Frozen vegetables market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

Belgium's frozen vegetable production and market value declined significantly from 2018 to 2020. This period saw the implementation of updated European labeling rules and a new Belgian law defining treatments for food-contact coatings, which set stricter production standards. In 2019, sustainable investment programs were launched, including the modernization of major plants like those operated by Ardo in Flanders, aimed at long-term capacity enhancement despite the short-term market contraction.

The market began to recover from 2022, with production and market size increasing notably through 2023. This rebound coincided with the end of the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, which revived consumer demand. A national investment plan announced in early 2022 to modernize freezing equipment for CO₂ reduction further supported production capabilities. During 2023, the industry navigated rising raw material and logistics costs, yet market growth continued, reflecting resilient demand.

Looking ahead, the market has focused on innovation and segment growth. Fribona's launch of the health-oriented 'ReadyChef' line in 2024 catered to rising demand for convenient ready meals. The organic segment, having grown steadily since 2020 with revenue up 49% since 2018, consolidated its position. Ongoing regulatory updates, such as the 2024 royal decree mandating visible temperature monitoring in small cold stores, continued to shape operational practices.

Production frozen vegetables in Belgium

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Belgium's frozen vegetable production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 1 114 million US dollars, marking a 14.3% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2020, production fell by 26.9%, with an annualized decline rate of 9.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Belgium in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Belgium ranked as the world's leading producer of frozen vegetables by volume, holding the top position globally.

Top producers of frozen vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of frozen vegetables, 2017-2020

Frozen vegetable production in Belgium declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Belgium produced 1 339 thousand tonnes, showing a significant 12.8% drop year-over-year. From 2018 to 2020, production decreased by 50.3%, which translates to an annualized decline of 20.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports frozen vegetables from Belgium

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Belgium's frozen vegetable export volumes declined. In 2020, exports totaled 1 291 thousand tonnes, a modest 3.5% decrease from 2019. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 1 338 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 1.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom consistently led as the top destinations for Belgium's frozen vegetable exports by volume. Germany accounted for 20.7% of exports, France for 20.2%, and the United Kingdom for 12.6%, together making up 53.5% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Belgium in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Belgium's frozen vegetable exports declined in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 1 236 million US dollars, down 0.7% year-over-year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 282 million US dollars, with the largest decline in 2019 at 2.9% and the largest increase in 2018 at 4.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Belgium in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom were the largest buyers of Belgian frozen vegetables by value. Germany represented 21.8% of exports, France 17.8%, and the United Kingdom 12.8%, collectively accounting for 52.4% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Belgium in value, 2017-2020

Imports frozen vegetables to Belgium

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Belgium's frozen vegetable import volumes declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 373 thousand tonnes, reflecting a 13.9% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 11.7%, with an annualized decline of 4.1%. The peak was in 2019 at 433 thousand tonnes, and the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 1.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, France, Spain, and the Netherlands were the main sources of frozen vegetable imports to Belgium by volume. France contributed 29.4% of imports, Spain 17.3%, and the Netherlands 12.6%, together accounting for 59.3% of total import volumes.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Belgium in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Belgium's frozen vegetable imports declined in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 371 million US dollars, showing a measured 9.1% reduction from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 6.4%, equating to an annualized decline of 2.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 414 million US dollars, with the largest increase in 2018 at 4.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Belgium in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, France, Spain, and the Netherlands were the primary sources of frozen vegetable imports to Belgium by value. France accounted for 26.5% of imports, Spain for 17.6%, and the Netherlands for 13.2%, together absorbing 57.3% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Belgium in value, 2017-2020