Alcohol market in Hungary - statistics & facts
Despite the long-standing tradition of wine production in the country, beer is the most popular alcoholic beverage among Hungarians, with an annual per capita consumption volume of approximately 73 liters. Moreover, Hungarians have been drinking an increasing amount of alcohol over the past years, and this trend is projected to continue in the future.
In spite of the country’s long-established reputation as a wine producer, beer has become Hungarian's favorite alcoholic beverage, registering increasing consumption volumes each year. The alcohol market is expected to reach 4.56 billion U.S. dollars by 2029, with beer generating nearly half of the revenue.
The alcohol market keeps expanding
The Hungarian alcohol market is expected to increase its revenue continuously over the upcoming years and reach 4.56 billion dollars by 2029. Beer has been the highest-performing segment of alcoholic beverages, with 1.87 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, and it is forecast to keep leading the way, generating nearly half of the alcohol market’s revenue by 2029. The wine segment’s contribution has been significantly lower, reaching 844 million U.S. dollars as of 2024. When it comes to the spirits market, liqueurs and other spirits account for the largest share of the revenue, and they are expected to remain the dominant segment, followed by brandy and whisky.Hungary has a rich history of wine production
Hungary became one of Europe's most prominent exporters of wine already in the Middle Ages, owing to its famous wine regions such as Tokaj, Eger, and Villány. In 2024, Slovakia and Germany were the leading importers of Hungarian wine, recording import values of 33 million and 21 million euros, respectively. The overall wine production volume had followed a decreasing trend over the past years, however, 2024 recorded an increase, marking the highest production volume since 2019. Eger and Villány, the regions known for producing some of Hungary's most beloved wines, have faced low production levels, while Kunság was the country’s most lucrative wine region in 2023. Wine consumption preferences have also been changing, with sweet wines like Tokaji losing their popularity and lighter, fruitier wines gaining ground in recent years.In spite of the country’s long-established reputation as a wine producer, beer has become Hungarian's favorite alcoholic beverage, registering increasing consumption volumes each year. The alcohol market is expected to reach 4.56 billion U.S. dollars by 2029, with beer generating nearly half of the revenue.
