Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Coffee & Tea - Belgium

The Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Coffee & Tea market in Belgium has been experiencing significant growth in recent years. Customer preferences for convenience, health, and variety have been the driving factors behind this trend.

Customer preferences: Belgian consumers are increasingly seeking convenient and on-the-go beverage options, which has led to a rise in the popularity of RTD coffee and tea. These products offer a quick and easy solution for busy individuals who are looking for a caffeine boost or a refreshing drink. Additionally, the growing health-consciousness among consumers has also contributed to the demand for RTD coffee and tea. Many of these products are now marketed as healthier alternatives to traditional sugary beverages, with low sugar, low calorie, and natural ingredient options becoming more prevalent.

Trends in the market: One of the key trends in the RTD coffee and tea market in Belgium is the introduction of innovative flavors and product variations. Manufacturers are constantly launching new and exciting flavors to cater to the diverse tastes of consumers. This has resulted in a wide range of options available in the market, including flavored coffees, herbal teas, and functional beverages. Another trend is the increasing availability of organic and fair-trade options in the RTD coffee and tea segment. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental and social impact of their purchasing decisions, and are therefore seeking products that align with their values.

Local special circumstances: Belgium has a strong coffee culture, with a high per capita consumption of coffee. This cultural preference for coffee has translated into a demand for RTD coffee products as well. Additionally, Belgium is known for its chocolate and confectionery industry, and this has influenced the flavors and formulations of RTD coffee and tea products in the market. Many manufacturers have introduced chocolate-flavored coffee and tea drinks, which have been well-received by Belgian consumers.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The growing popularity of RTD coffee and tea in Belgium can also be attributed to several macroeconomic factors. The country has a high level of urbanization, with a significant proportion of the population living in cities. This urban lifestyle has led to an increased demand for convenient and portable food and beverage options, including RTD coffee and tea. Furthermore, Belgium has a strong economy and a high disposable income, which has allowed consumers to spend more on premium and innovative products. The rising trend of coffee shop culture in the country has also contributed to the growth of the RTD coffee and tea market, as consumers seek to recreate the café experience at home or on-the-go.

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. The at-home market covers retail sales via super- and hypermarkets, eCommerce, convenience stores, or similar sales channels. The out-of-home data encompasses all sales to hotels, restaurants, catering, cafés, bars, and similar hospitality service establishments. Combined numbers encompass both the at-home market and the out-of-home market. Both the at-home and the out-of-home market are valued at retail selling prices including all sales and consumption taxes.

Modeling approach:

Market sizes are determined through a Top-Down approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use resources from the Statista platform as well as in-house market research, national statistical offices, international institutions, trade associations, companies, the trade press, and the experience of our analysts. In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, consumer spending (e.g. consumer spending on Non-Alcoholic Drinks, consumer spending at Hotels, Restaurants etc.), and price level index. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the exponential trend smoothing is well suited for forecasting the Non-Alcoholic Drinks market with a projected steady growth. The main drivers are GDP per capita and consumer spending per capita.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year.