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.

Airline sales are set to register double-digit growth in current value terms in 2025, supported by steady expansion in outbound tourism and strong consumer interest in short leisure trips, including weekend breaks and holidays. The number of routes served from Bratislava Airport – the country’s largest international hub – continues to increase, with new scheduled carriers such as Norwegian Airlines launching direct flights to destinations like Copenhagen.

Travel in Slovakia is expected to continue expanding in terms of both number of trips and current value in 2025, albeit at a slightly slower pace than in the previous year. Recently introduced macroeconomic measures aimed at reducing public spending and national debt have contributed to higher inflation and weaker consumer purchasing power, limiting some households’ ability to indulge in leisure activities. Although VAT for restaurants and hotels was reduced to 5% from 1 January 2025, consumers

Lodging (destination) sales in Slovakia are expected to continue rising in current value terms in 2025, supported by growth in international tourism. While domestic tourists still account for the largest share of lodging sales, their relative contribution is gradually declining, alongside growth in international arrivals. In response, many hotels have expanded their offerings to include themed stays (family or business), and the modernisation or upscaling of facilities to attract a higher-spendi

Inbound arrivals to Slovakia are expected to continue rising in 2025, with the main source markets -the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, and Hungary - benefiting from strong geographic proximity, well-developed transport connections, and cultural affinities. Growth is also being driven by a moderate increase in arrivals from Asian markets such as China and South Korea, following a strong post-COVID rebound in 2024.

Bookings are expected to continue rising in current value terms in 2025. However, higher inflation and a weakening economic climate are prompting some travellers to opt for shorter breaks or more affordable destinations. At the same time, a growing number of consumers are choosing long-haul and off-season trips to exotic destinations such as Vietnam, Oman, the Dominican Republic and the Maldives. These higher-value markets are helping to sustain the revenues of booking intermediaries and offset

This report assesses the business environment in Slovakia, focusing on the regulatory environment, stability of the financial system, FDI intake, labour market flexibility and skillset, trade openness, mobility infrastructure, ICT adoption and innovative capabilities. Companies can evaluate these factors to understand the strengths and weaknesses of a country’s business environment for better strategic investment decisions.

In 2025, cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies in Slovakia is returning to steady growth in retail value, following the turbulence of earlier shortages. Although lingering supply gaps and inflationary pressures still shape consumer behaviour, purchasing patterns are becoming more stable. The recovery is strongly supported by improved availability of antihistamines/allergy remedies and rising demand for nasal sprays and oral decongestants.

Eye care in Slovakia is returning to positive retail value growth in 2025, following earlier supply shortages that affected both allergy and standard eye care products. While volume sales remain in decline, the drop is much slower than in 2024, and demand is strengthening as brands such as Visine, Livostin and Ophthalmo become widely available again. Rising demand is supported by several factors, including an ageing population, greater screen use, longer allergy seasons and urban pollution. Slov

In 2025, consumer health in Slovakia is on a favourable growth path in value terms. This is supported by stronger product accessibility, gradual regulatory improvements and improving consumer confidence. Better logistics and the replenishment of previously limited OTC products are also driving sales momentum. This represents a notable improvement from the previous year.

Sports nutrition in Slovakia is recording strong growth in 2025, thanks to a rising number of consumers engaging in fitness and recreational activities. Demand is broad-based across sports protein powder, protein/energy bars and sports protein ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, with RTD formats highlighting a shift toward convenience. Plant-based protein sources, particularly pea and hemp protein, are also gaining popularity as alternatives to traditional whey-based products.

In 2025, adult and paediatric analgesics in Slovakia is gradually recovering from earlier shortages and is posting modest growth in retail value. The improvement is largely supported by the stronger availability of established brands such as Paralen and Nurofen, alongside the wider presence of private label options, particularly from Dr Max. Aspirin continues to struggle as consumers increasingly favour targeted pain relief products such as diclofenac or ketoprofen.

NRT smoking cessation aids is seeing a rebound in 2025, with value sales increasing after a sharp decline in 2024. The previous year’s contraction was mainly the result of health insurance funds being withdrawn for these products, which discouraged uptake. The limited presence of just two active players also restricted growth. In 2025, however, stronger visibility in pharmacies and promotional investments are paying off, with demand rising again, particularly for NRT gum.

Wound care in Slovakia continues to expand in 2025, with retail value recording slight but steady growth. Rising engagement in sports, recreational and outdoor activities is driving demand, alongside demographic changes such as an ageing population. Consumers are also increasingly focused on convenience and product variety, with sticking plasters and adhesive bandages remaining the backbone of the category. These are now available in more specialised formats to address specific needs, including