Beer consumption in Belgium continues to decline over rising costs and health concerns

Published on 08/06/2025 - 10:53 GMT+2

Belgium counts 400 breweries and produces much than 1,600 types of beers, and yet its brew depletion continues to decline.

According to an yearly study by nan Belgian Brewers association, nan country's brew depletion fell by 2.1% successful 2024, though nan declinde was not arsenic steep arsenic nan 6% alteration successful 2023.

The driblet is portion of an ongoing downward trend, pinch depletion successful nan state falling by almost 20% successful nan past 10 years.

The relation cites "persistent unit connected purchasing power, reduced competitiveness, precocious costs and an unstable geopolitical context," arsenic nan logic for nan decreased consumption.

They besides noted a alteration successful drinking habits, and increasing wellness concerns.

"Belgians are drinking little intoxicant overall, and so, little beer."

But it is not conscionable Belgium, European brewers person been grappling pinch nan semipermanent diminution arsenic nan European Union has knowledgeable a diminution successful request for alcoholic beers, a Eurostat report reveals.

Instead, non-alcoholic beverages are becoming progressively much popular.

"Five years ago, location was conscionable 1 non-alcoholic beer, now location are six," barroom proprietor Waldo Marlier told section media erstwhile speaking astir his ain stock.

Non-alcoholic drinks person besides seen a accelerated emergence successful nan UK, including celebrated trends specified a Dry January which consists of staying sober for nan month. It was estimated that 15.5 cardinal group took portion successful it successful nan UK successful 2025.

Younger generations, progressively alert of nan harmful effect of intoxicant connected some beingness and intelligence health, are changing nan dense drinking installed by erstwhile generations.

A caller study published successful The Times revealed that almost half of 18- to 34-year-olds person stopped drinking intoxicant altogether. Similarly, a 2024 YouGov study recovered that 44 percent of British group aged 18 to 24 now for illustration debased aliases non-alcoholic alternatives.

For many, non-alcoholic options supply a measurement to mean consumption, consciousness included, and support amended self-control during nights out.

Recent socio-economic events, specified arsenic nan COVID-19 pandemic and nan ongoing costs of surviving crisis, person reshaped our narration pinch alcohol, encouraging group to reconsider its financial and individual costs.