Ho.Re.Ca. Coffee Market in Central Eastern Europe Despite the Crisis

By: Trademagazin editor Date: 2024. 03. 08. 09:46

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The Ho.Re.Ca coffee market in the CEE countries, including Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia, has demonstrated significant recovery since the aftermath of the Corona pandemic. In 2023, manufacturer revenues in the region reached 217.4 million EUR, surpassing the pre-pandemic level of 2019 (206.4 million EUR). Although the market quantity of the CEE gastro coffee market increased by 27.1% in 2022, sales fell by 1.8% to 13,343 tons in 2023, as a current study by Interconnection shows.

Hungary’s Coffee Makers Bake Smaller Bread Rolls

Hungary, in particular, poses challenges as its Ho.Re.Ca coffee market contracted by 17.0% in quantity. Manufacturer revenues decreased moderately by 2.2% to 24.7 million EUR in 2023. Double-digit inflation rates in Hungary led to real wage losses and people were obviously saving money on the small luxury coffee. Conversely, Croatia experienced positive growth in 2023 and the market increased by 4% to 2,500 tons. The trend was supported by high tourist spending’s as tourism achieved record-breaking overnight stays.

Ground Coffee Still Important in Czech Republic and Slovakia

Country-specific differences add complexity, with the market share of ground coffee notably higher in the Czech Republic (2023: 10.5%) and Slovakia (2023: 9.9%) compared to the CEE region’s average across all seven countries. Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, and Bosnia maintain a ground coffee market share of less than 3% in 2023. The aggregated market share for ground coffee in the CEE region will continue to decline by 2027. On the other hand, whole bean coffee accounts for the majority of the Ho.Re.Ca coffee market and will expand market share to 93.5% by 2027. Additionally, the bakery & confectioner market segment (CEE aggregated average 2023: 7.4%) plays a substantial role in Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, distinguishing them from the other CEE countries.

Julius Meinl Maintains a Strong Presence

Major players in the surveyed seven countries include Atlantic Grupa, Franck, Jacobs Douwe Egberts, Julius Meinl, and Lavazza. Julius Meinl maintains a strong presence across all seven countries, while Franck excels in Croatia, Slovenia, and Bosnia. The overall market analysis reveals a significant market share held by smaller players, indicating lower barriers in the Ho.Re.Ca segment compared to the retail sector, as explained by Laszlo Barla, the author of the study.

Laszlo Barla remarked, “Our comprehensive analysis sheds light on the nuances of the Ho.Re.Ca coffee market in Central Eastern Europe. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for businesses aiming to navigate these diverse and evolving markets.”