Eastern Europe

The lifting of travel restrictions post-COVID-19 has had a positive impact on luggage, backpacks, business bags and handbags with these subcategories, particularly luggage, registering growth in both current retail value terms, albeit at a slower…

The affordability of lab-grown diamonds is a significant factor in their growing popularity in Poland. With prices up to 85% lower than natural diamonds of identical carat weight and grade, lab-grown diamonds present a cost-effective alternative for…

In 2023, inflation had a significant impact on personal accessories in Poland. The cost of living and average unit prices of essential items increased, leading Polish consumers to gravitate towards more affordable and durable products, especially in…

For traditional and high-end watches, brick-and-mortar retailers remain the preferred distribution channel in Poland, with jewellery and watch specialists accounting for the large majority of sales in 2023. The tactile experience of seeing and…

There was modest volume growth in 2022, partly due to an influx of Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion and partly as a result of a post-pandemic return to regular school and work patterns. However writing instruments saw a decline in…

The Czech Republic has a high acceptance of cannabis due to the long-standing tradition of cannabis cultivation and usage in the country. Cannabis legislation has been an issue since the 1990s, when there was an early attempt at legalisation. As it…

Kosovo has suffered from significant political instability, whilst corruption is pervasive. Nevertheless, European Union (EU) accession is on the cards and the economy is expected to outperform peers in the near term. The consumer market remains…

Although Moldova is ‘moderately free’ for economic freedom, Russia’s influence operations may spur instability. Economic growth to rebound over the near term, outperforming regional average. The population is shrinking and ageing rapidly, which…

In Mozambique, ongoing conflict and corruption exacerbate economic challenges. The economy is hindered by high unemployment and reliance on agriculture. The young and growing population remains impoverished, facing healthcare and educational hurdles,…

Improving state finances and effective control of corruption are adding to Latvia’s economic freedom, but relations with neighbours continue to be tense. Economic momentum is moderating, owing to high inflation that is hitting consumption, but the…

Increasing authoritarianism and corruption are resulting in mass protests, although fiscal discipline is leading to better state finances. Economic momentum is slowing, owing to high inflation and reduced external demand, but foreign investment…

Although Slovenia has been beset by political instability and corruption remains an issue, its economic freedom is one of the best in Eastern Europe. However, the economy is slowing, as inflation is elevated, whilst its highly open nature exposes its…

In 2022, packaging in Poland was becoming increasingly influenced again by pre-pandemic lifestyles and practices. For example, sugar confectionery experienced a significant shift towards smaller packaging options. The more compact sizes helped to…

In 2022, Romania’s packaging industry witnessed dynamic shifts influenced by economic challenges and consumer preferences. Larger pack sizes became the preferred choice across a variety of categories, offering consumers economic advantages amid…

Poland has become a strategic powerhouse for FMCG industries in Eastern Europe in the past two decades, and especially during the current geopolitical climate. The cannabis market is still in its infancy in Poland; however, a range of factors sets a…

In 2023, cafés/bars continue to recover from the significant declines recorded in the channel at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020, recording strong double-digit value growth in the year. Growth can be attributed to the growing interest…

At the start of 2023, operators of cafés/bars were in an upbeat mood as 2022 had delivered relatively good results despite soaring energy prices and costs. The prolonged high levels of inflation and diminishing consumer purchasing power proved…

The total elimination of COVID-19 restrictions in 2022 continued to impact results in 2023, with socialising driving visits to bars and cafés. However, inflation remained high in 2023, and while sales increased, there were reduced growth rates for…

Bars/pubs registered very healthy double-digit constant value growth in 2023, in spite of high inflation. There were also a significant number of openings. The introduction of a permanent reduced 10% VAT rate bolstered the sector. That being said,…

Bars/pubs in the Czech Republic saw growth in transactions and current value sales slow sharply in 2023 as inflationary pressures continued to drive up alcoholic drinks prices and weaken purchasing power among consumers. Because it is much cheaper to…