Brewing Leaders Meet at Historic Belgian Abbey
The World Brewing Alliance convened at Affligem Abbey to discuss industry growth and the rise of non-alcoholic beer.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Beer
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Members of the World Brewing Alliance gathered at Belgium’s historic Affligem Abbey for their annual meeting to address modern industry shifts. The discussion highlighted Belgium’s central role in the global beer market and the rapid expansion of non-alcoholic alternatives.
Why it matters
The industry is increasingly focused on technological adoption to maintain traditional quality standards amid changing consumer habits. Brewers are specifically scaling their no-alcohol offerings to meet the growing global demand for moderate intake options.
No-alcohol beer currently accounts for 95% of all adult non-alcoholic beverage sales globally. Belgium produces a significant volume for the international market, exporting 70% of its total beer output and maintaining 10% of the global export market.
The players
World Brewing Alliance
This international organization represents brewers globally and works to promote the interests of the beer industry on a worldwide scale.
UNESCO
The United Nations agency is responsible for identifying and protecting cultural heritage sites and traditions, including the unique beer culture found in Belgium.
The details
Brewers are utilizing modern technology to bridge the gap between traditional brewing knowledge and new production methods, ensuring that legacy recipes remain consistent even as personnel change. This focus on precision allows manufacturers to prioritize taste and quality for the growing no-alcohol segment.
Timeline
2016: UNESCO officially recognized the status of Belgian beer culture.
October 2026: The World Brewing Alliance Annual General Meeting took place at Affligem Abbey.
2030: Projected global volume for no-alcohol beer is expected to hit 10 billion liters.
Culture Shift
The global beer industry is navigating a fundamental transition by balancing the 2016 UNESCO-recognized heritage of Belgian brewing with modern lifestyle shifts. This movement reflects a broader societal pivot toward moderate alcohol consumption and away from legacy drinking habits.
Consumers can expect an increase in the variety and quality of no-alcohol beer options hitting retail shelves globally over the next several years. These advancements make it easier for individuals to maintain social routines while choosing non-alcoholic beverage alternatives.
The takeaway
The beer industry is successfully leveraging historical expertise to power a new era of non-alcoholic alternatives. Readers interested in these trends should look for premium non-alcoholic options, as brewers are increasingly applying traditional flavor-focused techniques to these products.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations and standards in the Beer sector.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Brusselstimes.
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