Sausages and similar meat products market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

The market for sausages and similar meat products in Belgium expanded from 86 thousand tons in 2018 to 123 thousand tons in 2024. This growth was primarily fueled by the emergence and rapid adoption of plant-based meat alternatives, driven by shifting consumer trends such as flexitarian, vegetarian, and vegan diets. The development of convenient, packaged meat products and the diversification of plant-based offerings by retailers responded to this demand, effectively creating a new segment that increased total market volume. Strategic partnerships between traditional meat producers and plant-protein companies, like the German PHW group, further stimulated innovation and product variety in the market.

After a significant rise to 102 thousand tons in 2020, the market experienced a slight contraction to 99 thousand tons in 2021. During this period, the industry saw the launch of innovative products like organic and nitrite-free sausages, catering to a growing demand for healthier options, while also adapting to stricter European labeling and traceability rules for processed meats. The growth trajectory resumed strongly from 2022 onward, supported by the sustained expansion of the plant-based substitute segment and a continued consumer preference for convenient, ready-to-eat meat preparations, which bolstered modern retail distribution.

Production sausages and similar meat products in Belgium

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Belgium's production of sausages and similar meat products has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, output reached 525.7 million US dollars, an 18.1% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 38%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Belgium's production volume of sausages and similar meat products has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Belgium produced 110.5 thousand tonnes, which is 12.0% higher than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 27.9%, translating to an annualized rate of 8.6%. The lowest production level was in 2018 at 86.2 thousand tonnes, with a slight decline of 0.2% that year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 14.4%.

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

Exports sausages and similar meat products from Belgium

Exports in kind, t

Belgium's exports of sausages and similar meat products have risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, export volume totaled 59 471 tonnes, a 9.7% improvement compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 27.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.5%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 46 309 tonnes, when there was a small decline of 0.6%. The largest increase was in 2019, with a surge of 17.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands and France were the top destinations for Belgium's exports in volume terms, together making up 80.2% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among other countries.

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 exports of sausages and similar meat products have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 183.6 million US dollars, reflecting an 18.8% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 51.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 14.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading markets for Belgium's sausage exports in value terms were the Netherlands, accounting for 45.1% of exports, France with 25.3%, and Germany at 12.6%. Together, these three countries represented 83.0% 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 sausages and similar meat products to Belgium

Imports in kind, t

Belgium imported 50 474 tonnes of sausages and similar meat products in 2020, marking a strong year-on-year gain of 10.5%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 17.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.5%. The largest decline was in 2019, with a drop of 0.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the main sources for Belgium's imports in volume terms were the Netherlands, with 41.9% of imports, Germany at 25.2%, and France with 18.5%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 85.6% 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 sausages and similar meat products totaled 265.5 million US dollars, indicating a robust rise of 18.7% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 27.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 4.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Germany, France, and the Netherlands—together made up 78.1% of Belgium's total imports in value terms for sausages and similar meat products.

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

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