Sweetened or flavoured waters and other non-alcoholic beverages market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for sweetened or flavoured waters and other non-alcoholic beverages in Hungary stood at 1 349 million liters in 2018. This year saw vigorous growth in specific segments like flavoured waters and lemonades, where sales multiplied tenfold and rose by 50% respectively, driven by a consumer shift towards healthier lifestyles and demand for reduced-sugar options. However, by 2019 the total market volume contracted to 1 263 million liters, coinciding with a broad slowdown in the non-alcoholic drinks market growth and changing consumption patterns. The decline continued in 2020, with the market falling to 1 221 million liters, influenced by supply chain disruptions and altered consumer behavior due to the COVID-19 pandemic, despite sustained demand for health-oriented products like vitamin-enhanced waters.

After 2020, trade flows indicate shifting dynamics. Imports peaked at 423 million liters in 2022 before receding to 282 million liters by 2025. Exports, in contrast, grew consistently from 333 million liters in 2020 to 510 million liters in 2025. This export expansion was supported by the commissioning of a new modern production facility by Magyarvíz Kft. in 2022, which increased bottling capacity for non-alcoholic beverages in the Central European region. Furthermore, the growth of the NoLo (no and low alcohol) category and tighter EU labelling rules for such drinks introduced in 2021 contributed to a more diversified and premiumized market offering in subsequent years.

Production sweetened or flavoured waters and other non-alcoholic beverages in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Hungary's production of sweetened or flavoured waters and other non-alcoholic beverages has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 642.2 million US dollars, down 5.0% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2020 period, production fell by 12.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.2%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, M l

Hungary's production volume of sweetened or flavoured waters and other non-alcoholic beverages has decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 1 173 million litres were produced, representing a slight reduction of 1.7% compared to 2019. From 2018 to 2020, production dropped by 13.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.6%.

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

Exports sweetened or flavoured waters and other non-alcoholic beverages from Hungary

Exports in kind, M l

Hungary's exports of sweetened or flavoured waters and other non-alcoholic beverages have increased for the second year running. In 2021, exports totalled 363.6 million litres, marking a measured advance of 9.3% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 5.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 326.1 million litres, which also saw the largest decline of 5.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Hungary's exports of sweetened or flavoured waters and other non-alcoholic beverages were relatively evenly distributed. Romania accounted for 19.8% of exports in volume, Czechia for 11.9%, and Austria for 11.1%, together making up 42.9% of total flows.

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, M $ US

Hungary's export value of sweetened or flavoured waters and other non-alcoholic beverages has risen for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 275.2 million US dollars, representing a solid increase of 21.3% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports increased by 20.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 212.0 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 7.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Romania, Austria, and Czechia were the largest but not dominant buyers of Hungary's sweetened or flavoured waters and other non-alcoholic beverages in value terms. Romania accounted for 20.7% of exports, Austria for 9.0%, and Czechia for 8.9%, together making up 38.5% of total exports, with many smaller partners also contributing.

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

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

Imports sweetened or flavoured waters and other non-alcoholic beverages to Hungary

Imports in kind, M l

In 2021, Hungary's imports of sweetened or flavoured waters and other non-alcoholic beverages totalled 407.0 million litres, up 7.0% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 18.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 5.7%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 3.8%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 14.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Austria, Czechia, and Poland remained the main suppliers of sweetened or flavoured waters and other non-alcoholic beverages to Hungary in volume terms. Austria accounted for 27.6% of imports, Czechia for 26.9%, and Poland for 19.3%, jointly forming 73.7% of total imports.

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, M $ US

In 2021, Hungary's import value of sweetened or flavoured waters and other non-alcoholic beverages totalled 177.7 million US dollars, up 7.2% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 12.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.1%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 4.9%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 10.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Austria, Czechia, and Poland consistently held leading positions in Hungary's import structure for sweetened or flavoured waters and other non-alcoholic beverages in value terms. Austria accounted for 23.4% of imports, Czechia for 19.1%, and Poland for 18.5%, together making up 61.0% 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