Over the past decade, the production in the fruit and vegetable processing sector in Belgium has exhibited fluctuations. After a peak growth in 2017, the industry faced a significant decline in 2018, followed by moderate recovery and subsequent declines. By 2023, the sector stood at 3.79 Billion Euros, reflecting a continued contraction. The last two years showed a near 3.61% decrease year-on-year, with the five-year CAGR reaching -1.38%, indicating a negative trend. Future projections suggest a steady decline with a forecasted five-year CAGR at -2.77%, translating to an overall reduction of 13.08% by 2028.
Key future trends to watch for:
- Technological advancements in processing techniques.
- Shifts in consumer preference towards organic and locally sourced produce.
- Potential impact of new trade agreements and regulations.
- Impact of climate changes on raw material availability.
- Adoption of sustainability practices in production processes.