Bottled water in Slovakia navigated a complex environment in 2025, characterised by a combination of weaker summer weather, cautious household spending and the disruptive impact of the sugar tax on competing soft drinks categories. While bottled water itself was not directly targeted by the new tax, the sharp price increases seen in carbonates, flavoured drinks and other sweetened categories altered the competitive landscape in its favour. Many consumers shifted part of their refreshment spend a

Carbonates faced one of the most challenging years within soft drinks in 2025, as the introduction of the sugar tax added substantial upward pressure on retail prices, sharply reducing demand. The tax was applied uniformly across sweetened beverages, regardless of whether products contained sugar, reduced sugar or non-nutritive sweeteners, eliminating the price advantage previously enjoyed by lighter or “healthier” carbonate formulations. This created a sudden and dramatic shift in the retail pr

RTD coffee in Slovakia faced a particularly challenging 2025 as several negative forces converged: the implementation of the sugar tax, the sharp increase in green coffee bean prices and intensifying competition from energy drinks and other functional beverages. The new tax framework significantly raised the shelf price of sweetened RTD coffee, while climate-related supply disruptions and higher commodity prices pushed up the underlying cost of coffee itself, leaving manufacturers with little ro

Off-trade volume sales of soft drinks declined in 2025 as the category faced a particularly challenging year shaped by unfavourable weather, rising price sensitivity and the introduction of the new sugar tax. This legislative change applied uniformly to all sweetened soft drinks, including reduced sugar variants and those using alternative sweeteners, eliminating many of the incentives consumers might otherwise have had to shift towards healthier formulations. As a result, purchasing decisions w

Coffee in Slovakia experienced a year marked by intense pricing pressures in 2025, as soaring global coffee bean commodity costs cascaded through the supply chain and ultimately reached consumers. The market continued to grapple with weak harvests, adverse weather patterns and persistent concerns over future supply, all of which fuelled further cost inflation. While a slight reduction in VAT on coffee provided marginal relief, it was insufficient to counter the broader upward trajectory in unit

Other hot drinks in Slovakia recorded a complex performance in 2025, as the category came under strong pressure from soaring global input costs – particularly the unprecedented rise in cocoa prices – while also being affected by the newly introduced sugar tax applied to sweetened powder drinks. These two developments combined to drive sharp increases in unit prices, which translated into robust current value growth despite weakening demand in real volume terms. Price sensitivity intensified acro

Concentrates in Slovakia experienced a challenging 2025, caught at the intersection of fiscal tightening, changing health perceptions and intensifying competition from adjacent categories. The introduction of the sugar tax had a particularly acute impact on concentrates, as these products are typically sweetened and thus fell squarely within the scope of the new levy. This translated almost immediately into sharp unit price increases across both liquid and powder formats, eroding the traditional

RTD tea in Slovakia navigated a turbulent 2025 shaped by fiscal pressure, price-sensitive consumers and quickly evolving health and lifestyle expectations. The introduction of the sugar tax at the start of the year was the single most important development, as it applied broadly to sweetened soft drinks including RTD teas, regardless of whether they were made with reduced sugar or alternative sweeteners. This effectively erased much of the price advantage RTD tea had previously enjoyed over clas

Hot drinks in Slovakia experienced notable current value expansion in 2025, driven overwhelmingly by steep unit price increases rather than by expanding consumption. Price growth was fuelled by surging coffee bean commodity costs, continuing supply uncertainty and weaker harvests, all of which placed manufacturers under mounting operational pressure. Although hot drinks benefited from a reduced VAT rate in 2025, the marginal relief failed to offset the cost burden stemming from higher input pric

Tea in Slovakia performed positively in 2025 as several structural and short-term factors converged to support demand, even in an environment of elevated consumer frustration with rising prices. Cooler weather patterns across the main consumption months encouraged more frequent hot drink occasions at home, which benefitted tea as a relatively affordable, comforting option. At the same time, the introduction of the sugar tax on soft drinks and RTD teas made many ready-to-drink alternatives relati

Retail volume sales of energy drinks increased in 2025, making the category one of the few clear winners within soft drinks in a year otherwise characterised by new taxation, cautious household budgets and intensified competition from alternative beverages. The introduction of the sugar tax at the beginning of the year contributed to a significant uplift in unit prices across most sweetened categories, yet energy drinks proved markedly more resilient than carbonates, RTD tea or flavoured bottled

Sports drinks in Slovakia navigated a particularly challenging year in 2025, as fiscal measures, squeezed purchasing power and intensifying competition from alternative hydration formats converged. The introduction of the sugar tax hit most ready-to-drink sports beverages directly, with only a narrow set of products – namely those with no added sugar or those positioned as dietary supplements – managing to avoid the levy. This created a visible price step between traditional isotonic drinks and

Juice in Slovakia faced a particularly challenging year in 2025 as the newly introduced sugar tax and elevated production costs combined to push unit prices sharply higher, prompting many households to reassess their everyday juice purchasing decisions. The tax impacted most sweetened juice drinks and nectars, narrowing the price gap between these products and 100% juice and tightening the overall value equation for consumers. At the same time, higher prices for fruit concentrates – especially o

Baked goods witnessed an improved performance in volume terms, as the lower VAT in 2025 suppressed retail prices of freshly baked goods. Consumers were attracted by value propositions from brands and private label. Moving forward, value growth is expected to gain pace as premiumisation is embraced by manufacturers and retailers alike.

Breakfast cereals in Slovakia reported a stable performance in 2025, despite the challenges of higher input costs and inflation. Heavy marketing investment by Nestlé Slovensko supports regular product developments, whilst private label continues to make inroads with Kaufland and Lidl both gaining value share over 2025.

Challenging economic times have pushed consumers towards rice, pasta and noodles, as they form the basis for many different meals. Whilst price and promotions were pivotal to driving sales, consumers are drawn to healthier choices, flavours and new tastes.

In the face of rising costs of living, demand for convenience foods and stronger at-home consumption supported category sales in 2025. Private label plays a significant role, with share boosted by heavy marketing support in 2025.

Slovakians relied more heavily on staple foods in 2025 as economic uncertainty prevailed. Consumers sought out more affordable lines from private label, promotional offers and via the discounters channel. Despite ongoing price sensitivity, consumers are still seeking premium lines although value for money is key.

Processed meat, seafood and alternatives to meat reported weaker sales performance in 2025. With household budgets under pressure, consumers were thrifty in their purchasing behaviour. The rising population of vegans and vegetarians is driving sales of meat and seafood substitutes.

In 2025, sauces, dips and condiments value sales in Slovakia grew, driven by inflation, at-home consumption, price promotions, and larger pack formats that offered better value. Shifts toward vegetarian, vegan, and flexitarian diets, along with health-conscious and adventurous consumer preferences, boosted demand for vegetable seasonings, plant-based options, and innovative flavour profiles. Grilling occasions and premium or exotic flavours, particularly in barbecue sauces and ready-made marinad

In 2025, edible oils in Slovakia maintained strong demand despite inflation, with consumers prioritising staple usage, bulk buying, and price-saving strategies, including loyalty programs and apps. Health trends increasingly influenced choices, boosting olive oil and driving rapid growth in rapeseed oil, valued for its lower saturated fat and high omega-3 content. Supermarkets remained the primary sales channel, but price-sensitive shoppers drove the fastest growth in discounters, reflecting ong

In 2025, sales of sweet spreads in Slovakia increased despite ongoing economic pressures. Growth was fuelled by higher commodity and production costs, VAT reductions, and price promotions that appealed to budget-conscious consumers. Nut- and seed-based spreads led value growth, supported by health benefits and versatility, while chocolate spreads recorded an increase in value sales due to rising cocoa prices. Health-conscious trends and a revival of homemade jams shifted consumer preferences tow

In 2025, value growth in cooking ingredients and meals in Slovakia rose, driven mainly by higher unit prices. Rising consumer price sensitivity led to increased promotional activity and strong private label performance, as households sought better value during periods of inflation and economic uncertainty. Health awareness continued to shape purchasing behaviour, boosting demand for lower-sugar, low-fat, high-protein, and plant-based options, which in turn influenced both product development and

In 2025, value sales of meals and soups in Slovakia increased, driven by health-conscious consumer trends. There was a notable rise in demand for prepared salads, grilling options, and vegan alternatives, despite ongoing economic pressures and heightened competition from instant noodles. Shoppers increasingly prioritised quality, convenience, and clean-label products, demonstrating a clear preference for premium offerings that feature natural ingredients and higher meat content.