Eastern Europe

Paediatric vitamins and dietary supplements remains the largest area of paediatric consumer health. Romanian parents, following the recommendations of family doctors, are understanding the importance of vitamins to their children’s physical and…

The increase in current value sales expected in paediatric consumer health in 2023 is mainly being driven by rising prices. Meanwhile, volume sales are being negatively impacted by consumers becoming more selective about what they buy. Waning…

The post-Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic wave of respiratory infections drove dynamic retail volume and current value growth in paediatric cough/cold remedies in 2022. This followed a strong rebound in demand in 2021, which was, in turn, informed by…

The preference for herbal/traditional products has grown over the review period, driven by the demand for natural and 'clean' ingredients. This trend is evident in Slovenia across consumer healthcare, including paediatric consumer health, where…

A significant decrease in the birth rate (per ‘000 population) in 2022 is expected to be followed by a marginal drop over 2023. The demand for assisted reproduction increased by around 15% in 2022, compared to the previous year. However, since this…

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…

Even though inflation remained high in Romania in 2023, personal accessories saw growth in both current value and volume terms. Romanians are increasingly preoccupied with improving their personal image, and despite declining purchasing power, they…

Hair care appliances held most of the retail volume share among personal care appliances in 2023, with these products attracting more consumers and recording growth. Significant price increases were seen in beauty salons and for consumers. This led…

Personal care appliances witnessed steady retail volume growth in 2023, although demand has weakened slightly year-on-year, due to the high cost of living. The demand for personal care appliances stems from the growing emphasis on self-care and…

Personal care appliances see another year of growth in 2023, following the reopening of society after the previous pandemic restrictions. This led to people returning to workplaces and re-embracing their social lives, thus paying more attention to…

Body shavers witnessed a further retail volume decline in 2023, as these products were fast-selling during the outbreak of COVID-19, in line with heightened time spent in the household. As such, body shavers saw a decline compared to the previous…

Personal luxury retail value sales increased by 18% in 2023 to amount to PLN6.6 billion, supporting growth recorded by leading brand providers, such as L’Oréal Polska Sp zoo, Kering SA and Chanel SA. Sales fell by 19% in 2020 due to the pandemic, but…

Personal luxury retail value sales increased by 21% in 2023 to amount to RON4.6 billion. Growth was supported by leading brand owners, such as LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA, L’Oréal Romania SRL and Cie Financière Richemont SA. Growth in 2023…

Albania is advancing with its programme to join the European Union (EU), but the large informal economy and endemic problems still hold it back. Annual real GDP growth is expected to slow down over the near term. Albania offers a large labour force,…

Candidacy for European Union (EU) membership could improve Bosnia and Herzegovina’s (BiH) economic freedom, although corruption is pervasive. The country has a relatively diversified economic base and whilst inflation is moderating, the economy is…

With its very low tax burden and strong state finances, Bulgaria enjoys economic freedom, although political instability has been common. High inflation is adversely affecting the economy, but joblessness remains low. Although skills shortages are…

A low corporate tax rate and better finances are leading to enhanced economic freedom in Croatia, although corruption continues to be an issue and politics is moving to the right. Adoption of the euro could boost investment and tourism, but the…

Although Estonia enjoys substantial economic freedom and tackles corruption effectively, state finances are deteriorating but remain sustainable. The economy is experiencing recession and stagflation, whilst its highly open nature creates risks for…

Whilst Georgia’s government finances have improved and a low tax burden benefits businesses, governance is becoming more authoritarian and moving away from democratic ideals. Economic development was extremely robust in 2022, thanks to tourism,…

A low tax burden adds to Hungary’s economic freedom, but corruption remains an issue and state finances are under pressure. Economic performance has outpaced peers and unemployment is low, but inflation remains very high and will adversely impact…