Eastern Europe

In 2022, packaging in Poland was becoming increasingly influenced again by pre-pandemic lifestyles and practices. For example, sugar confectionery experienced a significant shift towards smaller packaging options. The more compact sizes helped to…

Although Slovenia has been beset by political instability and corruption remains an issue, its economic freedom is one of the best in Eastern Europe. However, the economy is slowing, as inflation is elevated, whilst its highly open nature exposes its…

Increasing authoritarianism and corruption are resulting in mass protests, although fiscal discipline is leading to better state finances. Economic momentum is slowing, owing to high inflation and reduced external demand, but foreign investment…

Improving state finances and effective control of corruption are adding to Latvia’s economic freedom, but relations with neighbours continue to be tense. Economic momentum is moderating, owing to high inflation that is hitting consumption, but the…

In Mozambique, ongoing conflict and corruption exacerbate economic challenges. The economy is hindered by high unemployment and reliance on agriculture. The young and growing population remains impoverished, facing healthcare and educational hurdles,…

Although Moldova is ‘moderately free’ for economic freedom, Russia’s influence operations may spur instability. Economic growth to rebound over the near term, outperforming regional average. The population is shrinking and ageing rapidly, which…

Industry stakeholders are increasingly debating between sustainability and technology leadership strategies in the appliances market. As margins continue to shrink, leadership in either category is critical to maintain continued competitiveness. In…

Kosovo has suffered from significant political instability, whilst corruption is pervasive. Nevertheless, European Union (EU) accession is on the cards and the economy is expected to outperform peers in the near term. The consumer market remains…

Technological advances in 2024 will continue to reshape consumer behaviour. This annual report explores the top five digital shopper trends that will redefine commerce the most in the year ahead. Some of the trends included in this report’s edition…

The Czech Republic has a high acceptance of cannabis due to the long-standing tradition of cannabis cultivation and usage in the country. Cannabis legislation has been an issue since the 1990s, when there was an early attempt at legalisation. As it…

There was modest volume growth in 2022, partly due to an influx of Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion and partly as a result of a post-pandemic return to regular school and work patterns. However writing instruments saw a decline in…

For traditional and high-end watches, brick-and-mortar retailers remain the preferred distribution channel in Poland, with jewellery and watch specialists accounting for the large majority of sales in 2023. The tactile experience of seeing and…

In 2023, inflation had a significant impact on personal accessories in Poland. The cost of living and average unit prices of essential items increased, leading Polish consumers to gravitate towards more affordable and durable products, especially in…

The affordability of lab-grown diamonds is a significant factor in their growing popularity in Poland. With prices up to 85% lower than natural diamonds of identical carat weight and grade, lab-grown diamonds present a cost-effective alternative for…

The lifting of travel restrictions post-COVID-19 has had a positive impact on luggage, backpacks, business bags and handbags with these subcategories, particularly luggage, registering growth in both current retail value terms, albeit at a slower…

Following interruption during COVID-19-related restrictions and widespread homeschooling, the accelerating ‘back to work’ trend has led to both volume and current value sales growth of writing instruments in Romania in 2023.

The challenging economic climate has significantly impacted consumer behaviour in Romania when it comes to watches. Some consumers, whose budgets have been constrained by inflation, have opted for more affordable products or delayed their purchases,…

In 2023, the sports drinks category saw off-trade volume growth as demand was driven by the health and wellness trend and the growing gym culture, which has continued to accelerate, despite the demographic problems facing the country. The health and…

Sports drinks is seeing robust off-trade volume growth, bucking the general trends which are suppressing sales in soft drinks as a whole. Sales in sports drinks are supported by consumers returning to gymnasiums and other sporting activities in the…

Soft drinks achieved minimal off-trade volume growth and double-digit off-trade value growth in North Macedonia in 2023 amidst rising unit prices and the broader impact of inflation. The on-trade recovery of soft drinks continued during the year,…