North Macedonia

Fine cut tobacco was the most dynamic performer within cigars, cigarillos and smoking tobacco in North Macedonia in retail volume growth terms in 2023. This product type continued to gain ground as an economical substitute for cigarettes as unit…

Heated tobacco products was by far the most dynamic of the main categories within smokeless tobacco, e-vapour products and heated tobacco in North Macedonia in retail volume growth terms in 2023. While this was partly because sales are still emerging…

Total current value sales growth for tobacco in North Macedonia in 2023 was up markedly on that recorded in 2022. The improvement was primarily attributable to unit price hikes resulting from tax increases and inflationary pressures fuelled by the…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Chocolate confectionery in North Macedonia has witnessed a more upbeat performance since 2023, with retail volume sales returning to growth following several years of decline. Indeed, consumer demand for chocolate confectionery remains steady in…

Consumer demand for gum is stagnating as fewer consumers buy bubble gum or chewing gum in North Macedonia. Gum increasingly has a bad name, due to its high sugar content and bad environmental reputation in terms of disposability, and this is a…

Local consumers love to refresh themselves with ice cream during the warm spring and hot summer months in North Macedonia. As a result, consumer demand for ice cream remains stable in 2024, resulting in low and steady retail volume growth. Robust…

In 2024, savoury snacks continue to gain attention among local consumers thanks to regular new launches. With inflation easing in 2024 retail volume growth is gaining momentum, despite the ongoing demographic challenges and shrinking consumer base in…

Snacks in North Macedonia enjoyed stable retail volume growth in 2024. Inflation is slowing but unit price increases are still common due to ongoing geopolitical crises and the war in Ukraine. This continues to negatively impact input costs,…

Under the influence of the health and wellness trend, consumer demand for sugar confectionery in North Macedonia continues to decline in 2024. Healthier lifestyles are leading to lower consumption of sugar and sugary foods overall, with the image of…

Health and wellness trends continue to impact the performance of sweet biscuits, snack bars and fruit snacks in North Macedonia. Increasingly, consumers view a growing number of products within this category as a healthier snacking alternative,…