Eastern Europe

RTDs in Estonia is the second largest in the Baltic states after Latvia, with Lithuania showing a different consumption pattern. Sales grew in 2023 as RTDs became a popular choice for consumers seeking a fizzy, low-alcohol alternative to beer or…

In 2023, spirits-based RTDs continued to dominate the Croatian market, bolstered by the popularity of well-known spirit brands that serve as the main ingredients for many of these RTDs. Notable brands include Smirnoff, Absolut vodka, Bacardi and…

RTDs in Bulgaria witnessed another strong year of recovery in 2023, although this category is still growing from a small base. The re-activation of social lifestyles, people gatherings, festivals and other social occasions underpinned demand. Volume…

Convenience continued to drive consumer demand for RTDs in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2023, resulting in solid total volume growth. This growth, combined with rising RTD prices due to inflation, culminated in achieving strong double-digit percentage…

Price increases of cider/perry and the weak economic situation in the Czech Republic resulted in declining volume sales, whilst rising unit prices underpinned current value sales. The withdrawal of three key brands in 2022 continued to negatively…

In 2023, cider emerged as the fastest-growing category of alcoholic drinks in Slovenia. Its increasing popularity can be attributed to the well-known health benefits of its ingredients and the high number of apples produced locally. Consumers are…

Cider/perry in Slovakia continued to decline at a rapid pace in volume terms in 2023, following the withdrawal of major brands, including Pivovary Topvar’s Kingswood, and Budejovicky Budvar’s Somersby cider, in the previous year. This resulted in…

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…

Cider/perry in Romania has equally felt the impact of price increases and the high cost of living in 2023, as in other categories. However, volume growth rose slightly in the off-trade and on-trade, reflecting the increasing number of consumers loyal…

Cider/perry is a declining category, with a lack of interest or investment that could help stimulate sales. Due to falling demand, retail chains are reducing the shelf space provided for cider/perry, especially discounters, some of which have even…

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…

Volume sales of cider/perry plummeted in Lithuania during 2023 due to strong preference for alternatives. Consumers are put off from buying cider due to its high sugar content, a feature that even self-indulgent consumers tend to avoid. With…

Cider/perry grew well in Latvia during 2023 with the hot summer creating additional demand for this alcoholic beverage which is normally served very cold. Cider continued to gain back the losses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic with the on-trade…

Cider/perry saw a rise in total volume sales in Hungary in 2023. Cider, a relatively new category in the Hungarian alcoholic drinks market, remains a small segment compared to beer, but is growing, in contrast to alcoholic flavoured/mixed lagers,…

2023 saw a decline in cider/perry sales in Estonia. Although cider remains a popular beverage in foodservice during the summer, economic uncertainty in 2023 caused sales to suffer. Sweet options like Fizz and Kiss lost ground as consumers became more…

In 2023, cider and perry in Croatia continued their upward trajectory, surpassing 2019 volume sales in both the off-trade and on-trade channels. This resurgence was primarily driven by the return of open-air socialising, concerts, festivals, and…

In 2023, the cider/perry category in Bulgaria witnessed strong growth in retail volume terms, thereby exceeding pre-pandemic levels. The development of this category is a result of the global trend towards low-alcohol and long drinks, especially…

Consumer demand for cider/perry in Bosnia and Herzegovina tends to be highly volatile, given that this category is small within alcoholic drinks. In 2023, even minor changes and shifts had significant impacts on the category's performance. Following…

Beer in the Czech Republic came under further pressure in 2023, with on-trade volumes declining. Stubbornly high inflation continued to impact Czech consumers with the cost-of-living creating a tougher economic environment in 2023. The on trade has…

In 2023, the overall consumption of beer in Slovenia continued its decline as consumers increasingly shifted towards spirits, particularly gin and rum, which have become popular as social and luxury beverages. This trend is bolstered by a growing…