Odoriferous substances for food and drink market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for odoriferous substances in Belgium showed initial stability, moving from 71 564 t to 68 666 t. This period was characterized by a resilient export share for the food and drink manufacturing industries despite a less favorable economic climate and the dominant role of SMEs, which accounted for 79.5% of the sector's total value added. However, a 6.7% decrease in investments within food companies and growing pressure on wage costs in 2019 presented headwinds for production expansion.

The market entered a phase of strong expansion from 2021 onward, peaking at 90 331 t in 2022. This growth coincided with the maintained competitiveness of Belgium's food and beverage sector, a key consumer of these ingredients, which represented 20.1% of the country's industrial employment with 99 600 workers and generated nearly €9.8 billion in value added. The sector's scale and stability provided a solid foundation for demand.

In 2023 and 2024, the market volume stabilized at a high level, reaching 85 324 t in 2024 following a minor correction. This period was shaped by specific drivers within the food industry, including an 18% surge in mozzarella production and a 5.4% increase in sector turnover, which bolstered the need for flavoring substances. Concurrently, significant legislative updates, such as the Royal Decree of 4 February 2024 on water quality for food manufacture and the EU restriction on PFHxA, alongside evolving consumer preferences for natural and organic products, directed innovation and demand toward safe, natural flavors and functional premixes.

Production odoriferous substances for food and drink in Belgium

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Belgium's production of odoriferous substances for food and drink was valued at 112.8 million US dollars, marking a significant decline of 10.9% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 2.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Belgium produced 59,578 tonnes of odoriferous substances for food and drink, showing a slight decrease of 1.5% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 29.5%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 9.0%.

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

Exports odoriferous substances for food and drink from Belgium

Exports in kind, t

Belgium's exports of odoriferous substances for food and drink increased in 2020 after a two-year decline. Exports reached 14,323 tonnes, representing a 5.9% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 10.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.5%. The lowest point was recorded in 2019 at 13,531 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 10.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom were the top contributors to Belgium's exports in kind. France accounted for 32.5% of exports, the Netherlands for 12.6%, and the United Kingdom for 4.9%, together making up 50.1% 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

In 2020, Belgium's exports of odoriferous substances for food and drink amounted to 125.6 million US dollars, an increase of 8.4% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 5.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 115.9 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 133.0 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 12.9%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 11.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium supplied odoriferous substances for food and drink to a diverse range of markets. France accounted for 25.8% of exports in value terms, the Netherlands for 8.2%, and Germany for 7.7%, together comprising 41.7% of total exports. The remaining 58.3% was distributed among numerous smaller destinations.

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

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

Imports odoriferous substances for food and drink to Belgium

Imports in kind, t

Belgium's imports of odoriferous substances for food and drink declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, totaling 23,411 tonnes, a decrease of 29.2% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 20%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.2%. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 40,585 tonnes, with the largest increase also occurring in 2018 at 38.7%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, France, Ireland, and the United Kingdom were the key partners for Belgium's imports in kind. France contributed 32.4% of imports, Ireland 21.6%, and the United Kingdom 11.6%, together accounting for 65.6% of total import flows.

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

In 2020, Belgium's imports of odoriferous substances for food and drink reached 388.7 million US dollars, up by 3.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 10.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 1.3%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 7.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ireland, France, and the Netherlands were the main suppliers of odoriferous substances for food and drink to Belgium. Ireland accounted for 58.0% of imports in value terms, France for 16.1%, and the Netherlands for 8.7%, together comprising 82.9% of total imports.

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

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