Eastern Europe

Volume sales of Rx/reimbursement adult incontinence in Serbia remained stable in 2023. The ageing population is the main driver of category sales, as the elderly tend to experience incontinence issues later in life. In tandem, rising inflation and…

RX/reimbursement adult incontinence in Lithuania experienced significant growth in 2023, largely driven by state support and legislative changes. The decrease in prices for Rx products by 20-30% from July 1, 2023, provided a substantial boost to…

The demographic landscape in Latvia is undergoing a significant shift, with an increasing proportion of the population comprising elderly individuals. This demographic trend is particularly pronounced among single pensioners who often require…

In 2023, Rx/reimbursement adult incontinence was on the rise in Hungary, fuelled by the ageing population, which led to increased and ongoing use of the products. In a time of rising inflation, consumers were increasingly attracted to reimbursement…

In 2023, the demand for Rx/reimbursement adult incontinence witnessed continued growth in Estonia, with both value and volume experiencing an upward trajectory. This growth trend persisted despite the ongoing challenges associated with limited…

As with retail adult incontinence, an ageing population remained the key driver of Rx/reimbursement sales in Croatia in 2023, with the category recording solid volume and current value growth in the year. Incontinence products are considered medical…

RTDs have benefited from the reduction in visits to on-trade establishments, as they appeal to consumers who still want the experience of mixed drinks but at a more affordable price. Indeed, RTDs have been a cost-effective solution during the tough…

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 in Slovakia registered a decline in total volume terms ion 2023, in contrast to the positive performances of the previous two years. Inflationary pressures, which translated into higher production costs, led to an increase in retail unit prices,…

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…

In 2023, an increasing number of well-known brands and cocktail mixes supported volume growth for RTDs in Romania. The development of cocktail culture in both the on-trade and home helped to widen the appeal of RTDs. Home consumption of traditional…

Spirit-based RTDs was the most dynamic category within RTDs in Poland in 2023. Looking to capitalise on the growing demand for these products players continued to develop and launch new lines of RTDs in 2023. For example, in 2023 Jack Daniel's & Cola…

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…

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…

RTDs have a strong presence in Latvia but due to its maturity volume sales have slowed in 2023. The lack of regular product innovations in this year, in what is usually a pretty vibrant category, has also contributed to flat volume growth. RTDs…

RTDs saw a rise in total volume sales in Hungary in 2023. The category was more exposed than most as rapidly rising inflation led Hungarians to exercise greater caution in their spending decisions, as these products are comparatively expensive, and…

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…

RTD tea suffered significant losses during 2022 as category was not a priority for either manufacturers or consumers. The supply of these products was limited, while there were out-of-stock situations seen during the high season. There is also a…

The off-trade consumption of RTD tea continued to increase during 2023. While foodservice volume sales fell, this was following strong rebounds from the 2020 slump caused by Coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions on on-trade operations. As a result,…

In 2023, RTD teas saw growth in both retail volume and current value terms. Sophisticated flavour combinations are contributing to the growth of the category, with consumers seeking out special teas, including exotic flavours like passion fruit from…

The off-trade demand for RTD tea in Slovakia suffered from colder than usual weather in 2023, as a cold spring combined with fewer tropical days during summer to negatively impact sales. In addition to this climatic factor, consumers were trying to…

Ready-to-drink (RTD) tea faces challenges due to soaring prices and a decline in disposable income among Serbians in 2023. As consumers prioritise spending on essentials, the demand for RTD tea diminishes. Consequently, producers of RTD tea curtail…

RTD tea registered another year of strong growth in 2023, benefitting from a positive perception during rising health trends. Compared to other soft drink areas, RTD tea remains a highly concentrated market, with a small number of brands and…

In 2023, RTD tea declined in volume terms. Demand fell as consumers became more budget-conscious due to the cost of living crisis and higher average prices. RTD tea is also highly seasonal drink, with high dependency on promotional activities from…

The health and wellness trend, which is exerting a strong influence across soft drinks, has had a particularly marked impact on the development of the RTD tea category. With increasing awareness of the rise in the prevalence of obesity and other…

RTD tea remains in a slump in 2023, despite seeing some upticks to the category’s performance in earlier years due to the novelty value. Overall, however, RTD tea is not a traditional or popular beverage in Lithuania, carries no clear benefit…

RTD tea is not considered an essential item in Latvia, and as such, during economic uncertainty, RTD tea is often cut from consumers' budgets. RTD tea is mainly consumed on the go, and the outbreak of COVID-19 and lockdowns proved negative for retail…

RTD tea sales in Hungary faced significant challenges in 2023 due to rising prices and the non-essential nature of these products. Despite the potential for growth, RTD tea remained highly reliant on player support, constant innovation, and seasonal…

RTD tea is expected to continue on a healthy retail volume growth trajectory in 2023. Volume growth is even higher, and in the double digits, for foodservice channels, where an influx of recently-arrived immigrants from Ukraine, Russia and Belarus,…

Reduced sugar still RTD tea continued to post the fastest off-trade volume and current value growth in 2023. This trend mirrored the changes in consumer preferences, as more individuals looked for healthier beverages as part of wider healthier…

RTD tea is expected to register moderate volume growth in 2023, despite continuing population decline. In particular, there has been some shift from carbonates and juice and this is expected to support volume growth. RTD tea is made up of still RTD…

RTD tea in Bulgaria faces a significant challenge due to its seasonality, with consumption predominantly occurring during the summer months. To address this, producers are introducing new flavour ranges not typically associated with summer, such as…

RTD tea is expected to register moderate volume growth in 2023, despite continuing population decline. In particular, there has been some shift from carbonates and juice and this is expected to support volume growth. RTD tea is made up of still RTD…

RTD coffee only started to gain a significant presence in Ukraine during the pandemic but after a bright start the category saw a steep decline in 2022 because of the impact of Russia’s invasion on the supply chain and import issues. Leading retailer…

Total volume sales of RTD coffee increased strongly during 2023. This was the case for off-trade volume sales, as consumers returned to the office and purchasing RTD coffee on impulse or on the go from retailers. However, on-trade volume sales of RTD…

RTD coffee is growing steadily in Slovenia fuelled by the convenience trend and the rising popularity of on-the-go beverages. Slovenia’s coffee culture is also a driving force with consumers also shifting towards instant coffee and the use of coffee…

More hectic and on-the-go lifestyles as consumers resumed work, social and travel norms, as the threat of COVID-19 and related restrictions were lifted, stimulated a demand for RTD coffee. However, demand limitation barriers arose in the form of the…

High inflation and a decline in disposable income hinder the further growth of RTD coffee in 2023. Despite this, RTD coffee maintains volume sales due to its growth potential in an unsaturated category. Key players like Nescafé face intensified…

Coffee consumption has been soaring in Romania, with a strong performance both in the online and the offline. In the context of a growing coffee culture in the country, RTD coffee registered another year of strong volume growth. The performance is…

In 2023, RTD coffee leads as the fastest growing category in soft drinks, in volume terms. Despite the unfavourable economic conditions, RTD coffee continues to attract new consumers. The product category is widely available in the modern trade, with…

RTD coffee continued to rebound from the impact of the COVID-19 crisis in 2023, as consumers returned to their familiar hectic lifestyles in the absence of movement restrictions and once again demanded soft drinks for on-the-go consumption. RTD…

Whilst RTD coffee sees positive off-trade volume growth, the category is mostly uninteresting for consumers in Lithuania, with overall volumes sold remaining minimal. RTD coffee faces direct and strong competition from hot brewed coffee and energy…

Off-trade volume sales recorded double-digit growth in 2022, however, much of this is due to the product growing from a small base. As such, actual product sales and values remain low, with ongoing potential for growth.

Despite its low base and strong initial development, RTD coffee experienced a slowdown in growth, even a slight decline in 2023, due to price hikes implemented in 2022 and 2023. Financial instability prompted consumers to reduce expenses on…

Volume sales continue to be low for RTD coffee and in 2023, volume growth is expected to be muted. One factor holding back growth is the limited range of brands on offer and distribution is mainly through modern grocery retailers, with limited…

RTD coffee is regarded as offering a convenient alternative to energy drinks for consumers who tend to perceive coffee as a healthier option. The convenience trend in Estonia is leading to a growing number of busy local consumers looking for…