Beer and brewing products market in Slovakia

Earlier Report Observations

The Slovak beer market volume began the period at 321 thousand tons in 2018 but fell to 249 thousand tons in 2019. During these years, smaller breweries faced competitive pressure from multinational players, while the industry supported draft legislation on retail chains to shield domestic producers. A recovery to 283 thousand tons occurred in 2020, driven by the entry of new microbreweries that expanded production with EU funding, increasing the supply of craft beer.

Consumer preferences shifted decisively toward premium and low- or non-alcoholic beers in 2021, spurring producers to innovate and expand their portfolios, which helped push market volume to 359 thousand tons. However, volume retreated to 291 thousand tons in 2022 amid difficult market conditions signaled by Heineken's global job-cut announcement and updates to national excise and beer transportation regulations.

Market volume rebounded sharply to 395 thousand tons in 2023, even as Plzeňský Prazdroj Slovensko discontinued the minor Topvar brand. In 2024, volume decreased to 359 thousand tons alongside the introduction of new consumer protection laws that mandated clearer online sales information and banned misleading practices, while demand for premium and non-alcoholic options remained a key industry focus.

Production beer and brewing products in Slovakia

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Slovakia's beer and brewing products production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 142.3 million US dollars, marking a 9.1% decrease compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 18.6%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 6.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

After a two-year decline, beer and brewing products production in Slovakia increased. In 2020, Slovakia produced 264.8 thousand tonnes, representing a 23.4% gain relative to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 11.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.7%. The lowest output was recorded in 2019 at 214.6 thousand tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 5.4%.

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

Exports beer and brewing products from Slovakia

Exports in kind, K t

Beer and brewing products exports from Slovakia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totalled 185.2 thousand tonnes, showing a strong rise of 12.3% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 69.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 19.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary, Italy, and Czechia were the main destinations for Slovakia's beer and brewing products exports in kind. Hungary accounted for 33.4% of exports, Italy for 16.9%, and Czechia for 11.6%, together making up 61.8% of total exports.

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, M $ US

Beer and brewing products shipments from Slovakia to abroad increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Slovakia exported 45.8 million US dollars worth of these products, up by 25.6% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports surged by 97.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 25.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary, Czechia, and Italy were the principal destinations for Slovakia's beer and brewing products exports in value terms. Hungary represented 21.4% of exports, Czechia 15.8%, and Italy 15.3%, jointly accounting for 52.6% 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 beer and brewing products to Slovakia

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Slovakia imported 203.2 thousand tonnes of beer and brewing products, up by 1.9% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 7.1%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 2.3%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 233.1 thousand tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 14.4%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 22.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Czechia, Hungary, and Poland—together absorbed 84.8% of Slovakia's total imports in kind of beer and brewing products.

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, M $ US

In 2020, Slovakia's beer and brewing products imports amounted to 92.0 million US dollars, showing a moderate rise of 6.3% from a year earlier. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 24.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.6%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 100.4 million US dollars, while the largest decline was in 2019 at 13.8%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 36.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Czechia, Europe (not elsewhere specified), and Hungary formed the core of Slovakia's beer and brewing products imports in value terms. Czechia accounted for 61.6% of imports, Europe (not elsewhere specified) for 13.7%, and Hungary for 7.0%, together taking 82.3% of total import flows.

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

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