Mineral and aerated waters market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the market volume for mineral and aerated waters in Hungary declined from 1.27 billion litres to 1.02 billion litres, with a notable drop in 2019. The market in 2018 was shaped by consolidation: the MOL group entered through the acquisition of Fonte Viva, while Mattoni 1873 and Balogh Levente became the largest player by buying PepsiCo's interests. Simultaneously, Szentkirályi doubled its production capacity, supporting volumes. By 2019, however, the market reached saturation, and a shift in consumer preferences towards still water led to structural changes. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further altered behaviour, though by 2021 volume stabilised at 1.02 billion litres, partly due to sales growth at Magyarvíz Kft. and the introduction of vitamin-enriched products.

In 2022, the market rebounded to 1.20 billion litres, driven by a wave of innovation. Coca-Cola launched Naturaqua baby water, suitable for infant formula, aligning with new labelling rules enacted that year. Fonyódi Ásványvíz reported a 20% sales increase, and MOL introduced the new eco-friendly brand Fonte Natura. However, by 2023 volume fell back to 1.02 billion litres, largely due to the shutdown and subsequent liquidation of the Balfi production plant. The decline continued into 2024, with the market reaching 950 million litres.

Production mineral and aerated waters in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Hungary's production of mineral and aerated waters in monetary terms increased after two years of decline. In 2021, output was valued at 137.4 million US dollars, marking an 8.7% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 19.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 126.4 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 15.6% occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, M l

Hungary's production volume of mineral and aerated waters declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, 1,045 million liters were produced, down 0.8% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 20.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, M l

Exports mineral and aerated waters from Hungary

Exports in kind, K l

Hungary's export volume of mineral and aerated waters fell for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports totaled 33,777 thousand liters, a 22.5% decrease compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports dropped by 52%, equating to an annualized decline of 21.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Romania and Czechia were the primary markets for Hungary's exports in kind, jointly accounting for 84.1% of total flows, while other destinations had relatively smaller shares.

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

World map of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Hungary's export value of mineral and aerated waters decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 5,641 thousand US dollars, reflecting a significant reduction of 13.6% from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports declined by 49.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -20.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Romania, Czechia, and Slovakia were the leading destinations for Hungary's exports in value terms. Romania accounted for 53.6% of exports, Czechia for 22.4%, and Slovakia for 10.1%, together making up 86.1% of total flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021

Imports mineral and aerated waters to Hungary

Imports in kind, K l

Hungary's import volume of mineral and aerated waters declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports were approximately 10,138 thousand liters, down 9.9% year-on-year. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 55.7%, equating to an annualized decline of 23.8%.

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

During 2018–2021, Italy, Czechia, and Austria were consistently the main sources for Hungary's imports in kind. Italy accounted for 35.7% of imports, Czechia for 28.6%, and Austria for 18.2%, together representing 82.5% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Hungary's import value of mineral and aerated waters increased after a two-year drop. In 2021, imports amounted to 2,713 thousand US dollars, showing a 6.3% gain compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 53%, with an annualized decline of 22.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 2,552 thousand US dollars, following the largest decline of 35.6% in 2019.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Italy, Austria, and France were the key markets for Hungary's imports in value terms. Italy accounted for 40.8% of imports, Austria for 16.2%, and France for 15.3%, together comprising 72.4% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021