Marc Mertens’ Post

2023 proved to be a challenging year for M&A in the Belgian food and beverage market. What does 2024 hold? Our latest report explores key trends, such as the rise of food tech deals and strong M&A interest in sustainable food ingredients and plant-based products. While strategic buyers remain dominant in the F&B market, financial investors are stepping up as key players in Future of Food-related transactions. Discover more in the full report at https://lnkd.in/ePZiZFrW. #FutureOfFood

2023 proved to be a challenging year for M&A in the Belgian food and beverage market. What does 2024 hold? Our latest report explores key trends, such as the rise of food tech deals and strong M&A interest in sustainable food ingredients and plant-based products. While strategic buyers remain dominant in the F&B market, financial investors are stepping up as key players in Future of Food-related transactions. Discover more in the full report at https://lnkd.in/eSrRcbBK. #FutureOfFood

2023 proved to be a challenging year for M&A in the Belgian food and beverage market. What does 2024 hold? Our latest report explores key trends, such as the rise of food tech deals and strong M&A interest in sustainable food ingredients and plant-based products. While strategic buyers remain dominant in the F&B market, financial investors are stepping up as key players in Future of Food-related transactions. Discover more in the full report at https://lnkd.in/e9fc_jwH. #FutureOfFood

2023 proved to be a challenging year for M&A in the Belgian food and beverage market. What does 2024 hold? Our latest report explores key trends, such as the rise of food tech deals and strong M&A interest in sustainable food ingredients and plant-based products. While strategic buyers remain dominant in the F&B market, financial investors are stepping up as key players in Future of Food-related transactions. Discover more in the full report at https://lnkd.in/efBYiV-J. #FutureOfFood

2023 proved to be a challenging year for M&A in the Belgian food and beverage market. What does 2024 hold? Our latest report explores key trends, such as the rise of food tech deals and strong M&A interest in sustainable food ingredients and plant-based products. While strategic buyers remain dominant in the F&B market, financial investors are stepping up as key players in Future of Food-related transactions. Discover more in the full report at https://lnkd.in/ezksWvp8. #FutureOfFood

The global wine market is facing a number of challenges as we enter 2024, including structural volume declines in mature markets, an over-reliance on older drinkers and difficulties related to climate change. That said, opportunities persist in some regions, and those younger consumers who do participate in the wine category are becoming more engaged with it – continuing the trend of higher spend within a ‘less but better’ dynamic. Growth also persists in the low-alcohol wine space – which remains a category strength – and in ecommerce, although here wine’s relative maturity is leading to some erosion of market share by beer and spirits as demand in the channel returns to pre-Covid trend rates. https://lnkd.in/dW5_ZDj7

Recent research by iVOX for Fevia reveals a strong preference among Belgians for local food and beverages. A striking 72% of respondents actively choose Belgian products to support the local economy, with 84% believing that buying local fosters a sustainable food system. While traditional favorites like beer and chocolate remain popular, Belgian vegetables, fruits, meats, and baked goods are especially valued for their local origin. Despite the high regard for Belgian craftsmanship—61.5% consider it superior in quality and 56% in taste—price remains a decisive factor in purchasing decisions. Discounts play a significant role in consumer choices, highlighting a preference for affordability even amidst a strong inclination towards local and high-quality products. 🇧🇪🍟 Explore opportunities and stay informed: https://lnkd.in/e4P8vVpU Talent Consulting Team #FoodTrends #FMCGRecruitment #TalentAcquisition #MarketInsights #LocalProducts

Technology is constantly evolving, and it's making an impact on the food and beverage industry in a big way. We're officially less than a week away from launching the latest Horizons: Digital Age of Food Manufacturing report that focuses on how technology is being leveraged in the food and beverage manufacturing space and what it means for its businesses. CRB's team of experts analyzed data from 300+ industry leaders and go in depth on the industry’s chase for digital maturity along with challenges and strategies surrounding the implementation of environmental, social, and governance initiatives; operational efficiencies; labor challenges; and hamstrung capital budgets. Sign up to receive the free Horizons report when it launches on May 14: https://hubs.la/Q02sTBGV0 #FoodAndBeverage #FoodManufacturing #ESG #CRBHorizons

How can you make informed investment decisions in the specialty #food and #beverage ingredient sector? In our latest report, "Beyond the Mega-Merger," we provide valuable insights into the value creation that will underpin upcoming investments. Discover how M&A has enabled specialty food and beverage ingredient players to create solutions for consumer and regulatory demands through broader and deeper portfolios of products and capabilities. 📩Download our full report now and stay ahead in the industry: https://bit.ly/3ZpN3oJ Reach out to our experts for more insights: Eesha Nayak, Alexander Belderok, Michelle Briffett #RolandBerger #FoodIngredient #FoodAndBeverage #MandAInsights

As we enter a new year, consumers are placing an even greater emphasis on value-driven decisions—prioritizing products that balance affordability, quality, and sustainability. For the food and beverage industry, this trend highlights a shift toward private-label options, budget-conscious organic offerings, and cost-effective innovations that cater to both practicality and purpose. Businesses that adapt to these evolving preferences—whether through transparent sourcing, versatile product lines, or enhanced cost efficiency—will be best positioned to thrive in 2024's competitive landscape.