Grape wine spirits market in North Macedonia

Earlier Report Observations

The grape wine spirits market in North Macedonia measured 8 408 thousand USD in 2018. Regional promotion initiatives, such as the international fair 'Wine Vision' under the Open Balkan initiative, aimed to facilitate trade and boost the visibility of Macedonian products. The following year, the market saw a modest decline to 8 182 thousand USD, while major winery Tikveš gained international acclaim, strengthening its market position. A state-led enterprise was also formed to consolidate grape, wine, and spirits production through nationalization, affecting the market structure. In 2020, the market volume contracted sharply to 5 966 thousand USD. During this period, efforts focused on promoting small family-owned producers and developing wine tourism as new market segments, though these long-term initiatives did not prevent the annual downturn.

A strong recovery followed in 2021, with the market expanding by 53.1% to 9 132 thousand USD. This surge was supported by the launch of innovative products like the Macedonian breeze spirit 'Balkan Chill', which created a new segment, and a growing consumer interest in domestic rakija and wine. In 2022, the introduction of mandatory registration and excise payment for wine and spirits producers aimed to formalize the market and improve quality control, coinciding with a slight market adjustment to 8 731 thousand USD. Concurrently, increased competition and export activity, led by award-winning company Tikveš, supported production volumes.

Sustained growth returned from 2023, driving the market to 10 854 thousand USD that year and further to 12 383 thousand USD in 2024. This upward trend was reinforced by the continued development of wine tourism and local events, which stimulated consumer demand. Additionally, the adoption of modern production technologies and equipment enhanced manufacturing efficiency and product quality, contributing to the market's expansion.

Production grape wine spirits in North Macedonia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

North Macedonia's grape wine spirits production declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 5 110 thousand US dollars, marking a significant 20.9% drop compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 14.7%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 5.1%. The highest production value was recorded in 2018 at 6 636 thousand US dollars, with the largest year-on-year increase of 10.8% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in North Macedonia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K l

Following two years of growth, North Macedonia's grape wine spirits production volume decreased. In 2020, the country produced 2 753 thousand liters, representing a sharp 24.2% decline from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production dropped by 20.7%, averaging a 7.5% annual reduction. The peak volume was reached in 2019 at 3 631 thousand liters, while the largest increase of 2.7% was recorded in 2018.

Annual dynamics of production in North Macedonia in kind, 2017-2020, K l

Exports grape wine spirits from North Macedonia

Exports in kind, K l

Export volumes showed considerable volatility during these years. The lowest point was in 2017, while the highest was in 2020, with a 3.3-fold difference between them. In 2020, North Macedonia exported 210.4 thousand liters of grape wine spirits, a 46.3% increase from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 12.8%, and the most significant increase was in 2018 at 156.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from North Macedonia in kind, 2017-2020, K l

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria, Serbia, and the United States were the primary destinations for North Macedonia's grape wine spirits exports by volume. Bulgaria accounted for 43.8% of exports, Serbia for 12.0%, and the United States for 11.7%. Together, these three countries represented 67.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, North Macedonia's grape wine spirits export values rebounded. In 2020, exports reached 848 thousand US dollars, up 53.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export values grew by 26.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 553 thousand US dollars, while the largest decrease of 10.4% occurred in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria, Serbia, and the United States were the top markets for North Macedonia's grape wine spirits exports by value, collectively accounting for 50.4% of total export revenue.

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

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

Imports grape wine spirits to North Macedonia

Imports in kind, K l

Import volumes displayed an unstable pattern throughout this period. The minimum was in 2017, and the maximum in 2019, with a 6.9-fold variation between these years. In 2020, North Macedonia imported approximately 108.1 thousand liters of grape wine spirits, a sharp 84.0% decrease from 2019. The peak volume was in 2019 at 677.7 thousand liters, with the largest increase of 562.9% also recorded that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to North Macedonia in kind, 2017-2020, K l

From 2017 to 2020, Croatia dominated North Macedonia's grape wine spirits imports by volume, making up 76.3% of total flows. All other countries combined accounted for the remaining share.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

North Macedonia's grape wine spirits imports fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 1 704 thousand US dollars, a 25.1% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import values declined by 22%, with an average annual reduction of 7.9%. The highest value was in 2018 at 2 372 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase of 8.6% also occurred in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Croatia was the leading supplier of grape wine spirits to North Macedonia by value, accounting for 70.5% of total imports. Other countries shared the remainder of the market.

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

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