Romania: Craft brewer Ground Zero reports 25% increase in first-quarter sales

Ground Zero, one of Romania’s leading craft breweries, reported a 25% year-on-year increase in sales for the first quarter of 2025, marking its tenth anniversary against a backdrop of market stabilization and rising interest in premium products, Business Review reported on April 29.

Founded in 2015, Ground Zero introduced the India Pale Ale (IPA) style to Romania, helping to spur the growth of Romania’s craft beer market by attracting a community of enthusiasts and supporting the emergence of other independent brands.

“In 2015, Ground Zero brewed the first IPA made in Romania, paving the way for authentic craft beer in the local market. Since then, we have remained committed to brewing without enzymes, additives, or industrial shortcuts, adhering strictly to natural fermentation processes using real malt, real hops, pure water, and yeast,” said Cosmin Timbuș, shareholder at Ground Zero.

Following a decline in Romania’s total beer market in 2023, 2024 has seen volume stabilization while the craft segment continued to gain ground among urban consumers. Although craft beer still accounts for a modest share of overall consumption, the trend toward refined tastes and premium products points to the segment’s growth potential.

Amid these trends, Ground Zero has focused on expanding its portfolio carefully, responding to increased retail demand for accessible craft beers while maintaining high-quality standards.

Coinciding with its 10-year anniversary, Ground Zero is broadening its portfolio to appeal to a wider audience. Recently, the company launched “Deranj Doar o Bere,” a Helles-style blond lager, cold-fermented and brewed with German malt and hints of lime, tailored to everyday consumer preferences.

For 2025, Ground Zero is targeting 40% business growth, driven by strengthening its retail footprint and developing a broader range of mainstream beer styles. In the coming months, the brewery plans to introduce new products aligned with Romanian consumers’ tastes, continuing a disciplined diversification of its portfolio.

“We are witnessing a maturing Romanian consumer who increasingly values quality beer. We are proud to have introduced IPA to Romania and to continue innovating after a decade,” added Cosmin Timbuș, shareholder of Ground Zero.

E-malt.com, the global information source for the brewing and malting industry professionals. The bi-weekly E-malt.com Newsletters feature latest industry news, statistics in graphs and tables, world barley and malt prices, and other relevant information. Click here to get full access to E-malt.com. If you are a Castle Malting client, you can get free access to E-malt.com website and publications. Contact us for more information at marketing@castlemalting.com .