Non-alcoholic beer market in Slovakia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the Slovak non-alcoholic beer market contracted from 14.7 million USD to 7.6 million USD. This decline coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which negatively affected overall beer consumption due to restrictions and rising living costs. However, a sustained increase in non-alcoholic beer production began in 2020, signaling a shift in consumer interest towards alcohol-free alternatives. The market had already seen innovation with the emergence of new segments like non-alcoholic radlers—beer and fruit juice mixes—in 2018.

The market recovered strongly in 2022 and 2023, reaching 12.4 million USD by 2023. This growth was driven by a sharp rise in non-alcoholic beer production, which industry data indicated grew by 59% in 2022. Consumers increasingly favored non-alcoholic options, especially flavored varieties, and the radler segment became dominant in Slovakia, a unique characteristic within the EU. Major producers like Heineken Slovensko and Plzeňský Prazdroj Slovensko strengthened their presence, while smaller breweries also remained active.

In 2024, the market size decreased to 11.1 million USD. Industry reports pointed to continued growth in the physical production volume of non-alcoholic beer during the year, with the market supported by premiumization trends and an ongoing expansion of product portfolios, including craft offerings.

Production non-alcoholic beer in Slovakia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Production reached its lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 2.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the output of non-alcoholic beer in Slovakia was valued at 8 557 K $ US, showing a significant decrease of 14.0% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 12 035 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 17.3%, while the largest increase was in 2018, with a rise of 144.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K l

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Production bottomed in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 2.1-fold difference. In 2020, Slovakia produced 9 025 K l of non-alcoholic beer, representing a modest gain of 6.5% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 9 846 K l. The largest decline was in 2019, with a decrease of 13.9%, while the largest increase was in 2018, with a rise of 112.9%.

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

Exports non-alcoholic beer from Slovakia

Exports in kind, K l

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. From 2017 to 2019, exports showed a peak-to-trough amplitude of 4.5 times. In 2020, Slovakia exported 10 898 K l of non-alcoholic beer, reflecting a notable decrease of 21.4% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 13 871 K l, with the largest increase also occurring in that year at 147.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Czechia remained the main outlet for non-alcoholic beer from Slovakia, accounting for 72.4% of total exports in kind, while the remaining volume was distributed among other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 4-fold gap between these years. In 2020, non-alcoholic beer exports from Slovakia totalled 5 336 K $ US, down by 18.7% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 6 561 K $ US, with the largest increase also in that year at 151.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports in value terms of non-alcoholic beer from Slovakia were largely oriented towards Czechia and Hungary, whose combined share reached 88.6% of total flows, with other destinations playing a secondary role.

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

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

Imports non-alcoholic beer to Slovakia

Imports in kind, K l

After a two-year increase, imported non-alcoholic beer volumes in Slovakia declined. In 2020, Slovakia imported 12 320 K l of non-alcoholic beer, which is 3.2% lower compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 64.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.1%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 12 726 K l, with the largest increase also in that year at 34.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Czechia and Poland jointly absorbed 81.1% of total imports in kind of non-alcoholic beer to Slovakia, with the rest of the volume scattered across smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of non-alcoholic beer to Slovakia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the import volume stood at 5 962 K $ US, up by 1.4% over the past year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 49.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Czechia (37.1% of imports in value terms), Poland (25.2% of imports in value terms), and Austria (20.0% of imports in value terms) made the biggest contribution to imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 82.4% of total flows.

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

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