Grape wine market in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the grape wine market in Bosnia and Herzegovina was shaped by both local initiatives and global disruptions. The market volume grew to 10.6 million liters in 2019, supported by favorable natural conditions in Herzegovina, the emergence of new small and medium-sized wineries adopting modern techniques, and the development of the Herzegovina Wine Route, which boosted tourism and international recognition for indigenous varieties like Žilavka and Blatina. However, in 2020, the market contracted to 10.3 million liters as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted sales channels, particularly the HORECA sector, despite government financial support aimed at mitigating the impact on grape growers and wineries.

The market rebounded strongly in 2021, expanding by nearly 15% to 11.8 million liters, aided by the continuation of pandemic-related support measures which helped stabilize the industry. This recovery was short-lived, as market volume fell by 10% to 10.6 million liters in 2022, primarily due to a sharp 20% drop in domestic production. During this period, promotional efforts for the Herzegovina Wine Route and indigenous grape varieties continued internationally, but these were insufficient to offset the overall decline in output.

A significant expansion occurred from 2023 onward. Market volume surged by 24% to 13.1 million liters in 2023, driven by a remarkable 48% increase in domestic production. Growth continued in 2024, with the market reaching 14.7 million liters. This period also saw the market's value rise substantially, increasing by 34% in 2023 to $35.2 million, indicating a potential shift towards higher-value products alongside the volume growth.

Production grape wine in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Annual dynamics of production in Bosnia and Herzegovina in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K l

Top producers of grape wine, 2018-2021

World map of production of grape wine, 2018-2021

Grape wine production in Bosnia and Herzegovina has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 6 481 K l of grape wine, marking an 8.6% increase compared to 2020. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 17.8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 5.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Bosnia and Herzegovina in kind, 2018-2021, K l

Exports grape wine from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Exports in kind, K l

In 2021, Bosnia and Herzegovina exported 2 949 K l of grape wine, up 5.4% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports declined by 14.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.2%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 2 797 K l, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 3 559 K l. The sharpest drop was seen in 2020, when exports fell by 21.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina in kind, 2018-2021, K l

From 2018 to 2021, Croatia was the primary destination for grape wine exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina, accounting for 82.6% of total exports in volume. Other markets played a smaller role in the export structure.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Grape wine exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina rebounded in 2021 after two years of decline. Export value reached 3 843 K $ US, a 22.0% increase over the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, however, exports decreased by 5.8%, averaging an annual decline of 2.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 3 149 K $ US, with the largest drop of 21.7% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During 2018-2021, Croatia, Serbia, and Germany consistently led as the top destinations for Bosnia and Herzegovina's grape wine exports by value. Croatia accounted for 60.1% of export value, Serbia for 12.8%, and Germany for 8.6%. Together, these three countries represented 81.5% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina in value, 2018-2021

Imports grape wine to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Imports in kind, K l

Bosnia and Herzegovina imported 8 236 K l of grape wine in 2021, a 16.2% increase year-over-year. The lowest import volume was in 2020 at 7 089 K l, while the highest was in 2019 at 8 616 K l. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, with imports falling by 17.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bosnia and Herzegovina in kind, 2018-2021, K l

From 2018 to 2021, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Croatia were the main sources of grape wine imports to Bosnia and Herzegovina by volume. Serbia contributed 31.1% of imports, North Macedonia 27.4%, and Croatia 20.5%. Combined, these three countries made up 79.0% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Bosnia and Herzegovina in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Bosnia and Herzegovina's grape wine import value rose to 20 215 K $ US, a 28.1% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 11.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 15 784 K $ US, and the largest decline of 17.8% also took place that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bosnia and Herzegovina in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, Croatia, Serbia, and North Macedonia remained the leading sources of grape wine imports to Bosnia and Herzegovina by value. Croatia accounted for 29.1% of import value, Serbia for 24.4%, and North Macedonia for 21.2%. Together, these three countries represented 74.7% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Bosnia and Herzegovina in value, 2018-2021