Eastern Europe

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…

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…

Although Lithuania enjoys economic freedom and solid state finances, relations with neighbours have worsened and add to uncertainty. The economy has been hindered by the highest inflation rate in the eurozone and output growth could enter negative…

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,…

Although economic freedom has worsened and political instability persists, state finances have improved and taxation is low. North Macedonia’s economy has struggled under the weight of elevated inflation, but this is falling and foreign investment…

An unbiased judiciary weakens the rule of law and corruption is more prevalent, but the business environment continues to thrive. Although the economy is expected to slow markedly in the short term owing to high inflation, medium-term prospects are…

Corruption continues to hamper economic freedom and fiscal health could be improved, but Romania has entered a period of political stability. Economic development is set to slow, as high inflation erodes purchasing power and has led to greater…

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…

Despite the business landscape enjoying relative economic freedom, political instability has been a common feature of Slovakia. Although joblessness is relatively low, wages are increasing, also adding to very high inflation, whilst the war in…

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…

Although corruption is a problem, the Czech Republic has strong adherence to economic freedom and solid government finances. Economic growth is set to slow amidst persistent inflation, but the foreign investment landscape is vibrant. Whilst…

Sales of pet care in Bulgaria continued to grow based on the potential of prepared food due to its current low share. Dog and cat food remained the main growth driver of the pet care market as dogs and cats continued to be the main pet population in…

Pet care in Hungary recorded strong double-digit retail current value growth in 2022 and 2023, with a high single-digit increase projected over 2024. Such growth is rooted in high inflation, as retail volume sales are expected to continue to drop at…

It is expected to be a positive picture for pet care in Poland in 2024, with both healthy double-digit current and constant value growth. An improving economic picture is also expected to support this growth, as inflation eases significantly and real…

Pet Care in Romania is expected to see a return to positive volume growth in 2024, following the decline of the previous year. This will be due in a large part to waning inflationary pressures, which will have a positive impact on real household…

The performance of pet care in Slovakia is being hampered by unit price growth and marginal fluctuations in pet populations during 2024, with retail volume sales rising only slightly. In current value terms, pet care posted healthy growth thanks to…

In pet care in the Czech Republic, 2024 is expected to be a cooling year. There was a surge in pet care demand in the wake of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, although the effects of the war in Ukraine and high inflation increased the…

Pet care is set to see continued growth in Ukraine in 2024. Having seen volumes fall following the Russian invasion of the country in 2022, the market returned to growth in the following year. The positive sales performance in wartime is related to…

The Bulgarian pet products category is expected to grow in 2024 in value terms. Growth will mainly be based on the growing interest and knowledge in caring about pet health, hygiene, wellness and entertainment. Pet humanisation is also ongoing while…