There are about 40 craft beer breweries in Croatia, with a market share of about 1.5%.
The analysis of the beer market in Croatia shows that the industry is stable, strong and prosperous, with an upward trend, which represents a good foundation for further development of breweries and accompanying activities. The brewing industry in Croatia, directly and indirectly, employs around 28,000 people, reports Agrobiz.hr on August 21, 2018.
There are six major industrial breweries in Croatia, but there is also a growing trend of small, so-called “craft” breweries. There are currently about 40 active such breweries, with a market share of about 1.5%. New products raise the image and value of the overall sector, which strengthens the potential of small and medium-sized enterprises and ultimately results in rising employment trends in the food industry.
According to the Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK), Croatia is at the 20th position in the European Union by beer consumption. When foreign tourists’ “contribution” is taken into account, it reaches the eight position. Although Croatia is not usually perceived as a traditional beer country, the data of the HGK’s Brewery Association show that Croatians, especially foreign tourists, increasingly appreciate higher-quality beers.
With an annual production of 3.4 million hectolitres of beer, Croatia is ranked 22nd in the European Union. However, according to HGK's analysis, the total annual consumption of beer in the Croatian market, including the consumption by foreign tourists, is about 80 litres per capita, and Croatia is therefore at the eighth position in the EU. Without tourists, the beer consumption would amount to about 64 litres per capita, with Croatia being ranked 20th. Analysis of HGK’s Sector for Agriculture, Food Industry and Forestry shows that Croatian beer consumption is strongly characterized by seasonality.
The biggest beer fans in the EU are the Czechs with 143 litres a year, followed by Austrians and Germans with 105 litres.
The brewing industry in Croatia employs around 28,000 people, with one job position in the industry opening up another 13 jobs in related activities. With the growing trend of small breweries and with significant investments in new brands, the industry is adapting to increasingly diverse consumer demand, resulting in an increasing supply of beer in the tourist high season.
Translated from Agrobiz.hr.
