Eastern Europe

The COVID-19 pandemic, conflict in Ukraine, and escalating living expenses have intensified mental health worries among Slovenian consumers. Consequently, many are searching for dietary supplements and vitamins that enhance their mood and alleviate…

Constipation remains a prevalent issue among Slovenian consumers, leading them to increasingly find natural methods of alleviating symptoms. These methods include adopting healthier and more balanced eating habits, engaging in regular physical…

Driven by a stronger consumer emphasis on health and wellbeing, current value sales of herbal/traditional products are experiencing moderate growth in 2023. In Slovenia, there is an emerging preference for herbal/traditional products over standard…

The preference for herbal/traditional products has grown over the review period, driven by the demand for natural and 'clean' ingredients. This trend is evident in Slovenia across consumer healthcare, including paediatric consumer health, where…

Whilst Georgia’s government finances have improved and a low tax burden benefits businesses, governance is becoming more authoritarian and moving away from democratic ideals. Economic development was extremely robust in 2022, thanks to tourism,…

Although Lithuania enjoys economic freedom and solid state finances, relations with neighbours have worsened and add to uncertainty. The economy has been hindered by the highest inflation rate in the eurozone and output growth could enter negative…

Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca stand as Romania’s most economically vibrant cities, while Timisoara is the city with the greatest promise for future economic expansion. Nevertheless, Romanian urban centres will continue to grapple with persistent…

Sports Nutrition is thriving in Slovenia, as the fitness culture is gaining significant traction. Despite constrained budgets and lower income levels compared to the EU average, gyms and sports are increasingly becoming an essential aspect of life,…

The pandemic resulted in shifts in vitamin consumption and purchasing in Slovenia. Consumers are emphasising preventive health measures more, and individuals who previously did not purchase them are using vitamins and supplements. The COVID-19…

Rates of obesity are increasing in Slovenia, with lifestyles changing rapidly, with labour-intensive jobs switching to office jobs, which require little movement. At the same time, COVID-19 contributed to social distancing, which made people less…

Upon the Russian invasion of Ukraine, retail sales of wound care in Slovenia experienced growth, with the general population in Slovenia purchasing essential wound care items to offer as donations to those affected in Ukraine. The Ministry of Health…

Tourist visitor levels in Poland recovered in 2023, despite global macroeconomic pressures such as high inflation and the rapid escalation of living costs. This was an improvement on previous years when the pandemic prevented people from travelling.…

Value sales of fine wines/champagne and spirits grew by 20% to total PLN1.7 billion in 2023, boosted by consumers’ desire to enjoy themselves after the pandemic. Enjoying a drink with friends remains a priority leisure activity, following on from the…

Although Ecuador is applying greater fiscal discipline, economic freedom remains constrained by state influence and a weak rule of law. Economic growth is set to slow further and reliance on commodity exports is very high, but inflation is relatively…

Personal luxury retail value sales increased by 18% in 2023 to amount to PLN6.6 billion, supporting growth recorded by leading brand providers, such as L’Oréal Polska Sp zoo, Kering SA and Chanel SA. Sales fell by 19% in 2020 due to the pandemic, but…

Although economic freedom has worsened and political instability persists, state finances have improved and taxation is low. North Macedonia’s economy has struggled under the weight of elevated inflation, but this is falling and foreign investment…

Value sales of premium and luxury cars grew by 8% to total PLN25 billion in 2023 due to rising demand from higher-income consumers, with expenditure proving resilient despite wider macroeconomic headwinds. Premium and luxury cars offer exceptional…

Budapest and Gyor stand as Hungary’s economic powerhouses, with Budapest showing the greatest promise for future economic expansion. However, the country’s cities will continue to face persistent challenges. In the short term, these challenges…

Sofia and Stara Zagora are Bulgaria’s most economically vibrant cities, having the highest GDP per capita among the country’s cities. Meanwhile, Burgas holds the highest potential for future economic growth. However, challenges for the country’s…

In 2023, Romania's government increased the minimum wage in response to persistent inflationary pressures. Over 2022-2027, disposable income growth is expected to surpass Eastern European and EU averages, driven by sustained economic development.…