Alcoholic beer market in Slovakia

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, new beer categorization rules in the Czech Republic, which also affect Slovakia, renamed top-fermented 11° and 12° beers as 'full beers' and introduced a 'strong beer' category, while allowing the sale of atypical beer-based beverages. This coincided with the entry of new segments like non-alcoholic and flavored beers, diversifying the market.

From 2019, major breweries such as Heineken began distributing non-alcoholic beer, targeting health-conscious consumers. This trend continued, alongside increased excise tax regulation harmonized with EU rules, effective from January 2022, which raised costs and contributed to lower alcoholic beer consumption in subsequent years.

The Slovak alcoholic beer market volume fell from 364.6 million liters in 2018 to 266.2 million liters in 2024, with a temporary rise to 336.0 million liters in 2020. In value terms, after a dip to 192.8 million USD in 2021, the market rebounded to 240.4 million USD in 2024, suggesting higher average prices or a shift towards more premium products.

Production alcoholic beer in Slovakia

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Slovakia's alcoholic beer production has been declining for three consecutive years. In 2020, the output was valued at 132.1 million US dollars, marking a gradual decrease of 8.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 21.6%, with an average annual decline of 7.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

Top producers of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

World map of production of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

Following a two-year decline, Slovakia's alcoholic beer production rebounded. In 2020, the country produced 203.4 million liters of alcoholic beer, which represents a significant increase of 25.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 4%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 162.1 million liters, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with an 11.7% drop.

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

Exports alcoholic beer from Slovakia

Exports in kind, M l

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export volumes varied significantly, with a fourfold difference between the low in 2019 and the high in 2020. In 2020, Slovakia exported 35.3 million liters of alcoholic beer, which represents a dramatic increase of 299.0% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 8.8 million liters, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 22.0% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Slovakia in kind, 2017-2020, M l

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary, Poland, and Romania were the largest markets for Slovakia's alcoholic beer exports in volume terms. Hungary accounted for 28.7% of exports, Poland for 26.9%, and Romania for 13.8%. Together, these three countries represented 69.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the period. Export values fluctuated significantly, with a 3.2-fold difference between the low in 2019 and the high in 2020. In 2020, Slovakia exported alcoholic beer worth 17 668 thousand US dollars, which represents a substantial increase of 222.2% year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 5 484 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 20.6% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Hungary, and Romania were the main markets for Slovakia's alcoholic beer exports in value terms. Poland accounted for 28.8% of exports, Hungary for 20.8%, and Romania for 9.5%. Together, these three countries represented 59.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports alcoholic beer to Slovakia

Imports in kind, M l

Slovakia's alcoholic beer imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 167.9 million liters, down by 2.5% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 5.2%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 1.7%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 201.0 million liters. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 14.4% drop, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 with a 25.9% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Slovakia in kind, 2017-2020, M l

From 2017 to 2020, Czechia, Europe (not elsewhere specified), and Hungary were the main suppliers of alcoholic beer to Slovakia in volume terms. Czechia accounted for 69.1% of imports, Europe (not elsewhere specified) for 10.1%, and Hungary for 8.6%. Together, these three sources represented 87.7% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Slovakia's alcoholic beer imports amounted to 83 860 thousand US dollars, which is 6.2% higher year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 22.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.0%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 93 147 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 15.2% drop, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 with a 36.1% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Czechia, Europe (not elsewhere specified), and Hungary led the ranking of suppliers of alcoholic beer to Slovakia in value terms. Czechia accounted for 64.3% of imports, Europe (not elsewhere specified) for 14.9%, and Hungary for 5.9%. Together, these three sources represented 85.1% of total imports.

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

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