Euro2016 – The successes of the Hungarian footballers positively affect the country’s GDP

24.hu writes that, thanks to the successes of the Hungarian national football team at the 2016 European Championship, there’s a huge boost in the domestic food trade – especially beer and crisps are of top popularity –, the sale of electronic devices, catering, manufacturing sports goods, taking bets and the industries of media, advertising and football have also benefited.

Attila Schillinger, director of the Hungarian Association of Brewers, told 24.hu that in Hungary it’s mainly the hot weather – temperature over 30 degrees Celsius – that results in the increase of drinking beer, yet, he mentioned that the successful participation of the Hungarian national team at the Euros would surely boost it too.

It’s said that companies sell about half of the annual supply of brewers in May, June, July and August. Although, Schillinger reckoned the selling of beers might increase by 2-3% because of the Euros, provided by the great performance of the team and the really hot weather. Also, this year again, beers of premium and economical price category could dominate, while the prices of the moderately expensive ones would decrease.

But it’s not only beer that accompany Hungarians while watching the matches, foods can also be found at the tables of the audience. Several members of the food industry – one of the most important sectors of Hungarian economy, the second biggest employing, and third biggest producing sector– had started to apply wrappings with the team members on them, back in April. And the caterings, pubs, stores, diners and outdoor venues are also winners of the footballers’ successes.

It was rather visible last week when half an hour before the start of the Hungary v. Iceland match the Margaret Island was completely full, so the surrounding smaller shops surely benefited, for before to settling down in the front of the huge screen the spectators purchased everything they needed: beer, wine and snacks mainly. 24.hu even talked to a gyros seller around the venue, whose traffic rose by 1500% after the match ended, and even though they were prepared all of the stock was sold in no time.

Next up, let’s see how people of Hungary actually watch the matches. Among beers, flat TVs are a huge hit; the selling of those was going greatly already in March, and in April the rates showed a 12% increase of sale. Moreover, May brought an even higher increase of further 15%, writes the site, based on the data of Gfk. Besides, according to the latest data, the sales keep up even in June, perhaps not a surprise, as both actual shops and online stores offer discounts and special summer sales.

Then, it should be mentioned how beneficial EURO2016 is for advertisements and media companies: the domestic corporations do take their part of it, as the Hungarian team is highly supported by several firms. Their ads also boost the economy. Furthermore, the event and its afterlife may generate a significant added value in the fields of media and advertising, especially of TV and internet.

Moreover, game retailers and bookies can also make nice profits. The site talked to one of the sports shop networks in Budapest, whose manager was glad to say that so many red jerseys, scarves, wigs and hoots are being sold now as never before. The manager found the customers’ interest similar to what appears around Christmas, so they aren’t afraid of not being able to sell their goods.

Currently, the Hungarian team and football in general seem to be very popular and brands of prestige among Hungarians. Understandably then, János Borhi, CEO of the company operating the Játéksziget shop network, told the site that they forecasted a 100% increase in selling products related to football in May and June.

Therefore, the domestic football industry is also hoped to be seen developing, especially, as the money for purchasing players normally improves the football of the actual country and the clubs may start to buy and train better and better players. Now, Hungary is ahead of Slovakia, but no one else is behind us on this “exchange list”. Hence, showing what he’s capable of on an international level is the only legitimate chance for a Hungarian footballer to become contracted to a foreign team.

The only thing that is sure at the moment is that Hungarians managed to be among the bests after decades again, affecting the people in the country, for example, on a spiritual, economical and political level. The successful participation of the national team has brought the nation together and, on the short run, has measurably influenced the economy. Soon we’ll see what happens on the long run, hoping the players would keep up the good work resulting in several positive effects in their home country.

Photo: MTI

Copy editor: bm

Source: 24.hu