DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL BREWERIES AND INNOVATION IN THE BREWING INDUSTRY IN THE REPUBLIC OF SLOVAKIA

The aim and purpose of this paper was to evaluate the current market situation based on respondents' answers and to present the current situation on the market, to find out about the opinion of users about beer, but also about the development of beer tourism, which is gaining in importance. The brewing industry was deemed to be a relatively stable and attractive industry. Brewery strategies have been influenced by several factors. The brewing industry had the opportunity for a new beginning in 1990. The production and distribution were locally oriented, with customers usually drinking local beer. It was important to find out and evaluate their general attitudes about beer, brewery and beer tourism. The problem of analyzing customers opinion is very important and significant but also complex. Innovation is an important factor in all economies. The Republic of Slovakia has a long tradition in brewing. The results are presented in the form of descriptive statistics and strong conclusion and recommendations made regarding the brewing industry of the Slovak Republic. (c) 2020 EA. All rights reserved.