Fevia calls for change in Walloon food industry

Wallonia’s food industry faced a tough year in 2024. Turnover dropped by 2.9%, and production fell to its lowest level since 2017. Exports also declined for the second year in a row. Fevia Wallonie, the federation representing Walloon food companies, is sounding the alarm. There’s an urgent need for better policies, stronger cooperation across the supply chain, and fairer trading practices.

Domestic market vital, but under strain

Roughly half of the sector’s turnover comes from the domestic market. Yet cross-border shopping continues to rise. In 2024, purchases made outside Belgium totaled nearly 750 million euros. In the first half of 2025, those numbers remain high, although there's been a slight dip. Buying patterns are shifting as well: drinks are now more often purchased in Luxembourg and Germany rather than in France.

Fevia Wallonie is calling for action, both regionally and federally. Measures should include a review of the litter tax, lower excise duties and packaging levies, and a clear tax framework for beverages.

Stronger supply chains start locally

The industry is focusing on a two-track approach: building locally rooted, sustainable supply chains while remaining competitive internationally through innovation. In Wallonia, several successful collaborations are already in place. These involve crops such as grains and legumes, as well as dairy, meat, fruit, and vegetables.

Innovation, Fevia notes, remains essential. Without it, there’s no path forward. The federation stresses the need for continued government support, and a clear role for innovation cluster Wagralim within Wallonia’s new innovation ecosystem.

Rules on fair trade still fall short

Despite existing legislation, 9 out of 10 food companies still face unfair trading practices. That’s the outcome of a recent survey by Fevia and BABM. Examples include “margin claims”, unilaterally imposed penalties for logistical delays, and additional commercial contributions introduced mid-year. A contact point has recently been appointed to address these issues, but according to Fevia, this is only a first step.

Philippe Henroz, Chair of Fevia Wallonie: “The food industry is fully committed to the transition towards a more sustainable food system. We therefore call on the Walloon government to support this commitment with coherent policy, in consultation with all players in the food supply chain.”

Anne Reul, Managing Director of Fevia Wallonie: “If we want our food companies to remain competitive and continue to invest, innovate and create jobs in a sustainable way here in Belgium, then we need to act.”

Fevia.be