Alcoholic beer market Ukraine

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, the simplification of beer certification, effective since 2017, made it easier for microbreweries to enter the market, helping to maintain production volumes. However, over 2019 to 2021, the market saw a gradual decline in domestic production coupled with rising exports, which reduced the available market volume to 1 682 million liters by 2021. This period also noted a growing consumer interest in non-alcoholic beer and a continued dominance of domestic light lager, shaping the market's structure.

The war with Russia in 2022 caused a severe contraction, slashing the market volume to 1 270 million liters as production plummeted and supply chains were disrupted. A shift in packaging preference toward cans accelerated during this time. By 2023, the market recovered to 1 345 million liters, driven by active development of sales channels, strengthened distribution networks, and an adaptation in consumption patterns where over half of Ukrainian adults primarily consumed beer at home rather than in venues.

Looking ahead, ongoing trends include a clear shift from glass bottles to cans, the influence of Generation Z favoring quality beverages, and a rise in the number of brewing enterprises, which reached 299 by 2024. The growth in non-alcoholic beer and ready-to-drink cocktails continued to diversify the market, while import sources realigned toward European partners like Belgium and Germany.

Production alcoholic beer Ukraine

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine held the 24th position globally in alcoholic beer production.

Top producers of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

World map of production of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

Ukraine's alcoholic beer production declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 1 808 million liters, which was nearly unchanged from 2019. The peak was reached in 2018 at 1 819 million liters, marking the largest increase of 1.5% during this period.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Ukraine's alcoholic beer production value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 650.5 million US dollars, reflecting a modest 4.6% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 15.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.9%.

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

Exports alcoholic beer to Ukraine

Exports in kind, M l

In 2020, Ukraine's cross-border shipments of alcoholic beer totaled 125.0 million liters, up 10.8% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 23.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, while the biggest increase was recorded in 2018 at 11.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports to Ukraine in kind, 2017-2020, M l

From 2017 to 2020, Belarus, Moldova, and Lithuania were the principal destinations for Ukraine's alcoholic beer exports in kind, accounting for 39.4%, 18.0%, and 9.6% of exports, respectively. Together, they represented 67.0% of total flows.

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

World map of product's exports to Ukraine in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Ukraine's cross-border shipments of alcoholic beer increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 44 966 thousand US dollars, showing a strong gain of 16.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 41.4%, with an annualized rate of 12.2%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Belarus, Moldova, and Algeria were the main destinations for Ukraine's alcoholic beer exports in value terms, absorbing 27.2%, 17.0%, and 10.5% of exports, respectively. Together, they accounted for 54.7% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports to Ukraine in value, 2017-2020

Imports alcoholic beer in Ukraine

Imports in kind, M l

Ukraine's imports of alcoholic beer increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 59.7 million liters, corresponding to a steep rise of 28.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 133.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 32.7%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Germany, Mexico, and Belgium formed the key group of partners for Ukraine's alcoholic beer imports in kind, representing 22.5%, 22.4%, and 22.3% of imports, respectively. Together, they accounted for 67.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Ukraine's imports of alcoholic beer increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 67 112 thousand US dollars, representing a strong increase of 17.4% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 87.4%, with an annualized rate of 23.3%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Belgium, Mexico, and Germany were the key partners for Ukraine's alcoholic beer imports in value terms, accounting for 35.4%, 26.1%, and 16.9% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented 78.4% of total flows.

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

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