The number of processors of organic fruit and vegetables in Belgium stood at 210 enterprises in 2023. Historical data shows a steady increase from 113 in 2013, reflecting positive market growth trends. A closer examination of the last two years reveals year-on-year variations of 1.47% in 2022 and 1.45% in 2023, indicating stable but modest growth. The five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) leading up to 2023 was 1.08%, showcasing a deceleration compared to earlier periods.
Looking ahead, growth is forecasted to continue at a modest pace with a five-year CAGR of 0.93% and an overall growth rate of 4.72% by 2028, bringing the number of enterprises to 222. This suggests ongoing but tempered market expansion.
Future trends to watch for include:
- Increased consumer preference for organic products, potentially boosting demand.
- Technological advancements that could streamline organic processing.
- Regulatory changes that may impact organic certification and market entry requirements.
- Possible market saturation or consolidation among existing processors.