Consumers appear to have cast their vote on taste, price, and nutrition, putting past promises to the test after years of hype.

While the government coalition's budgetary rationale has been heeded, Unizo is concerned to discover "uncertainty under the Christmas tree." Without clear transitional measures, the Union of Independent Entrepreneurs warns that the VAT increase risks severely impacting the profitability and operational management of Belgian businesses.

Overnight Tuesday to Wednesday, the inner cabinet (kern) finally reached an agreement regarding the VAT increase on takeaway food. Meals with a shelf life exceeding two days from the date of preparation will be exempt from the hike.

Here, our editorial team selects some tidbits from elsewhere. Just enough to fuel reflection on the evolution of foodservice.

For the past few weeks, Belgian towns and cities have been buzzing with activity thanks to their Christmas markets, some of which last barely a weekend. In Brussels, the largest of these, now called Winter Wonders, has become a huge economic enterprise and an essential part of the lives of the food businesses that have a stall there.

Crowds gathered at the inauguration of the new Umamido in Antwerp. The Belgian chain, specializing in ramen, those delicious bowls of noodles from Japan, now has 16 international locations.