Hungary: Beer sales see significant drop in 2023
The amount of beer sold in Hungary was just over 5.4 million hectolitres in 2023, which represents a significant drop compared to 6.01 million hectolitres in 2022, Trade magazin reported on July 4.
According to the report of agroinform.hu, it may be possible to make up for part of the backlog this year, but in the long term, parallel to the decline in alcohol consumption, beer consumption also shows a decreasing trend.
The development of beer consumption is significantly influenced by the weather, which is difficult to plan in advance. Although summer sports events such as the European football championship and the Olympics are expected to have a positive effect, according to Sándor Kántor, director of the Hungarian Brewers’ Association, their effect is not significant.
Among the new trends this year, the dynamic growth of non-alcoholic beers stands out, which can be an effective long-term response to the declining demand for alcohol. The popularity of products flavored with new fruit specialties is also increasing.
At the same time, lager beers still account for 90 percent of the total turnover, so these changes only represent a slow reorganization. A spectacular shift towards quality beers can be observed. The proportion of the super premium and premium segments already accounts for a third of the total turnover this year, compared to 25 percent 4-5 years ago. Despite this, according to KSH data, the price difference between light and quality beers has increased. In 2023, the average consumer price of half a litre of quality beer was HUF 434, which is 22 percent higher than the average price of light beers of HUF356.
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