Fine Wines/Champagne and Spirits in Romania

PROSPECTS

Category continues to evolve with greater exposure to various fine wines and luxury spirits supporting positive demand

Fine wines/champagne and spirits in Romania continued to evolve towards the end of the review period, resulting in ongoing positive demand in 2019, a trend that is predicted to continue into the forecast period. Affluent local consumers are becoming increasingly exposed to fine wines/champagne and spirits when they stay in luxury hotels and experience their fine dining options, with tentative staff making various recommendations which they may not have previously tried.

General increase in disposable incomes due to positive economy and offer of more affordable luxury supports fine wines or luxury spirits as appropriate gift

A positive economy and rising disposable incomes amongst the general population, in addition to increasing wealth amongst a greater proportion of Romanians (evident by a further rise in the number of high net worth individuals) is resulting in a greater willingness to purchase fine wines/champagnes and spirits for celebrations or to offer as a gift. The latter is particularly popular as a business gift for special occasions such as Christmas or as a prize at corporate events.

Greater education amongst both professionals and consumers will help support development of category

Romania has experienced a rising number of wine and spirits education courses under the umbrella of WSET Wine and Spirit Education Trust, which is contributing to greater education and rising expectations regarding the consumption of fine wines/champagne and spirits in the country. Transylvania Wine School (TraWiS) for instance, is an independent wine education organisation based in Cluj, which is an approved program provider for WSET and is helping to educate professionals in the wine trade, hoteliers, and collectors in addition to enthusiasts who are interested in developing their knowledge of fine wines.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Highly fragmented competitive landscape comprising both local and global brands

The competitive landscape of fine wines/champagne and spirits remained highly fragmented in 2018, dominated by “others”, comprising both local and international companies which mainly compete on the basis of their varied portfolios and pricing. The category was led by high-profile globally-recognised brands such as luxury whiskies Chivas Regal 21 YO, and The Glenlivet 15 YO, and champagne including Mumm, Moët & Chandon and Dom Pérignon due to their premium prices.

Local brands appreciated for artisanal production and long history

With high fragmentation within fine wines/champagne and spirits, smaller brands are more likely to have local acceptance within certain areas, particularly if they have a long history of craftsmanship and artisanal production. One local type of fruit brandy, Tuica Pater, is produced under the Romanian family name of Mara?oiu, and continues to make inroads into luxury spirits as it widens its presence within fine dining restaurants.

FineStore.ro supports increasing sales through emerging channel of internet retailing

Although sales for fine wines/champagne and spirits continued to be dominated by grocery retailers, followed by non-grocery specialists, internet retailing has emerged as a small but strongly growing distribution channel for the category. Online sales of premium alcoholic drinks continue to improve yearly due to the presence of FineStore.

Files are delivered directly into your account within a few minutes of purchase.