Belgian beer survey reveals changing tastes and habits

We know Belgians love their beer. Now the results of an annual nationwide study show just how much - and how Belgian beer-drinking trends are evolving.

Beer appreciation is at an all-time high according to Beer & Society's 12th annual Beer Barometer, based on responses from a self-selecting sample of 8,000 people.

Beer remains the drink of choice in cafes, nightclubs and at family get-togethers. For the first time this year, at cocktail parties and receptions, beer (40%) has overtaken champagne (35%) as the preferred tipple.

Diners in restaurants are also increasingly opting for beer over wine. The study found 39% of people drank beer with a restaurant meal, compared with just 18% a decade ago. Wine remains the most popular in restaurants, but fell from 70% to 54% over the same period. At the family dinner table, non-alcoholic drinks are the most common choice.

The study also shows that Belgian beer drinkers' tastes are changing. While the classic pilsner remains the most popular brew, on 27.5%, its popularity has fallen from 41% over the past decade, with trappist, craft and micro-brews all gaining market share.

This was the first year the survey questioned people on non-alcoholic beers. Approximately 90% of people surveyed have never tried them and 8.3% say they drink them regularly - often when they are the designated driver on a group night out.

Some 82% of people surveyed were male. Two-thirds of participants were Flemish and one-third were from French-speaking areas.