The economic crisis has radically changed consumer habits on the beer market in Romania. The overall beer consumption in Romania declined by almost 20% from 2008 to 2013, to 16.3 million hectoliters, according to a report of the European Brewers Association.

Romania lost two positions in the European ranking of beer consumption, in absolute terms, going from fifth, in 2008, to sevenths, in 2013.

Romania’s beer consumption per capita also decreased from 99 liters in 2008 to 81 liters in 2013.

Trends in beer consumption have also changed. The share of beer consumption in restaurants has declined in the last five years from 35% of the total to just 18% of the total, according to the European Brewers Association. Romanians now drink more beer at home. They prefer cheaper beer in larger recipients such as PET 2 liter and 1 liter bottles, while the glass bottle beer consumption is lower.

Germans, Polish, and people from the Baltic states also prefer to drink their beer at home. In Spain, Ireland and Portugal however, people prefer drinking their beer in the restaurants.

See the full report here.

editor@romania-insider.com