Belgium: Beer consumption down 1.6% in 2017

Beer consumption in Belgium dropped by 1.6% in 2017 as compared to 2016, Brasserie Haacht reported on May 8.

This is nevertheless seen as a positive change from 2016, when consumption fell by 3.3% as compared to the previous year.

HoReCa saw the largest decline (-3.2%) last year, followed by retail sales (-0.4%), the company estimates.

As before, certain beer categories are more resistant to the changes in consumer behaviour: Trappist and abbaye beers managed to increase their market share to 12% and degustation beers now account for 11.5% of the market, Haacht said.

The sector's official and final results will be announced by the Belgian Brewers Association in June.

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