Alcoholic beer market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the Romanian beer market experienced a steady decline in volume, contracting from 1.77 billion liters to 1.68 billion liters. This downward trend was initially noted in 2019 as overall alcohol consumption began to fall. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further pressured the market, significantly reducing sales through the HoReCa channel. During this period, consumer preferences started shifting towards low-alcohol and non-alcoholic alternatives, with the non-alcoholic beer segment growing by around 20% in 2021, although from a small base.

The market contraction accelerated between 2022 and 2023, with volume dropping to 1.54 billion liters. This sharp decline was driven by a combination of economic headwinds, including high inflation, increased costs for raw materials and energy due to the war in Ukraine, and successive excise tax hikes. The excise on beer was raised by 20% in August 2022 and by a further 6% in January 2023, directly impacting consumer prices and demand. For the first time, the number of beer producers in the country also declined.

By 2024, the market showed signs of stabilization, with volume holding at approximately 1.55 billion liters. This was supported by a predictable excise tax calendar agreed upon through industry-government dialogue, providing stability for producers. Concurrently, the non-alcoholic beer segment continued its strong growth, increasing by 15% and capturing over 6% of the total beer market, reflecting enduring changes in consumption patterns.

Production alcoholic beer in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Romania's alcoholic beer production value had been declining for two years before rebounding. In 2019, output reached its lowest point at 1 186 million US dollars, marking a 1.1% decrease. However, in 2020, production value rose to 1 216 million US dollars, representing a 2.5% year-over-year increase.

Annual dynamics of production in Romania in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

Globally, Romania ranked as the 26th largest producer of alcoholic beer during the 2017-2020 period.

Top producers of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

World map of production of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

Romania's alcoholic beer production volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, output peaked at 1 767 million liters, with a 0.4% increase. By 2020, production had fallen to 1 692 million liters, down 2.7% from the previous year. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 3.9%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 1.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Romania in kind, 2017-2020, M l

Exports alcoholic beer from Romania

Exports in kind, K l

Romania's alcoholic beer exports reached 54 925 thousand liters in 2018, marking a significant 22.6% increase. However, in 2019, exports fell by 9.5% to their lowest point. In 2020, exports rebounded to 53 070 thousand liters, showing a 6.8% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 18.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Romania in kind, 2017-2020, K l

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary, Moldova, and Italy remained the top buyers of Romanian alcoholic beer by volume. Hungary accounted for 29.2% of exports, Moldova for 12.5%, and Italy for 12.3%. Together, these three countries represented 54.0% of Romania's total alcoholic beer exports in kind.

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

World map of product's exports from Romania in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Romania's alcoholic beer export value peaked in 2018 at 27 318 thousand US dollars, reflecting a substantial 37.3% increase. In 2019, export value declined by 14.0% to its lowest point. By 2020, exports had recovered to 27 176 thousand US dollars, showing a 15.6% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 36.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Romania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During the 2017-2020 period, Romania's alcoholic beer export market by value was relatively diversified, with no single dominant destination. Hungary accounted for 18.0% of export value, Italy for 17.0%, and Moldova for 10.9%. Together, these three countries represented 45.9% of total export value, while numerous smaller partners held modest individual shares.

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

World map of product's exports from Romania in value, 2017-2020

Imports alcoholic beer to Romania

Imports in kind, K l

Romania's alcoholic beer imports in kind declined by 7.0% in 2019 to their lowest point. However, in 2020, imports surged to 64 577 thousand liters, representing a sharp 28.3% year-over-year increase. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 30.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Romania in kind, 2017-2020, K l

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Hungary, and France were the leading sources of alcoholic beer imports to Romania by volume. Germany accounted for 30.8% of imports, Hungary for 12.6%, and France for 7.3%. Collectively, these three countries represented 50.7% of Romania's total alcoholic beer imports in kind.

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

World map of product's imports to Romania in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Romania's alcoholic beer import value declined by 6.3% in 2019 to its lowest point. In 2020, import value rebounded to 48 627 thousand US dollars, showing a 26.8% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 37.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Romania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The 2017-2020 data show that Romania's alcoholic beer imports by value were not heavily concentrated on a few key sources. Germany accounted for 28.1% of import value, while the Netherlands and Mexico each represented 9.3%. Together, these three countries accounted for 46.7% of total import value, indicating a diversified import structure.

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

World map of product's imports to Romania in value, 2017-2020