Belgium: Beer production down 30% in March

Beer production in Belgium dropped by 30% in March compared to March 2019, Le Soir reported on April 16, citing data by Brasseurs Belges.

Many breweries had to stop their activities temporarily or completely amid the coronavirus crisis.

Closure of HoReCa venues in the middle of March was a hard blow to the brewing industry. Logically, beer consumption in the country fell by 60% as compared to March 2019, the trade association said.

Sales to supermarkets increased versus last year but can’t compensate for the loss of the HoReCa distribution channel, the brewers’ association said, adding that it expects an even worse April as the lockdown only started in the second half of March.