Upcoming Trade Shows in Belgium for Food & Drink

Belgium fully embraces innovation and has become a hub for testing innovative food products as it continues work in positioning its food and drinks industry as a dynamic player on the global stage. Belgium’s culinary landscape can be best described as a blend of tradition and adaptation. The market’s biggest strength is the fact that it’s influenced by strong demand that flows seamlessly from consumers to distributors to manufacturers. The country’s status as a mature market is reflected in its powerful distribution sector, where approximately 60% of all purchases are made at hypermarkets and supermarkets. Colruyt, Delhaize and Carrefour groups are the three major players and collectively command a significant 70% of the market. Belgium’s openness to the free movement of products within the EU has led to an influx of new and diverse products into the market. Labels in both official languages, Dutch and French, have become mandatory in order to cater to the linguistic diversity of the population. Changing lifestyles affect both household and consumption patterns as can be seen in the rise of on-the-go breakfasts and increased snacking, but some things never change. Some of Belgium’s traditional culinary elements persist. A typical Belgian meal still revolves around meat, vegetables and potatoes. In 2010, the average Belgian household spent €5,315 on food and drink, with categories like fresh meat, sandwich meats, prepared meals and biscuits topping the list. Moreover, societal shifts, including a growing aging population, dual-income households and increased travel, have significantly influenced the food market in Belgium. These trends show just how flexible and adaptive the industry can be to changing lifestyles and preferences, ensuring that Belgium remains at the forefront of global culinary innovation. The food and drinks sector is the most dynamic and reactive of all, but Belgium manages to take massive shifts in strides and does its best to imbue tradition with modernity.