Friday 5th of August is International Beer Day. Did you know that Czech Republic, Romania and Croatia has the highest consumption of beer per capita in Eastern Europe? Please check our comment about global beer market as well as statistical data (total consumption and consumption per capita) below.
According to Euromonitor International, the market size of global beer was 195 billion litres in 2021, still five billion litres below pre-pandemic levels. Soaring input costs, a growing cost-of-living crisis, competition from ready-to-drink products, and a rising focus on moderation present a decidedly tough backdrop for a category still in the recovery phase.
However, there are more favourable factors at play as well. Digital developments are making it easier – and more essential – than ever for brands to sell and speak directly to consumers. Beer brands are at the forefront of the no/low alcohol trend that is opening the door to new occasions, with the gradual rise of functional ingredients illustrating an important next step.
“Historically, beer has been viewed as an affordable indulgence during times of economic upheaval. Limited differences between price platforms mean the overarching premiumisation trend in global beer should not be severely disrupted by the current inflationary environment. The balance between the on-trade and off-trade may see greater adjustment, at least in the short-term. Consumers returned enthusiastically to bars, pubs, and restaurants upon re-opening; the desire for out-of-home socialising is, in many ways, stronger than ever. Yet, financial considerations are now accelerating the shift towards home consumption, with some consumers only visiting the on-trade for the experiential offers or high-energy occasions that are difficult to replicate’, Anna Ward, Senior Consultant – Beverages at Euromonitor International.
Market Sizes | Historical | |||||||
Geography | Category | Data Type | Unit | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | |
Western Europe | Beer | Total Volume | million litres | 29,438.0 | 26,256.3 | 27,430.5 | |
Eastern Europe | Beer | Total Volume | million litres | 21,158.8 | 20,611.5 | 21,015.6 | |
Romania | Beer | Total Volume | million litres | 1,814.0 | 1,820.0 | 1,845.7 | |
Czech Republic | Beer | Total Volume | million litres | 1,573.3 | 1,515.0 | 1,540.4 | |
Hungary | Beer | Total Volume | million litres | 745.0 | 674.4 | 683.9 | |
Bulgaria | Beer | Total Volume | million litres | 558.9 | 523.1 | 517.3 | |
Slovakia | Beer | Total Volume | million litres | 443.3 | 415.6 | 410.1 | |
Croatia | Beer | Total Volume | million litres | 369.0 | 313.1 | 370.0 | |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | Beer | Total Volume | million litres | 240.7 | 226.0 | 238.4 | |
Lithuania | Beer | Total Volume | million litres | 215.7 | 218.5 | 216.1 | |
Latvia | Beer | Total Volume | million litres | 152.3 | 140.9 | 134.5 | |
Estonia | Beer | Total Volume | million litres | 82.7 | 82.8 | 84.7 | |
North Macedonia | Beer | Total Volume | million litres | 80.3 | 73.7 | 75.9 | |
Geography | Category | Data Type | Unit | Per Capita/Household | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
Czech Republic | Beer | Total Volume | litres | Per Capita | 147.7 | 141.7 | 143.9 |
Romania | Beer | Total Volume | litres | Per Capita | 93.4 | 94.2 | 95.9 |
Croatia | Beer | Total Volume | litres | Per Capita | 90.5 | 77.2 | 91.6 |
Lithuania | Beer | Total Volume | litres | Per Capita | 77.2 | 78.2 | 77.3 |
Slovakia | Beer | Total Volume | litres | Per Capita | 81.3 | 76.1 | 75.1 |
Bulgaria | Beer | Total Volume | litres | Per Capita | 79.8 | 75.2 | 74.8 |
Latvia | Beer | Total Volume | litres | Per Capita | 79.3 | 73.9 | 71.1 |
Hungary | Beer | Total Volume | litres | Per Capita | 76.2 | 69.0 | 70.3 |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | Beer | Total Volume | litres | Per Capita | 68.9 | 64.9 | 68.8 |
Estonia | Beer | Total Volume | litres | Per Capita | 62.4 | 62.3 | 63.7 |
North Macedonia | Beer | Total Volume | litres | Per Capita | 38.7 | 35.5 | 36.7 |
