History of beer in Romania
The history of beer in Romania has deep roots, dating back to the 18th century.
The Timisoreana Brewery in Timisoara, founded in 1718, is recognized as the first brewery in Romania, marking the beginning of an industry that will become an important element of the country’s culture and economy. Over the centuries, the Romanian beer industry has evolved, adapting and developing in different historical and economic contexts.
The Romanian beer market was also influenced by the presence of important international players such as Carlsberg and Heineken.
These global companies have contributed to the diversification and modernization of the country’s beer industry. In 2019, approximately 86% of the local beer market was controlled by three companies with foreign owners, among which URSUS BREWERIES S.A. and HEINEKEN ROMANIA S.A., highlighting the significant role of foreign investors in this sector.
Currently Ursus Breweries is the largest beer producer in Romania
Ursus Breweries, subsidiary of Asahi Breweries Europe Ltd., is an important producer of beer in Romania, with a history dating back to the end of the 19th century. The modern history of its brewery in Cluj-Napoca began in 1878. Ursus Breweries has gone through several changes of ownership over the years. In 1996, South African Breweries acquired Vulturul Buzau and, a year later, Ursus S.A. Cluj-Napoca. The company was bought in 2017 by Asahi Group Holdings. Today, Ursus Breweries operates three breweries in Timisoara, Buzau and Brasov, and a craft mini-brewery in Cluj-Napoca, with approximately 1,400 employees. Its portfolio includes well-known brands such as Ursus, Timisoreana, Ciucas and Grolsch.
The beer market in Romania has registered a considerable growth in recent years.
In 2019, the first 10 companies in the industry had a total revenue of approximately 4.5 billion lei, representing 99.6% of national revenue. This growth was maintained even in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the beer industry only recorded a marginal decrease compared to other sectors.
Although the Romanian beer market was affected by the pandemic, it remained relatively stable, supported by increased domestic demand and the adaptability of producers. In 2020, Romanians spent an average of 6% more on beer, representing 53% of the total expenditure on alcoholic beverages and 2.2% of the total expenditure on agri-food products.
The beer industry also has a significant impact on the Romanian economy.
In Romania, beer production offers over 61,000 jobs, directly and indirectly. Local production covers approximately 97% of beer consumption in Romania, with 50% of ingredients also coming from domestic production.
Sources: Euromonitor, Business Review, Wikipedia, brewers.