Beer and brewing products market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the Croatian beer market saw stable production and a growing craft segment, with market volume peaking at 407 thousand tons in 2019. The market was dominated by three major breweries, while around 30 craft breweries added dynamism and innovation, with large players like Zagrebačka pivovara entering the craft segment through acquisitions. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused a sharp decline, reducing market volume to 318 thousand tons as HoReCa sales plummeted.

Post-pandemic recovery began in 2021, with market volume rising to 334 thousand tons, aided by increased demand for non-alcoholic beer and a shift to retail channels. By 2022, recovery strengthened, reaching 357 thousand tons, driven by a 10.6% export growth from Zagrebačka pivovara and a 17.4% expansion of the premium segment.

In 2023, economic pressures such as inflation lowered per capita consumption to 75 liters, contracting market volume to 336 thousand tons. Despite this, production remained stable, and craft breweries continued to grow, supported by the ongoing trend toward non-alcoholic and light beers. In 2024, market volume rebounded to 361 thousand tons, reflecting the industry's adaptability.

Production beer and brewing products in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Croatia's beer and brewing products production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 213.2 million US dollars, marking a dramatic decrease of 31.9% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 31.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 11.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 356.1 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 14.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Beer and brewing products production in Croatia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 252.1 thousand tonnes were produced, showing an abrupt drop of 28.0% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 30.7%, with an annualized rate of 11.5%. The peak was in 2018 at 364.4 thousand tonnes, which experienced the largest increase of 0.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Croatia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports beer and brewing products from Croatia

Exports in kind, K t

Cross-border shipments of beer and brewing products from Croatia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Croatia exported 53.4 thousand tonnes, corresponding to a strong reduction of 15.4% year-over-year. Over the period 2017-2020, exports decreased by 22.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -8.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Croatia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina was the key buyer of beer and brewing products from Croatia, accounting for 78.0% of total exports in kind, while a diversified group of other countries made up the remainder.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Beer and brewing products shipments from Croatia abroad declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Croatia exported 27 411 thousand US dollars worth of these products, corresponding to a notable fall of 19.1% versus the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 39.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 15.5%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 48 354 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 6.2%, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 30.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina accounted for 75.1% of total exports in value terms, with the remaining flows distributed among a broad group of smaller countries.

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

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

Imports beer and brewing products to Croatia

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year gain, Croatia's beer and brewing products imports declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 119.6 thousand tonnes, showing minimal change compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 37.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 119.8 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 17.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Croatia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Slovenia (27.3% of imports in kind), Hungary (23.3% of imports in kind), and Serbia (12.0% of imports in kind) were the principal suppliers of beer and brewing products to Croatia, jointly accounting for 62.5% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year gain, the volume of beer and brewing products imports to Croatia declined. In 2020, imports tallied 57 369 thousand US dollars, indicating no material difference compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 32.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.9%. The peak value was in 2019 at 57 599 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 25.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Slovenia (23.6% of imports in value terms), Germany (15.8% of imports in value terms), and Hungary (15.6% of imports in value terms) were the principal sources for imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 54.9% of total flows.

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

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