Employment in the Restaurants and Mobile Food Service Activities sector in Belgium grew consistently from 2013, peaking in 2019 before a sharp decline in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The sector recovered strongly in 2021 and 2022, with employment figures reaching 57,000 FTEs in 2023, demonstrating a 13.95% year-on-year increase. Although yearly fluctuations existed, the CAGR over the past five years stood at 3.22%, indicating steady growth. Forecasts predict continual growth reaching 66,750 FTEs by 2028 with a forecasted 2.5% CAGR.
Future trends to watch for include:
- Impact of digital transformation and automation on job roles
- Increased demand for sustainable and health-conscious food choices
- Changes in consumer behavior driven by economic shifts and regulatory impacts
