Belgium may be small in size, but its food industry punches far above its weight. Known worldwide for its chocolate, beer, and culinary craftsmanship, Belgium has developed a thriving agro-food sector that combines tradition, quality, and innovation. As the industry continues to grow, so does its global presence. Belgium’s strategic location and infrastructure provide a gateway for Chinese companies seeking to enter the European market, while China itself emerges as a key market full of opportunities for Belgian food exports.
The backbone of Belgian industry
Belgium’s food industry is not only the country’s largest industrial sector, it is also one of its most dynamic and influential. As a cornerstone of the Belgian economy, it plays a central role in driving industrial activity and employment. In 2023, the sector provided over 102 000 direct jobs, making it the leading industrial employer in the country.
The food industry’s strength lies in its diversity and integration. Key subsectors include meat, dairy, chocolate, sugar, and beverages, all of which are internationally recognized for their quality and innovation. Beyond its own boundaries, the food industry is closely linked to other essential sectors such as agriculture, retail, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, packaging, and logistics. This makes it not only a pillar of the manufacturing landscape but also a critical engine for broader economic growth.
Thanks to Belgium’s highly efficient processing capacities and strategic location, vast volumes of international raw materials and semi-finished products are imported into the country, processed, and then distributed either domestically or exported worldwide. This efficient flow underlines Belgium’s role as a vital hub in the global food supply chain.
An export-oriented sector
With approximately 14% of Belgium’s total exports (excluding energy) coming from the food industry, the sector is highly export-driven. While nearby countries remain the main destinations, France, the Netherlands, and Germany together accounting for 53% of total food exports, Belgian producers are increasingly looking beyond Europe for growth. Among distant markets, the United States leads as the top export destination for Belgian food.
China also showed strong recovery, with an 11.2% increase after the lifting of strict COVID-19 restrictions, reaffirming its role as a key growth market. Saudi Arabia followed with a remarkable 26.5% rise. Top-performing export products to distant markets include frozen vegetables, dairy products, chocolate, grain-based products, malt, and beverages. China, in particular, is a major destination for Belgian dairy, highlighting the country’s growing appetite for trusted, high-quality food imports.
Key drivers of success in Belgium’s food industry
Belgium’s food industry stands out for several reasons. First, it benefits from a central location in Europe with world-class infrastructure (ports, railways, highways, and logistics networks) that facilitate fast and efficient trade. Second, the industry has a strong tradition of applied research and innovation, with numerous initiatives and collaborations between companies and research institutions that foster continuous development of new products and processes.
The workforce is another asset: Belgian food companies rely on a highly skilled, multilingual labour pool, which enhances both productivity and international business capacity. The country also enjoys a rich culinary tradition, with internationally recognized delicacies and a strong reputation for fine dining. Belgium, with a total of 143 Michelin-starred restaurants, ranks third worldwide for the highest density of fine dining establishments per capita. This remarkable culinary culture reflects a deep-rooted appreciation for quality and gastronomy. It translates into high expectations—and high standards—for production, packaging, and sustainability across the sector.
Opportunities for Belgian and Chinese Companies in the Food Sector
As exports of Belgian food products to China grow, there is also increasing interest from Chinese companies to collaborate with Belgian producers or launch their products in Belgium. From import agreements and distribution partnerships to co-branding and co-development, there are numerous ways to connect. Belgium’s central location and world-class infrastructure make it not only an ideal entry point to Belgian specialties, but also a strategic gateway to the broader European market, offering access to a wide network of consumers and businesses.
At the same time, the opportunities are not one-sided. As Chinese consumer preferences continue to shift towards high-quality, imported food products, Belgian companies are increasingly exploring export potential in China. Demand for premium dairy, chocolate, and beer is rising, and Belgian brands, well known for their craftsmanship, are well positioned to meet this growing appetite.
At the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce (BCECC), we support this dynamic two-way exchange. Please contact us in case you need more information.