ROMANIA: Beer consumption reaches highest level in the last five years | Progresiv
After a year of stagnation, the beer market in Romania recorded a moderate increase of 2% last year, reaching a volume of 16.11 million hectoliters, according to the information provided by the Romanian Brewers Association. In terms of per capita consumption, last year it reached the 82-liter threshold, the highest level in the last five years. 
"We are dealing with a positive trend that although we still consider it fragile, we want it to be an important basis for the evolution of the beer market this year. The decisive factor for preserving the positive trend of the market remains the stable context and a predictable regulatory framework", said Lucian Ghinea, President of the Romanian Brewers Association.
"The biggest challenge we faced last year was the legislative instability. Fortunately, much of the changes have not been implemented, but all this uncertainty has had the effect of meeting consumer expectations", said Julia Lefferman, General Manager of the Association.
Regarding the preferences of Romanians at the packaging level, the structure of the market remained almost unchanged in 2017 compared to the previous year, with only small variations. Thus, with a share of more than 50% in volume, PET beer declined by 0.62%, while can beer, which generates 18.2% of total sales, reported an increase of 1.1%.
As for exports, they recorded a slight decrease last year, reaching a total of 0.41 million hectoliters, while imports reported a slight increase of 0.03 million hectoliters, reaching a total of 0.47 of millions of hectoliters. Thus, the beer market in Romania continues to maintain its profoundly national character, the share of local production remaining at over 97 of domestic consumption.
Regarding the future evolution of the market, "we see 2018 in a positive context. I was saying that this 2% gain we recorded last year is what we want to be the basis for strengthening the growth trend", said Julia Lefferman.
The Romanian Brewers Association was founded 12 years ago, and now it has six members among the large beer producer companies: Bergenbier S.A, Heineken Romania, URBB, Ursus Breweries and Martens, along with the Beer Clinic micro-brewery. Together, the six producers supply over 80% of the quantity of beer consumed in Romania - according to the data provided by the association. The Association also includes representatives of the raw materials producers: Soufflet Malt Romania and the Hop Producers Association.
In 2008, Romanian Brewers Association joined the Europe Brewers Association, an organization representing the interests of more than 6,500 beer producers in Europe in front of various international institutions and organizations.
