Latest figures show that almost three-quarters (73%) of beer produced in Belgium was exported last year, namely to France, Spain and the Netherlands.
The findings show that France and Spain combined outdrank Belgium, at 6.7 million hectoliters and 6.451 million hectoliters respectively.
The AB InBev brewery group, which owns brands such as Corona, Leffe and Stella Artois, is given much of the credit for the good performance of Belgian beer exports. Stella Artois, whose origins can be traced back to Leuven in 1366, is served in 95 countries and has won the 2019 World Beer Award for World's Best International Lager.
France remained the main export market, accounting for 5.2 million hectoliters of Belgian beer. This a 2.5% increase on 2020 figures. The Netherlands saw an even lager increase of more than 20% since 2020.
Graphic: Abby Stetina
Europe is the main market
While the United States remains the leading non-EU consumer of Belgian beer, the US market accounted for just over 1 million hectoliters, a significant drop compared to nearly 2 million in 2020.
"Covid-19 sanitary measures are part of the reason for this reduction, as well as growing popularity for local beers (in the US) and the fact that large breweries are choosing to brew beer for the non-European market more locally," Krishan Maudgal, director of Brasseurs Belges, explained.
Lighter beers from AB InBev have proven to be more popular in the States. Brews like Bud Lite, Miller Lite and Coors Light have outsold European brands.
Belgium rebounds after pandemic
The quantity of beer purchased in Belgian stores has increased by 7% in the past year, reaching highs not seen since 2014. Researchers noticed a return to bars, pubs and restaurants, as three out of every four beers was consumed in the retail sector.
On a microbrewery level, the popular Brussels brand Zinnebir celebrated its 20th anniversary this year and has seen remarkable growth. 18,000 hectolitres of beer can be brewed at the new Zinnebir brewery location at Tour & Taxis.
The authenticity of Belgian beers — large brands and small — adds another selling point. “We don’t invent anything,” says Zinnebir co-owner Bernard Leboucq. “We’re adding to today’s flavours, flavours that we know from our grandparents and that had almost disappeared.”
