Beer market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Croatian beer market volume initially stood at 366.7 million liters, supported by a growing trend of small brewery openings and investments in new brands, which adapted the industry to increasingly diverse consumer demands. The market stabilized at 362.6 million liters in 2019 before contracting to 279.6 million liters in 2020.

Recovery began in 2021, with market volume rising to 304.7 million liters, driven by production growth at the market leader Zagrebačka pivovara and the emergence of new craft breweries. Continued expansion to 314.1 million liters in 2022 was accompanied by a significant increase in exports and the development of dynamic segments such as non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beer.

After a decline to 288.1 million liters in 2023, the market grew again to 308.4 million liters in 2024. During these years, the craft segment continued to expand, albeit remaining small, while major producers like Zagrebačka pivovara boosted sales and focused on energy efficiency. Global trends, including rising demand for non-alcoholic beer, also influenced the market.

Production beer in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Croatian beer production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 212.7 million US dollars, marking a 31.9% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 31.5%, which translates to an annualized decline of 11.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 355.5 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year of 14.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

Croatian beer production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 230.8 million liters of beer were produced, representing a 29.0% drop compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 30.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 11.6%. The peak volume was recorded in 2018 at 339.0 million liters, with the largest increase that year of 1.5%.

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

Exports beer from Croatia

Exports in kind, M l

Beer exports from Croatia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume amounted to 53.2 million liters, reflecting a significant loss of 15.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 22.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -8.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina was the dominant destination for Croatian beer exports in volume terms, accounting for 78.1% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among several smaller markets.

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 exports from Croatia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were recorded at 27 411 thousand US dollars, which is 19.1% less than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 39.8%, equating to an annualized decline of 15.5%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 48 302 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 29.9%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 6.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina was the primary destination for Croatian beer exports in value terms, accounting for 75.1% of total flows. Other markets formed a long tail of smaller partners.

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 to Croatia

Imports in kind, M l

Beer imports into Croatia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 102.0 million liters, corresponding to a slight rise of 1.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 27.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Slovenia (30.8% of imports in volume), Hungary (14.2% of imports in volume), and Serbia (12.9% of imports in volume) together absorbed 57.8% of total beer imports into Croatia, making them the main sources.

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 rise, Croatia's beer import value declined. In 2020, imports stood at 53 737 thousand US dollars, showing minimal change compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 27.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 8.5%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 53 772 thousand US dollars. 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 (24.8% of imports in value), Germany (16.6% of imports in value), and Hungary (11.5% of imports in value) together accounted for 52.9% of total beer imports into Croatia, remaining the main destinations.

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

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