Roasted decaffeinated coffee market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

The Belgian roasted decaffeinated coffee market volume grew from 4 117 t in 2018 to 4 321 t in 2019, supported by the entry of new artisanal domestic roasters like Másalto and Cafés Van Hove. These specialists focused on organic, naturally decaffeinated coffees from sustainable Latin American cooperatives, using solvent-free methods such as Swiss Water® and liquid CO₂ to preserve flavor, which attracted consumers seeking higher quality and ethical products.

After a modest contraction to 4 197 t in 2020, influenced by pandemic-driven shifts toward home consumption and emphasis on fresh delivery, the market volume dropped sharply to 2 774 t in 2021. This decline coincided with the introduction of new decaffeinated coffee lines in Nespresso-compatible capsules—a convenient format that typically reduces the weight of coffee consumed per serving—while brands also invested in sustainable, fully recyclable metal packaging to maintain premium positioning.

Market volume further decreased to 2 106 t in 2022 as the segment consolidated around artisanal, organic and fair-trade offerings, with continued innovation in natural decaffeination techniques. A recovery to 2 651 t occurred in 2023 before volume settled at 2 217 t in 2024, reflecting ongoing adjustments in consumer habits and product mix.

Production roasted decaffeinated coffee in Belgium

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Belgium's output of roasted decaffeinated coffee was valued at 22 394 thousand US dollars, marking a 6.0% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 8.8%, which translates to an annualized rate of 2.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 4.7%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2018 at 7.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Belgium's roasted decaffeinated coffee production volume has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 3 419 tonnes, showing a moderate year-on-year rise of 6.7%. From 2017 to 2020, production expanded by 30.7%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 9.3%.

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

Exports roasted decaffeinated coffee from Belgium

Exports in kind, t

Roasted decaffeinated coffee exports from Belgium have risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, Belgium exported 1 316 tonnes, representing a 4.2% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 23.5%, with an annualized rate of 7.3%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 061 tonnes, which also saw the smallest decline of 0.5%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 19.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France and the Netherlands dominated Belgium's roasted decaffeinated coffee exports in volume terms. France accounted for 50.7% of total flows, while the Netherlands contributed 32.8%, together making up 83.5% of exports. Other partners accounted for the remaining share.

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, K $ US

Exports of roasted decaffeinated coffee from Belgium have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 9 581 thousand US dollars, reflecting a modest 7.0% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 16.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 7 940 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the smallest decline of 3.1%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a gain of 12.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom were the leading destinations for Belgium's roasted decaffeinated coffee exports in value terms. France held 40.7% of exports, the Netherlands 29.3%, and the United Kingdom 15.6%, collectively accounting for 85.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports roasted decaffeinated coffee to Belgium

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Belgium's roasted decaffeinated coffee import volume declined. In 2020, imports totaled approximately 2 094 tonnes, indicating a 12.0% contraction compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 5.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.8%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 380 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a rise of 12.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and France were the principal suppliers of roasted decaffeinated coffee to Belgium in volume terms. Germany accounted for 55.1% of imports, the Netherlands for 20.9%, and France for 18.3%, together comprising 94.2% of total imports.

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, K $ US

After a two-year upward trend, Belgium's imports of roasted decaffeinated coffee declined. In 2020, import value amounted to 19 217 thousand US dollars, down by 6.8% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 5.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 20 615 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a gain of 10.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and the Netherlands accounted for the largest share of Belgium's roasted decaffeinated coffee imports in value terms. France represented 43.0% of imports, Germany 32.1%, and the Netherlands 18.5%, together making up 93.6% of total flows.

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

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