From 2013 to 2023, employment in Belgium's wholesale of food, beverages, and tobacco sector exhibited a cyclical pattern, with noticeable fluctuations each year. Employment decreased notably from 2013 to 2016 but then experienced a general upward trend from 2017 onwards, notwithstanding some minor dips. In 2023, employment stood at 28.77 thousand FTEs, marking a 0.59% year-on-year increase, reflecting stability in recent years despite the earlier variances.
Over the last five years, the sector's employment grew at a modest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.36%. Forecasts indicate a continued steady increase, predicting employment to rise to 29.66 thousand FTEs by 2028, following a 5-year CAGR of 0.48% and a forecasted 5-year growth rate of 2.43%.
Future trends to monitor include technological advancements in distribution, potential shifts in consumer behavior towards more sustainable products, and regulatory changes, which could impact employment levels in the wholesale sector. Additionally, the impact of economic fluctuations and global supply chain dynamics on the wholesale of food, beverages, and tobacco will be crucial factors influencing future employment trends.
