Belgium: Beer production reached 17.2 million hl in 2005

he Federation of Belgian brewers has published the 2005 records of the Belgium beer sector at its annual general meeting. According to its figures, 2005 beer production presents a Status quo in comparison to 2004, with a production of 17.2 million hl of beer (+0.02%). The domestic beer consumption has slightly diminished (0.93% less than in 2004) while exports increased by 1.32%. It means that nearly 50% of Belgium beer is exported.

According to the Federation report, Belgium brewers expressed the willingness to increase domestic beer consumption in order to allow to the brewing sector to maintain its economic importance because it directly and indirectly generates many workplaces.

Exports continue to grow

The wide range of Belgian beers is becoming more and more popular among overseas countries: Belgium neighbours accentuate the need for Belgian beer while one observes a strong progression of beer supplies to USA and Canada. Statistics say 8.8 million hl of beer were exported in 2005, meaning a 1.32% year-on-year increase. Thus, 51% of the Belgium beer is presently drunk overseas.

Domestic beer drinking is slowing down

In 2005, the reduction of domestic beer consumption seemed less important than it did in the past 5 years, despite a recession of 0.93%, meaning 100,000 hl of beer. Thus, it means that annual per capita beer consumption diminished to 91.5 litres against 100 litres 5 years ago. This beer consumption recession affects mostly beers with a medium percentage of alcohol-by-volume, while abbey beers and fruited beers are becoming more successful.

It seems that this situation is explained by the fact that Belgium people go less often to café. In comparison to 2004, 3% less beer was sold in the horeca. On the other side, sales of beer in large markets increased by 1%. This gives us the idea that traditional meanings of beer consumption in horeca are overwhelmed by new ways and moments of beer consumption.

78.9% of the beer was sold in recyclable packages, an example of how beer drinkers bring their contribution to a sustainable development. Metallic packaging increased only by 0.82% year-on-year and accumulated a 18.5% share of the market.

Beer production and beer selling are an important income source for Belgian authorities: in 2005, the excises have reported EUR193.5 Million and VAT income were evaluated to EUR723 million. If one takes into account the tax on packaging, the beer sector brings to the Belgium budget EUR940 million.

Theo Vervolet, president of Brasseurs Belges said: ” At firs sight, these figures may seem positive, especially because of increasing exports and a small recession of domestic consumption. Or, as brewers, if we assume to forwardly develop exports, our goal is equally, to put strength and to support the beer consumption in Belgium. This is extremely important for us in order to remain competitive on a market which generates many workplaces and large investments.”

Inside the food sector, the brewing industry is holding on very good. The investments injected by malting plants and breweries are fewer than they were in 2004, but they totaled 12% of all the investments committed to the food industry.

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