Market overview

The Belgian market offers many opportunities to British food and drink companies. Here's an overview of the Belgian market.

Opportunities

• Belgium’s private label market is developed and accounts for around 29% of the total market. 
• There is a large discounter presence in which Aldi, Lidl and Colruyt have intensified the scope of competition. 
• Consumer preferences have been changing over the past few years as a result of the need for convenience, food safety and dietary concerns. Therefore, opportunities can be identified for healthy and fresh ready-to-eat meals, together with convenience food. Consumer demand for speciality, high-quality produce has also been growing.

Market background

• Population: 10.6 million (2007) GDP: €31,311 per capita (2007) 
• Unemployment rate: 7.8% (2007)
• Inflation: 1.8% (2007)
• Consumer expenditure on food and non-alcoholic drinks: £1,428 per head (2007)

Trade environment

• Total food and drink imports to the market: £15.8 billion (2007)
• UK food and drink exports to the market: £363 million in 2007 (+1%)
• UK share of imports: approximately 2.9% (2007)

Top five retailers by market share (2006)

1	Carrefour	28%
2	Delhaize Group	24.5%
3	Colruyt	20.8%
4	Aldi	11.2%
5	Louis Delhaize	7%