Eastern Europe

Wine volume sales in Serbia rose moderately in 2023, driven by higher consumption in on-trade establishments where volumes returned to pre-pandemic levels. Despite the boost in on-trade sales, demand through the off-trade also remained stable with…

Spirits volume sales slowed down in 2023 with the on-trade responsible for most of the growth in Serbia. The on-trade sector is steadily recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and should see a full rebound in volume sales during 2024. With the rate of…

Retail volume sales of RTDs in Serbia enjoyed strong growth in 2023. As consumers spent more time socialising outside the home, they were drawn to buying convenient ready-to-drink options for on-the-go consumption. Spirit-based RTDs are experiencing…

Cider/perry in Serbia continued to see strong and stable volume growth in total volume terms in 2023, although growth continued to come from a small consumer base. Cider is benefitting from a growing consumer base with healthier lifestyles fuelling…

Beer volume sales in Serbia remained upbeat in 2023, with the on-trade continuing to see double-digit growth and recovering back to pre-pandemic levels. Price sensitivity encouraged consumers to seek out cheaper prices of beer. As a result, one-fifth…

Rising production, packaging, and logistical costs in Serbia contributed to further price growth in alcoholic drinks during 2023. Consumer price sensitivity was more acute as the rate of inflation continued to rise year on year resulting in higher…

Local consumers showed a growing preference for wine over beer in 2023, which resulted in moderate total volume growth. Consumer demand for still red, white and rosé wines was robust, resulting in stable volumes in the off-trade, and even stronger…

Spirits registered robust volume growth in 2023 with some consumers in North Macedonia drinking more spirits in place of beer and wine. With total volumes already well recovered from the pandemic in 2022, demand for spirits continues to rise…

While convenience continued to drive demand for RTDs in North Macedonia over the review period, the category faced strong declines in 2023. Local consumers, especially young adults, are opting to drink spirits such as gin and whisky which are…

Due to inconsistent consumer demand in North Macedonia, cider/perry witnessed volatility in sales over the review period. In 2023, cider/perry sales bounced back amid growing demand with double-digit volume growth and even stronger current value…

Beer consumption slowed in North Macedonia over 2023 although total volume sales held steady. With inflation remaining well above normal levels, current value sales grew in double-digits with high prices across all beer categories. The off-trade saw…

Despite the economic challenges and negative demographic trends in 2023, alcoholic drinks witnessed moderate total volume growth in North Macedonia. The rising number of inbound tourists boosted the performance of most alcoholic drinks categories in…

In 2023, consumers in Slovenia increasingly shifted their preferences from wine to stronger spirits. This trend is particularly evident among the younger population, who consume alcohol primarily for social enjoyment and tend to prefer beverages with…

In 2023, wine volume sales declined in Lithuania for a second consecutive year as demand patterns normalised in the post-pandemic era. Price inflation and weak economic conditions have also forced consumers to cut-back on wine consumption. Off-trade…

Wine is relatively mature in Latvia, with a range of varieties and wide choice of products at different price points. The recovery of horeca has provided strong sales momentum although on-trade volume sales have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels.…

In 2023, spirits emerged as one of the fastest-growing categories in alcoholic drinks in Slovenia. This surge in consumption is primarily driven by the perceived quality and association with status and sophistication. Rum and gin, in particular, have…

Volume sales of spirits declined in 2023, partly due to economic concerns in Lithuania. On-trade sales faced a challenging period during the second half of the year as the post-pandemic euphoria of going out slowed down. Consumers started reacting to…

Total volume sales stagnated in spirits as household budgets remained under pressure in Latvia from the high costs of living. The strong performance in 2022 was fuelled by the relaxation of pandemic restrictions, which boosted sales in horeca…

Ready-to-Drink (RTD) beverages are the second fastest-growing category in Slovenia, trailing only behind cider/perry. The primary factor driving this growth is convenience. RTDs offer an easy and quick way to enjoy a drink without the need for mixing…

RTDs saw heavy losses in total volume terms in 2023. In Lithuania, the category has a reputation of low quality with many consumers avoiding RTDs due to high levels of sugar, which can cause more harm than other alcoholic drinks. Concerns over rising…