Alcoholic beer market in Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia)

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the alcoholic beer market in Eastern Europe gradually contracted in volume. Consumer preference for economy and low-priced beer segments provided some support, but the market was simultaneously adjusting to a shrinking import share. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 significantly reduced sales through the hospitality channel (HoReCa), though retail demand partly compensated. Throughout this period, excise rates remained unchanged, contributing to price stability.

The decline accelerated in 2021 and 2022. Western sanctions led to a sharp drop in beer imports, reducing overall supply. Production costs rose due to higher raw material and energy prices, squeezing manufacturers' margins. The industry also began preparing for the upcoming mandatory digital labeling of beer, which added regulatory complexity. Pandemic-related restrictions continued to weigh on the HoReCa segment, keeping volume below pre‑crisis levels.

In 2023, the market volume stabilized and saw a modest increase to 17 007 million liters. A key driver was the launch of hundreds of new beer brands, which revitalized consumer interest. The value of the market grew more sharply, reaching 15 215 million US dollars, likely due to a combination of higher costs and a shift in the product mix. Regulatory discussions about excise increases and the impending introduction of digital labeling for kegs and packages shaped the business environment.

Production alcoholic beer in Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia)

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

Top producers of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

World map of production of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

Alcoholic beer production in Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) declined for the second year in a row. In 2019, output fell by 1.9%, the largest drop in the period. Production then decreased by another 0.6% in 2020, reaching 17 799 million liters. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 18 261 million liters, which represented a 1.5% increase from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020, M l

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of alcoholic beer production in Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) was 14 046 million US dollars, showing no significant change from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 3.5% drop. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value increased by 2.1%, averaging 0.7% growth per year. The peak was in 2018 at 14 519 million US dollars, marking a 5.5% increase from the year before.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports alcoholic beer from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia)

Exports in kind, M l

Alcoholic beer exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume was 1 060 million liters, nearly unchanged from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 15.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020, M l

Between 2017 and 2020, export destinations for alcoholic beer were diverse, with no single country dominating. Germany accounted for 10.5% of exports in volume, Italy for 4.2%, and Kazakhstan for 3.8%. Together, these three countries made up just 18.5% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Alcoholic beer exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, export value reached 836.1 million US dollars, up by 1.0% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 19.2%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 6.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the distribution of export value was spread across multiple countries, with no clear leader. Germany represented 11.5% of export value, Italy 5.1%, and China 4.0%. Combined, these three partners accounted for only 20.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in value, 2017-2020

Imports alcoholic beer to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia)

Imports in kind, M l

Alcoholic beer imports into Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) rose for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume totaled 847 million liters, increasing by 3.9% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports surged by 85.9%, averaging 23.0% growth per year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020, M l

During 2017-2020, the sources of alcoholic beer imports into Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) were varied. Germany was the largest supplier with 18.6% of import volume, followed by Belgium at 4.0% and Mexico at 3.5%. Together, these three countries contributed only 26.1% of total import volume, with many others holding smaller but notable shares.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Alcoholic beer imports into Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) expanded for the third year in a row. In 2020, import value amounted to 884.7 million US dollars, climbing by 10.4% year-on-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 62.2%, with an average annual rate of 17.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, alcoholic beer imports into Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) came from a wide range of markets. The top three suppliers—Germany, Belgium, and Mexico—together represented only 37.8% of total import value, indicating a highly diversified supply base.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in value, 2017-2020