition and although both domestic consumption and exports are declining, the industry remains very profitable and is continuously growing. The number of active breweries keeps increasing and alcohol-free beer is gaining popularity.
