We've nudged down our 2026 GDP growth forecast for Hungary by 0.1ppt to 1.9%, following an estimated 0.3% expansion in 2025. The details of the Q3 print point to unfavourable growth structure as both investment and exports underperformed. That said, we estimate the economy returned to modest gro ...

In 2025, other hot drinks in Hungary remained a small but symbolically important category, anchored by chocolate-based flavoured powder drinks that are associated with family rituals and children’s consumption. After steep volume declines in the previous two years, the market entered a period of rel ...

The Hungarian coffee market remained under intense pressure in 2025 as global supply disruptions, extreme weather events and speculative commodity trading pushed both Arabica and Robusta prices to unprecedented highs. These cost surges translated directly into elevated retail prices in Hungary, with ...

Tea in Hungary remained under pressure in 2025, even as inflation began to ease and retail pricing became more predictable compared with previous years. Tea culture in the country is relatively fragile, and many consumers still regard tea as an occasional remedy rather than a core element of daily h ...

Retail value sales of hot drinks in Hungary rose in 2025, but the market faced strong headwinds as stubbornly high prices and global supply pressures continued to limit category expansion. Coffee, which dominates hot drink consumption in the country, remained severely affected by global cost volatil ...

In 2025, Hungary’s bottled water category moved back into positive volume growth following a challenging period marked by steep price increases and the introduction of the deposit-return system. Earlier disruption linked to new labelling, logistics and packaging requirements gradually subsided as sy ...

In 2025, RTD tea in Hungary strengthened its position as one of the most dynamic soft drinks categories, building on the recovery that began in 2024. After several years of steep price rises across beverages, unit price growth in RTD tea finally stabilised, easing pressure on price-sensitive househo ...

In 2025, RTD coffee remained one of the fastest-growing soft drinks categories in Hungary, as coffee culture continued to deepen and consumers increasingly sought convenient, café-style experiences in an on-the-go format. Double-digit volume growth was underpinned by three main factors: stabilising ...

In 2025, energy drinks in Hungary faced one of the most significant regulatory shifts in recent years with the introduction of an age restriction on sales. From mid-June, energy drinks could no longer be sold to consumers under 18 years of age, bringing the category into line with alcohol and tobacc ...

In 2025, the Hungarian juice market remained under significant pressure, continuing the structural decline seen in the previous year. Even though price inflation eased compared with the most turbulent period, demand did not recover meaningfully and off-trade volumes continued to fall. Elevated input ...

In 2025, concentrates in Hungary remained supported by their core strength: delivering affordable volume at a time when many other soft drinks categories are still carrying elevated unit prices. Even as overall soft drinks inflation slowed and consumers gradually became less price-sensitive, concent ...

Soft drinks in Hungary entered 2025 with renewed stability following two challenging years marked by steep inflation, taxation changes, and the introduction of the Deposit Return System. These disruptions had weighed heavily on consumer purchasing power and reshaped pricing across the industry. Howe ...

Carbonates in Hungary recorded a modest recovery in 2025 following several years of volume decline caused by inflation, changes to taxation, and the introduction of the deposit-return system. The category continued to operate in an environment of elevated price sensitivity, but the stabilisation of ...

In 2025, sports drinks in Hungary extended their positive growth trajectory in both retail and foodservice channels. The category still operates from a relatively small base compared with other soft drinks, but rising interest in fitness, organised sport and everyday movement continued to widen its ...

Breakfast cereals in Hungary saw modest value and volume growth in 2025, supported by rising interest in convenient, functional, and child-oriented products. Adult consumers increasingly turned to protein- and collagen-fortified options, while manufacturers responded to inflation with both larger va ...

In 2025, value sales of staple foods in Hungary remained stagnant due to macroeconomic pressures. Consumers became increasingly price-conscious and selective, focusing on essential items and promotions. Health trends, convenience, and sustainability influenced consumer choices, leading to value grow ...

In 2025, value sales of baked goods decreased in Hungary. However, premium and indulgent baked goods outperformed staple items. Rising prices and shrinking disposable incomes led consumers to seek higher-quality or more indulgent options when spending on baked goods. Consequently, while sales of sta ...

Value sales of processed meat, seafood and alternatives to meat increased in Hungary in 2025, primarily driven by price inflation. However, overall volume sales declined due to health concerns, an ageing population, and a shift toward flexitarian diets. Consumers are increasingly opting for portion- ...

In 2025, rice, pasta and noodles in Hungary recorded growth in both retail value and volume. This was largely driven by factors such as affordability, convenience, and consumers trading down due to inflation. Dried pasta continued to be the largest category, while instant noodles, particularly in cu ...

Value growth of processed fruits and vegetables in Hungary increased in 2025, supported by rising demand for frozen options. Consumers perceive these items as convenient, affordable, and nutritionally reliable, thanks to advancements in freezing technologies. Consequently, frozen processed vegetable ...

Overall, 2025 marked a year of consolidation: price pressures eased, but sensitivity to everyday costs persisted. Retailers continued to prioritise private label oils, which stabilised volumes while constraining margins for branded manufacturers. Regulatory intervention, including the continued marg ...

Value sales of sweet spreads in Hungary increased slightly in 2025, supported by enduring brand loyalty in chocolate spreads, growing interest in premium honeys, and novelty-led launches that attracted younger consumers. Inflation eased compared to previous years, but households remained price consc ...

The Hungarian cooking ingredients and ready meals market continued to expand in 2025 despite persistent macroeconomic headwinds and regulatory distortions. Consumers remained firmly anchored in value-driven purchasing, yet still sought convenient, flavourful and healthier meal solutions. The sector’ ...

Value sales of sauces, dips and condiments rose modestly in 2025, supported by a mix of practical cooking habits, extended grilling culture and innovation in spicy and speciality flavours. Consumers continued to seek affordable indulgence at home, translating into higher purchases of family-sized pa ...

Value sales of meals and soups rose solidly in 2025, supported by inflation resilience, the enduring appeal of familiar comfort foods, and rising demand for convenient, quick-prep formats. Frozen and dry soups remained the backbone of everyday meals, while modern appliances such as air fryers and mi ...