Eastern Europe

Most cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies categories in Hungary are set to expand in volume terms in 2023 or record slower rates of decline than in 2022. Similar to the case with analgesics, the need for these products has been bolstered by…

Price sensitivity among Bulgarian consumers is a key factor influencing their purchasing decisions when it comes to cough, cold, and allergy (hay fever) remedies. As the minimum wage in Bulgaria is just under EUR400 in 2023, a significant portion of…

The second half of 2022 and the first half of 2023 saw declining demand for many areas of OTC healthcare. This was linked to high inflation and the related decline in disposable incomes. Consumers have turned away from buying non-essential products…

While consumer health in Hungary is set to post robust growth in total current value sales in 2023, this is primarily due to inflationary pressures fuelled by the global recovery from the pandemic, the fallout of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the…

In 2023, the consumer health market in Bulgaria is set to see steady current value growth, with sales set to continue to fall at constant 2023 prices, though at a slower rate than in the previous year in both cases. Consumer preferences are shifting…

In 2023, analgesics is set to see strong growth supported by rising prices in the context of generally high rates of inflation. After strong growth in 2020 due to stockpiling and decline in 2021, the category returned to growth in 2022 and has…

As consumption patterns continue to stabilise following three years of pandemic-induced disruption, the majority of analgesics categories in Hungary are projected to contract in volume terms in 2023. Rates of decline in most look set to be modest,…

The analgesics market in Bulgaria has reached a mature stage, characterised by steady growth and well-established product offerings. This maturity is evident in the consistent demand for pain relief solutions driven by factors such as an ageing…

Sales of yoghurt were particularly hard hit by the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with volume sales plummeting. For many people, yoghurt is not included in their core basket of goods and therefore in response to the challenges presented by…

Local brand Bob Snail is already known in Ukraine, especially by parents, due to its range of healthy sweets\snacks that are made from fruit-based ingredients. However, the brand has now branched out into offering plant-based yoghurt made from…

Although other dairy saw heavy losses in retail volume terms in 2022 due to the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the category did not see such a sharp decline as some other areas of dairy. A major factor behind this was the more stable…

When it comes to drinking milk products sales are dominated by cow’s milk. Cow’s milk has maintained relatively stable per capita consumption in Ukraine with it being a core basket product. The sharp drop in volume sales seen in 2022 was the result…

Sale of dairy products and alternatives in Ukraine are being significantly impacted by the war and inflation in 2023. Besides the loss of consumers and territories, the market also faces other obstacles including consumers downtrading to cheaper…

The war has taken its toll on the local economy with disposable income in most households being squeezed. As a result, some price-sensitive consumers are downtrading when it comes to shopping for cheese. For instance, some consumers are shifting to…

In June 2022 Ukrainian dairy manufacturers were granted duty-free exports to the EU for one year. This was extended for one more year in 2023 as part of ongoing efforts to support Ukraine’s economy while it continues to cope with the impact of…

Baby food suffered heavy losses in 2022 as large numbers of families fled the country following Russia’s invasion. The category’s recovery in 2023 continues to be limited by the significantly smaller consumer base for these products. Besides which,…

Wound care in Slovakia is consolidated around few key players. Hartmann-Rico, the historical leader with a wide range of brands, is expected to remain clear of the field in retail value share terms in 2023, followed by 3M (East), Interpharm Slovakia…

Demand for wound care products remains stable and, with rising unit prices in line with inflation, it is seeing strong retail value growth in 2023. Both major categories - sticking plasters/adhesive bandages and gauze, tape and other wound care - are…

With COVID-19 restrictions lifted, sales of wound care in Lithuania heightened as consumers were back to previous active lifestyles. This is especially true for children, boosting sales of basic products for small injuries and cuts. Compeed branded…

Wound care is expected to see stagnant current value growth in 2023 after a period of fluctuation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumers have fully returned to outdoor activities and consequently, various minor injuries are fuelling sales of…