Eastern Europe

Overall, cigars, cigarillos and smoking tobacco in the Czech Republic registered a moderate decrease in retail volume sales in 2023. However, this was mainly due to the decrease in retail volume sales of fine cut tobacco, which dominates in terms of…

The economy segment of cigars and cigarillos in Bulgaria has been most heavily impacted by the rising cost of living and high rate of inflation in 2023. The large consumer base of cigar and cigarillo smokers are switching to cheaper alternatives,…

Cigars and cigarillos continued to achieve moderate double-digit retail volume growth in Bosnia Herzegovina in 2023 as consumer demand among niche consumer groups and cigar aficionados remained stable. Both the cigars and cigarillos categories remain…

A worsening economic situation in 2023 had a significant effect on cigarettes in the Czech Republic. While lower than in 2022, the rate of inflation in the Czech Republic remained high, exerting upward pressure on production and transportation costs…

Cigarette consumption in Bulgaria recorded a marginal decline in 2023. The switch to alternative products among younger adults, such as heated tobacco products and single use cigarettes, has become very popular over the last year. Millennials and Gen…

Smoking prevalence in Bosnia and Herzegovina has continued to decline throughout the review period, a trend that persisted into 2023, exerting a downward pressure on cigarette consumption. This decline is attributed to a growing number of…

In 2023, Romania’s GDP growth slowed to 2.0%, slightly below the Eastern European average, weighed down by elevated inflation and slowing private spending growth. However, economic growth is projected to accelerate in 2024, supported by the European…

In 2023, Hungary’s economy contracted, hindered by sluggish consumption and investment, as well as high inflation. However, an economic recovery is expected in 2024, supported by rising foreign investment, lower commodity prices and improved…

In 2023, Poland’s GDP growth slowed sharply to 0.1%, due to reduced household spending and public consumption amid the environment of surging inflation, despite a boost from increased capital formation and exports. The economy is predicted to rebound…

Video games hardware experienced remarkable growth in 2023 in Ukraine, largely driven by the rebound in imports compared to the previous year, resulting in the resurgence of leading companies like Sony Ukraine TOV. Notably, Sony Ukraine TOV witnessed…

Video games in Romania continued to experience dynamic current value growth in 2023. On the one hand, the improving technological infrastructure in the country and the rising popularity of gaming across all age groups were key positive factors. On…

Robust sales continue for video games in Poland in 2023, showing ongoing resilience despite inflationary pressures. That said, economic uncertainty has resulted in consumers becoming more selective in their purchases, prioritising value and quality.…

In 2023, there was a surge in the popularity of traditional toys that appealed not only to children but also to adults in Ukraine, particularly in the construction category. This surge was primarily fuelled by the relaunch of LEGO Ukraina TOV in…

Traditional toys and games in Romania maintained double-digit current value growth in 2023, with increases seen across all categories. Premiumisation remains a key trend in Romania, but traditional toys and games is a category which is still flooded…

Traditional toys and games in Poland maintained healthy growth in 2023, despite the landscape being shaped by inflation and geopolitical uncertainties which have influenced consumer spending habits overall. Despite these challenges, the category…

In 2023, toys and games in Ukraine witnessed a significant increase in value, with video games hardware emerging as the primary driving force behind this growth. Several factors contributed to this notable upswing. Firstly, there was a discernible…

Toys and games in Romania experienced dynamic current value growth in 2023, with double-digit increases seen for both traditional toys and games, and video games. Growth was due to improving living standards and changing consumer lifestyles, as well…

Toys and games in Poland maintained robust sales in 2023, in part driven by the significant growth of online games and subscriptions. This surge is largely due to the increasing shift towards digital platforms in general, as consumers engage with…

The economic growth in the Czech Republic slowed down in real terms in 2022, due to decelerated private spending amid soaring inflation. Global economic slowdown, elevated inflationary pressures and tightening financial conditions are set to continue…

The report examines the global landscape of EV charging, comparing its development against the rising uptake of EVs. It then takes a deep dive into EV charging trends across select major economies, delving into the competitive landscape and…