2012 didn’t bring many changes on the syrup market. The public health product fee’s (NETA) most important effect was narrowing the market down to two big categories: quality fruit syrups made with sugar and flavoured syrups (mostly made with sweeteners).

János Gréczi, owner-managing director of Gramex 2000 Kft. says: – Trends didn’t change, the market is small and there are no miracles. Demand is shifting in the direction of the cheaper category, which also means a growing importance for larger size products. In the premium segment smaller versions are still more popular. Andrea Olaszi, director of commerce at Szobi Beverage Manufacturing Kft. told Trade magazin that price was the most influential factor in the last few years. Manufacturers reacted to the price competition by changing product composition, substituting formerly ‘fruit’ products with ‘fruit flavoured’ syrups. Syrups are typically sold in PET bottles and bottles. Gramex 2000 Kft.’s syrups are put in 0.7-litre and 2-litre PET bottles under the umbrella brand Sconto; they also produce private label syrups. Szobi, a traditional Hungarian brand, has a stable market position. Last year sales stagnated but the fourth quarter brought an increase, thanks to a successful promotional campaign with Szobi syrups and fruit juices. Tamás Rátvay, director of commerce at Szikrai Winery Kft. (Piroska’s manufacturer) informed us that currently hypermarkets lead the way in syrup sales, but in discount stores there is also demand for domestically produced syrups. Szikrai Winery Kft. is devoted to quality, therefore it only manufactures fruit syrups with 33-percent fruit content, mainly from apple concentrate. As regards flavours, orange, raspberry and strawberry hold on to the first three positions in popularity. Small companies are experimenting with new flavours more bravely, for instance STORK Food Manufacture Kft.’s Méhez-Mézes syrup line offers exciting new flavours, from linden to quince. STORK sells nearly 30 various syrups and some of them are diabetic. Managing director János Gólya spoke to Trade magazin about the quality ingredients they use – only real fruit and no ‘flavours’ – and the Hungarian syrup traditions they follow, e.g. hand-tied labels with unique design, special bottle design.