The meat processing sector in Belgium saw fluctuations over the past decade. The sector peaked in 2015 with a production value of 7.32 billion euros after undergoing growth and slight declines from 2013. Post-2017, the industry faced a significant drop in 2018 by 24.19%, declining from 7.18 billion euros to 5.44 billion euros. The stabilization attempts were noticeable in the subsequent years with moderate variations, however, remained substantially below the peak value. In 2023, the production value was at 5.63 billion euros. The average annual variation over the last five years showed a slight positive trend encapsulated by a -0.03% forecasted negative CAGR for 2028.
Future trends to monitor include technological advancements in meat processing, shifts in consumer preferences towards plant-based alternatives, and stricter regulatory environments focused on sustainability practices. Staying attentive to these factors will be pivotal for anticipating market shifts and driving strategic decisions.