In 2018, Belgium’s residents spent €616 million in food products alone, which represents a 4.6% increase compared to 2017. A third of Belgium’s population bought groceries abroad - on average nine times a year.
More attractive prices in neighbouring countries such as France remain the main reason behind Belgium’s shopping exodus. Last year, Belgians spent a whopping €273 million (+7,5%) in the hexagone. Daily food products such as water, yogurts, cereals and cheese are among the most purchased items.
These numbers should not come as a surprise as one in two Belgians lives less than 50km away from the nearest border.
The federation of the Belgian food industry is urging future governments to consider scrapping several taxes in a bid to counter this worrying phenomenon.
