Alcoholic beer market in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the alcoholic beer market in Bosnia and Herzegovina remained stable at around 240 million liters, despite a decline in domestic production. This stability was supported by growing consumer demand for new segments such as premium, dark, and craft beers, which helped maintain overall consumption. Increased import activity, particularly from Serbia, compensated for lower local output, while small independent craft breweries like Gelender emerged with a focus on expanding production capacity and exports.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 significantly reduced nightlife and hospitality sector sales, leading to a market contraction to 222 million liters. The subsequent gradual decline to 212 million liters by 2023 was influenced by persistent pandemic effects and global supply chain disruptions that constrained production. However, 2024 saw a recovery to 228 million liters, accompanied by a rebound in domestic output and sustained import growth. Throughout the period, beer exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina rose steadily, reflecting increased competitiveness of local producers, while consumer preferences continued to shift toward more diverse and quality-oriented craft and premium offerings.

Production alcoholic beer in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

After two consecutive years of decline, Bosnia and Herzegovina's alcoholic beer production saw an increase in value. In 2021, the output was valued at 62 362 thousand US dollars, marking a moderate rise of 3.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 16.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 60 087 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 18.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Bosnia and Herzegovina in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K l

Top producers of alcoholic beer, 2018-2021

World map of production of alcoholic beer, 2018-2021

Bosnia and Herzegovina's alcoholic beer production volume declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, 72 141 thousand liters of alcoholic beer were produced, representing a modest decline of 6.8% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 21.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Bosnia and Herzegovina in kind, 2018-2021, K l

Exports alcoholic beer from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Exports in kind, M l

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2021, with a 2.3-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Bosnia and Herzegovina exported 7.2 million liters of alcoholic beer, which is 129.2% higher year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 9.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina in kind, 2018-2021, M l

From 2018 to 2021, Serbia and Croatia were the main destinations for exports in volume, jointly accounting for 80.7% of total flows, while the remaining share was distributed among other markets.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, the value of exported alcoholic beer from Bosnia and Herzegovina totaled 3 176 thousand US dollars, showing a steep improvement of 62.3% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 65.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 18.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 7.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Serbia, Croatia, and Italy stood out as the main markets for exports in value terms. Serbia accounted for 47.1% of exports, Croatia for 30.7%, and Italy for 8.3%, together representing 86.1% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina in value, 2018-2021

Imports alcoholic beer to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Imports in kind, M l

In 2021, Bosnia and Herzegovina imported 148.0 million liters of alcoholic beer, amounting to a measured advance of 5.2% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 2.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 148.0 million liters, which also saw the largest decline of 4.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bosnia and Herzegovina in kind, 2018-2021, M l

From 2018 to 2021, Serbia and Croatia remained the main markets for imports in volume, jointly accounting for 85.2% of total flows, while other partners formed the remaining share.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Bosnia and Herzegovina in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decrease, alcoholic beer imports to Bosnia and Herzegovina increased. In 2021, imports tallied 70 657 thousand US dollars, which is 16.1% higher compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 6.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 60 877 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 13.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bosnia and Herzegovina in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, three principal markets—Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia—together accounted for 90.0% of total imports in value terms of alcoholic beer to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Bosnia and Herzegovina in value, 2018-2021