The landscape for cafés/bars was severely impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19 with 2020 sales dropping by over half of 2019’s sales. The lockdowns (the first for three months from March 2020 and the second from October 2020) highly damaged sales as did the social distancing regulations as such venues typically have a high number of people in small square footage.
The competitive landscape in cafés/bars remained extremely fragmented in 2021, due to the weak presence of chained players. This however is more noticeable in bars, as most coffee/tea specialist stores and smoothie bars in the country are chains.
Given that many smaller independents have been forced to close permanently during the pandemic, there has been a significant trend towards consolidation of share. The leading chained café/bar in the country in 2021 is the coffee chain Starbucks.
Café/bars are not expected to fully recovery to pre-pandemic current value sales levels before 2024, being the most affected consumer foodservice in Belgium by COVID-19 and its subsequent measures. Whilst the pandemic is largely under control with high vaccination rates, many consumers will continue to stay away from such venues, either for fear of contracting the virus or because they have got used to socialising and sampling beverages from their homes.
Belgium’s small size and the preference for traditional local beer halls and taverns have historically discouraged foreign players from entering the country. In fact, local brewers have typically preferred to purchase independent outlets instead of replacing them with chained bars.
During the outbreak of COVID-19, the increase in price-sensitivity impacted consumers' choices, with many consumers becoming more cautious about spending their disposable income. This is set to remain in place across the early forecast period for many, with the economic recession stifling sales.
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Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Cafés/Bars industry in Belgium with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
If you're in the Cafés/Bars industry in Belgium, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
Cafés/Bars
This category encompasses all establishments where the focus is on drinking (either alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages). While a wide variety of snacks and full meals are offered, it is not uncommon for consumers to only order a drink. As a general rule, establishments deriving 50% of their income or more from the sale of drinks are included here.
See All of Our DefinitionsThis report originates from Passport, our Cafés/Bars research and analysis database.
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