Growing demand for premium beers

Retail sales were up by 5 percent in terms of value in October 2007 – August 2008, compared to the preceding year. The value of the total market exceeds HUF 110 billion. Sales were down by 2 percent in terms of quantity in the above period. Lager beers accounted for 74 percent of total sales in terms of value, which is 3 percent less than a year before. The premium, super premium and speciality segments all produced growth of 1 percent. The average price of beer was up by 7 percent in September 2008, compared to September 2007. The market share of canned beer stopped rising at 56 percent in terms of quantity. The market share of beer in PET bottles rose to 4 percent at the expense of glass bottles. Half litre canned beer accounts for 56 percent of total sales in terms of quantity, with half litre glass bottles accounting for 36 percent. Private labels accounted for 20 percent of sales in terms of quantity in September 2008. While the market share of hyper markets has increased to 23 percent, that of small stores has dropped to 21 percent.