RESEARCH PAPER
EXPLORATORY STUDY OF BEER CONSUMER PREFERENCES
IN SLOVAKIA: CRAFT OR INDUSTRIAL BEER?
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1
Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra
2
University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca
Submission date: 2025-06-23
Final review date: 2025-08-05
Acceptance date: 2025-10-08
Publication date: 2025-12-22
Zagadnienia Ekonomiki Rolnej / Problems of Agricultural Economics 2025;385(4):66-91
KEYWORDS
JEL CLASSIFICATION CODES
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Aim:
The aim of the research is to identify a typology of beer consumers in Slovakia based on their
attitudes and preferences for industrial and craft beer.
Material and methods:
The study is based on primary data (n = 904 beer drinkers) obtained by
conducting an online questionnaire survey between September 2022 and July 2023. Principal components
analysis was applied to eight statements towards the consumption of industrial and craft beer.
Afterwards, segmentation was performed using the k-means clustering method.
Results:
The results made it possible to identify three different segments of beer consumers, which
were as follows: craft beer enthusiasts, conservative drinkers, and indifferent consumers. Clusters
were characterized based on socio-demographic variables, beer preferences, consumption patterns,
and purchasing behavior.
Conclusions:
The identified segments of beer consumers support the development of consumer-oriented
strategies aligned with current market trends. The research findings offer practical value for
managerial decision-making in brewing companies. They provide a deeper understanding of customer
needs and preferences, which can then be effectively incorporated into strategic planning.