Sauces, mixed condiments and seasonings market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Belgian sauces market was shaped by regulatory adaptation and the pandemic's impact. The 2016 update to the royal decree on mayonnaise, which reduced minimum fat and egg content, strengthened the competitive position of domestic producers. However, the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 triggered increased household stocking of sauces, followed by a contraction in market volume to 123 thousand tonnes as the foodservice sector recovered.

Market volume rebounded to 132 thousand tonnes in 2021, fueled by the launch of local spicy sauce brands like Swet and growing consumer interest in artisanal, gourmet varieties. Innovation in ready-to-use and healthier sauces continued into 2022, though the overall volume receded slightly to 127.4 thousand tonnes amid evolving European labeling and composition rules.

A pronounced expansion occurred from 2023, with volume leaping to 150.4 thousand tonnes and value reaching 561.7 million US dollars. Growth continued in 2024, lifting volume to 166.6 thousand tonnes, reflecting sustained demand and a shift towards higher-value product segments.

Production sauces, mixed condiments and seasonings in Belgium

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Belgium's production of sauces, mixed condiments, and seasonings was valued at 545.8 million US dollars, representing a slight increase of 1.7% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 1.5%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 10.0%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 10.2%, which translates to an annualized rate of 3.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

After two consecutive years of growth, Belgium's production of sauces, mixed condiments, and seasonings declined in 2020. Output reached 230.4 thousand tonnes, down by 2.2% from 2019. The peak production was recorded in 2019 at 235.6 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 3.1%. From 2017 to 2020, overall production increased by 3.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 1.1%.

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

Exports sauces, mixed condiments and seasonings from Belgium

Exports in kind, K t

Belgium's export volume of sauces, mixed condiments, and seasonings increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, totaling 160.2 thousand tonnes. This figure remained nearly unchanged from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 14.5%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 4.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading destinations for Belgium's exports of sauces, mixed condiments, and seasonings in volume terms were France, accounting for 40.3% of exports, the Netherlands at 12.5%, and the United Kingdom at 9.7%. Together, these three countries represented 62.5% 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 cross-border shipments of sauces, mixed condiments, and seasonings increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, with exports valued at 368.4 million US dollars. This marked a moderate rise of 3.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 19.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.1%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom formed the core of Belgium's export value for sauces, mixed condiments, and seasonings. France accounted for 38.8% of exports in value terms, the Netherlands for 14.4%, and the United Kingdom for 9.1%. Collectively, these three destinations represented 62.3% of total export 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 sauces, mixed condiments and seasonings to Belgium

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Belgium imported approximately 52.8 thousand tonnes of sauces, mixed condiments, and seasonings, which was a 1.8% increase from 2019. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 51.9 thousand tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 54.9 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 5.5%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 2.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Germany, and France were the principal suppliers of sauces, mixed condiments, and seasonings to Belgium in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 40.4% of imports, Germany for 13.8%, and France for 10.8%. Together, these three countries made up 65.0% 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 sauces, mixed condiments, and seasonings totaled 173.3 million US dollars, marking a moderate increase of 4.8% compared to the previous year. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 173.5 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 4.7%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 9.5%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 9.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Germany, and France continued to lead as suppliers of sauces, mixed condiments, and seasonings to Belgium in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 40.7% of imports, Germany for 13.2%, and France for 11.1%. Collectively, these three countries represented 65.0% of total import flows.

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

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