Malt market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The Romanian malt market saw developments in the craft beverage sector from 2018. Alexandrion Group launched its SINGLE MALT project for domestic whisky production, and the online shop MALT.ro emerged for home brewers. In 2019, whiskey consumption grew by 11%, with single malt up 13%, highlighting a growing segment for malt usage.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic stabilized market volume at 258.9 thousand tons as beer sales plateaued and hospitality suffered. Alexandrion Group proceeded with the launch of the first fully Romanian single malt. The market recovered in 2021 to 278.4 thousand tons, supported by increased merger and acquisition activity in the Romanian business environment.

From 2022 onward, malt market volume declined, reaching 242.5 thousand tons by 2023. Despite a 6.1% rise in the value of alcoholic beverages within the fast-moving consumer goods sector, inflation and economic headwinds reduced volume consumption, according to market reports.

Production malt in Romania

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Romania ranked 24th globally in malt production volume.

Top producers of malt, 2017-2020

World map of production of malt, 2017-2020

In 2020, Romania produced 187 K t of malt, marking a 0.9% year-over-year increase. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually decreased by 6.7%, which translates to an average annual decline of 2.3%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 212 K t, while the lowest was in 2019 at 185 K t. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 with a 12.8% decrease, whereas the largest gain was in 2018 with a 6.1% increase.

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

Exports malt from Romania

Exports in kind, t

The export market for malt from Romania showed an unstable trend during this period. Exports peaked in 2018 at 3 609 t and hit their lowest point in 2017, resulting in a 7-fold swing between these years. In 2020, exports reached 2 608 t, which was a 5.0% reduction compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 24.0%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2018 with a 597.0% surge.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria was the nearly exclusive buyer of malt from Romania, accounting for 91.0% of total exports in volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market for malt exports from Romania in value terms was characterized by volatility during these years. Exports reached their peak in 2018 at 1 482 K $ US and their trough in 2017, showing an 8.4-fold amplitude. In 2020, exports stood at 1 240 K $ US, reflecting a moderate 4.2% reduction from 2019. The largest decline was in 2019 at 12.6%, while the most significant increase was in 2018 with a 742.5% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, malt exports from Romania in value terms were highly concentrated on Bulgaria, which made up 91.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports malt to Romania

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year advance, Romania's malt imports declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 74 760 t, down 8.6% compared to 2019. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 4.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.4%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 81 759 t, and the largest increase occurred that same year with a 4.3% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading sources for malt imports to Romania in volume were Hungary (47.1% of imports), Slovakia (21.0%), and Austria (13.6%), which together accounted for 81.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year improvement, foreign malt supplies to Romania declined. In 2020, imports reached 33 324 K $ US, a decrease of 13.6% from the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 4.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.6%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 38 591 K $ US, with the largest increase also in 2019 at 12.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Hungary (46.3% of imports in value terms), Slovakia (21.3%), and Austria (14.0%) were the main destinations for malt imports to Romania, collectively accounting for 81.6% of total imports.

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

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