Bitter-sweet Belgian praline

The Belgian GDP is USD 38,000 and economic growth is 3-5 per cent, but they have their problems too. Theoretically, the Walloons and the Flemish should live together in harmony. Affluence however, does not seem to be enough. While some of the Flemish want a separate country of their own, the Walloons would join France. Belgian food stores are not very different in either part of the country. Colruyt is dull and ugly everywhere. Cora and Match are only present in the south, but carry little weight. The Christmas atmosphere was not very intense in the Flemish part of the country a week before Christmas. Store decorations were rather modest. Santa Claus is the real occasion for gifts and not Christmas… Food stores do not have many special features of their own that would make them different from other European stores. Apart from the beer specialities, the chocolate assortments are sensational. However, we cannot see the French or English creativity in the design and services of the stores. The only exception is the self-service bread slicing machine. Belgium is land of miracles for chocolate fans. Every conceivable type of chocolate is sold, including black, brown, white, round, with walnut, with jam, with marzipan. The flavours of Belgian beers are the result of several hundred years of experience. However, the brand regarded as a premium one, the “beer of legends” in Hungary is a working class commodity here. Beers made in the monasteries ought to be tasted! Leffe and Grimbergen will not let you down. Ladies will enjoy the fruity Kriek beers. Though I have not seen any surprises among fruit juices, I noticed that there is no sign of any struggle against plastic packaging materials. Transparent plastic bottles seem to be taking over. The biggest retail chain in Belgium is Carrefour with annual revenues of EUR 5.9 billion. The secret behind their success is the diversity of their stores. .Apart from hyper markets, convenience stores and franchise businesses also contribute to its success. Colruyt and Delhaize are the other major players behind Carrefour. They are engaged in intense competition with hard discount stores like Lidl and Aldi. These are expanding dynamically and sell brands like P&G, Henkel, Coca-Cola, as well.