Alcoholic beverages (Russian market)

The main articles are:

• Alcoholic Beverages (Global Market)
• Russian economy

Alcohol consumption and sales

Main article: Alcohol consumption in Russia

Alcohol production

Main article: Alcohol production in Russia

Alcohol imports to Russia

2023

Growth of wine imports from Georgia by 50% in the first quarter

From January to March 2023, Georgia exported more than 13 thousand tons of wine to Russia, which is 1.5 times more than the same indicator in 2022.

Import growth of 23% in January and February

According to the results of January - February 2023, alcohol imports to Russia increased by 23% year-on-year. Wine supplies increased by 23%, to 63.37 million liters, strong drinks - by 25%, to 15.65 million liters. Imports of whiskey, in particular, increased by 32%, to 6.16 million liters, cognac and brandy - by 61%, to 2.82 million liters, liqueurs - by 60%, to 2.01 million liters, rum - by 19%, to 1.67 million liters.

2022

Production in Russia reached a record of 1 billion decaliters, imports fell to 96 million decaliters

The production of alcoholic beverages in the Russian Federation in 2022 for the first time exceeded 1 billion decaliters (dal). Imports of alcoholic beverages decreased to 96 million decaliters.

Russian importers replace foreign ones in the supply of strong alcohol

Imports of strong alcohol in the Russian Federation, excluding supplies from the EAEU countries, in 2022 decreased by 36% year-on-year, to 62.46 million liters. Russian importers are expected to benefit from a decrease in activity in the Russian market of foreign alcohol suppliers.

Beluga Group in a year became the leader in the import of strong alcohol into the Russian Federation, overtaking Pernod Ricard. Luding Group, X5 Group and Ladoga also managed to increase supplies. In 2023, the conjuncture will be influenced by the parallel import of alcohol allowed in November 2022.

Beer imports down 30%

Imported beer has become significantly more expensive than local beer, which limits the demand for this segment. According to experts, in 2022, beer imports to the Russian Federation decreased by 30-35%.

Continued champagne deliveries from France via Turkey

Turkey almost tripled the export of champagne in, Russia while increasing purchases in France by 120%, writes. Bloomberg According to Trade Data Monitor, in 2022, the import of champagne from the Republic of Turkey to Russia increased by 182%.

Italy comes out on top for wine imports with record €172m supply

Italy The statement announced a record increase in wine supplies Russia in 2022. Despite the sanctions, exports grew by 16%, reaching €172 million, according to the association of Italian agricultural producers Coldiretti. In addition, in 2022 Italy it took first place among wine suppliers to Russia with a market share of about 30%, ahead of and. Spain Georgia

Italy, together with Spain, occupy almost half (49%) of the total volume of imported wine on the Russian market.

According to the results of 2022, the top 20 wine importers to Russia have undergone changes. But not all of them are related to sanctions. Despite their own sanctions, Western countries continued to supply wine to Russia. Surprisingly, those countries that officially introduced bans on the supply of any wine to Russia remained in the top 20.

For example, according to market participants USA , more wine was imported into the Russian Federation last year than friendly wine. Uzbekistan For obvious reasons, she entered the top ten for the first time. The Serbia top 20 included, and Azerbaijan Armenia South Ossetia. The supply of wines from New Zealand decreased by 30%, but this is a consequence, rather, of natural reasons: in the past few years, the country received low yields.

Sharp increase in wine imports from the EU: 1 million hectoliters of wine in 3 months

in August-October European Union increased the supply of wine in 43 Russia %, writes RBC. For three months, 1 million hectolitraves of wine were imported into the country. The largest suppliers were,, and France Germany, Italy Latvia which increased exports from 89.5% to 37.4%.

The largest increase was shown Austria (plus 515.7%), (463.03 Bulgaria %), (Croatia 175.89%).

Growth in the supply of grape wine from Armenia doubled to 280 thousand decaliters, fruit wines by 53% to 520 thousand decaliters

According to the results of 10 months of 2022, the volume of supplies of Armenian grape wines in the Russian Federation amounted to 280,000 decaliters, which is 2 times more than in the same period of 2021. During the specified period, the volume of fruit wine supplies from Armenia increased by 53% and reached the volume of 520,000 decaliters.

Reduction in cognac imports from France, Roma from Puerto Rico and Jamaica, growth from supplies from India and Georgia

In January-September 2022, shipments of French cognacs decreased by 45%, but Georgian ones increased by 27%. Imports of Roma from Puerto Rico fell by 50%, Jamaica - by 25%, but increased by 40% from India.

X5 Group became the largest importer of alcohol in Russia

In January-March X5 Group 2022, she imported Russia 21.6 million liters of wine, which is 31% more compared to the same period in 2021. The volume of all alcoholic beverages imported by the group reached 24 million liters. The retailer has become the largest importer of alcohol in the Russian Federation, writes "" in the Kommersant issue of November 7, 2022.

According to the newspaper, the import of wine, which became the second largest importer of alcohol in the list of Luding Group, increased by 13%, to 20.3 million liters, the structure of Bacardi (Martini brand) - by 38%, to 15.5 million liters. The company has maintained stable volumes of wine supplies from the Old World and increased imports from the New World, Andrey Ushakov, Marketing Director of Luding Group, told the newspaper.

Total wine imports for the nine months of 2022 decreased by 5% (on an annualized basis), to 260.5 million liters, and the import of strong drinks into Russia fell by almost 40% year-on-year, to 38.9 million liters.

X5 Group explained that supplies increased due to the expansion of the assortment and geography of imports, including from Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey. The group also pointed to a line of imported goods under its own brands and an increase in demand due to the departure of a number of foreign companies.

Alexander Stavtsev, head of the WineRetail information center, notes that in recent years the wine market has largely developed due to direct imports of chains, which, in particular, has led to lower prices due to a reduction in the mark-up.

Senior analyst at Gazprombank Marat Ibragimov says that its own imports allow networks to attract traffic and quickly rebuild purchases in the event of changes in the situation. And alcohol is the most profitable category in the range, he adds.

Alcohol supplies to Russia were complicated after a special military operation on To Ukraine and the imposition of sanctions. The authorities, and USA Australia New Zealand banned the import of alcohol into the Russian Federation, EU and alcohol is more expensive than €300 per unit.^[1]

Beer

Main article: Beer (Russian market)

Strong alcohol

Vodka

Main article: Vodka (Russian market)

Whisky

2024: The Russian whiskey market grew by 30.3% over the year

The whiskey market in Russia in 2024 showed an increase of 30.3% in monetary terms and 24.8% in physical terms compared to 2023. Such data analysts IBC Real Estate led in mid-January 2025.

According to experts, the average price per unit of production increased by 4.5%. At the same time, the cost of 0.25 liter bottles increased by 11.3%, and 0.5 liter decreased by 9.2% due to the entry of Russian brands into the market.

Whiskey market in Russia increased by 30.3% over the year

The bulk of sales - almost 60% - came from 0.7 L bottles, where the price increased by 4%. Almost 64% of all sales are low-price whiskey worth up to ₽1000 per bottle.

The top ten brands account for 58.2% of sales in physical terms and 61.6% in monetary terms. Among the leaders are Russian manufacturers: Steersman with a share of 13.6% in physical terms and 8.5% in monetary terms, Fowler's - 7.6% and 4.1%, Nucky Thompson - 6.7% and 5.9%, respectively.

In the structure of sales by countries of production, Scotch whisky leads with a share of 43.1% in monetary terms, which is 4 percentage points less than in 2023. Russian whiskey occupies 33.3% of the market, increasing its share by 2 percentage points. This is followed by the United States (10.9%) and Ireland (8.2%).

In physical terms, Russian whisky ranks first with a share of 51.6%, ahead of Scottish (32.7%). Shares of American and Irish whiskey are 6.7% and 4.6%, respectively.

Since January 2025, there has been an increase in excise rates on alcohol, which will lead to an increase in the average cost of products by 10-15%. Imported alcohol may rise in price by 10% due to changes in the exchange rate and an increase in customs duties.

According to industry analysts, the domestic whiskey market will continue to develop with an expected growth of 5-10%. An increase in production costs, including labor costs, will also be a factor in price increases.^[2]

2023:1% rise in whisky production to 4.5 million decalitres

In 2023, whiskey production in Russia increased, reaching 4,547,100 decalitres, which is 1% more than in 2022. This is evidenced by the data of the GuideMarket agency, published in June 2024.

The average annual increase in whiskey production for the period from 2019 to 2023 was 17.8%. The minimum production volume was recorded in 2019 and amounted to 2,425,500 decalitres. Annual increases have since peaked in 2023, confirming steady growth.

It is noted that the dynamics of whiskey production in Russia is closely related to the domestic market, which shows stable growth, with the exception of a slight fluctuation in 2022-2023. It is noted that the Russian whiskey market is less dependent on imports, which makes it less vulnerable to external economic factors.

The head of the large Russian alcohol holding Ladoga Veniamin Grabar spoke about the factors that contributed to the growth of demand for whiskey in the country. In addition to the traditionally popular Fowler's brand, the drivers of increased sales in this category were Tavern Hound whisky, as well as Carrygreen and Black Beast drinks made from Irish and Scottish malt alcohol, respectively.

At the end of 2023, Ladoga planned to produce more than 750 thousand decaliters of whiskey. In the new year, the holding intends to actively invest in the promotion of its brands in the whiskey category, allocating an impressive advertising budget of 350 million rubles for these purposes.

The whiskey category suffered the most in the Russian alcohol market after the start of a special military operation in Ukraine in 2022. According to Kommersant, whiskey imports to Russia decreased by 52%, amounting to 1.81 million decaliters last year.

However, in 2023, the situation with the presence of popular whiskey brands on store shelves improved somewhat thanks to parallel imports. According to Alexander Stavtsev, head of the WineRetail information center, the largest replenishment of the assortment occurred in the price segment from 1.5 thousand rubles per 0.7 liter bottle. At the same time, there is still a shortage of supply in the mass category of whiskey.

According to Andrei Ushakov, marketing director, in Luding Group 2022 the whiskey market was replenished with a large number of new products, and competition in this segment has increased significantly. The data NielsenIQ indicate that in 2023, 77 new whiskey brands appeared in Russia, 14 of which are domestic production.^[3]

Cognac

2025: Cognac production in Russia for the year decreased by 13.3% to 8.4 million decaliters

At the end of 2025, cognac production in Russia decreased by 13.3% to 8.4 million decaliters (dal). These data of the federal service Rosalkogoltabakkontrol were presented by the TASS news agency on January 19, 2026.

The decline in cognac output was the most significant among the categories of strong alcohol and part of the negative dynamics of the market as a whole. The total production of alcoholic beverages with a strength above 9% decreased over the year by 2.8% to 117.6 million decaliters.

Over the year, the production of cognac products in Russia decreased by 13.3%, amounting to 8.4 million decaliters

Pavel Shapkin, head of the Center for the Development of National Alcohol Policy, identified two key factors in the decline in cognac production. The first is increased competition from other strong drinks. The expert explained the increased interest of Russians in whiskey and rum by the affordability of these drinks and the active process of their import substitution. The second factor is the redistribution of the market in favor of better products with the displacement of low-quality brands.

Andrei Moskovsky, President of the Alcopro Guild of Experts, confirmed the trend towards a shift in consumer preferences in favor of whiskey. "Now cognac is the second drink after vodka in Russia, but I think whiskey will get ahead of it over the next 3 years," the expert predicts. In his opinion, the fall in the cognac market is caused by problems with the quality of part of the products. "The production of Russian whiskey is increasing, there are no questions about the quality, and cognac has a worse picture," Moskovsky said.

The expert explained that some manufacturers, trying to reduce costs, use rectified alcohol in production, which violates traditional technology and worsens the organoleptic properties of the drink. This led to the fact that part of the elite products in the low price segment moved to the category of "skate for a kebab," losing ground in competition with whiskey.

Experts' forecasts agree that the reduction in production will primarily affect the cheap segment. "Only high-quality quite expensive brands will survive - which are suitable for special cases," summed up Andrei Moskovsky.^[4][5][6][7]

2024: Cognac production in Russia for the year increased by 10.2% to 9.7 million decaliters

in Ministry of Agriculture Russia early February 2025, it reported an increase in cognac production by 10.2% to 9.7 million decaliters in 2024.

According to RBC, the total production of wines and cognac in Russia exceeded sixty million decaliters, an increase of 13.4% compared to 2023. The main regions of production of drinks from grapes are the Krasnodar Territory with a share of 35.8%, Crimea - 16.1% and Dagestan - 13.7%.

Cognac production in Russia increased by 10.2% over the year thanks to state support

Pyotr Efremov, executive director of the Association of Winegrowers and Winemakers of Russia, emphasizes that the main driver of growth was state protective measures, including preferential loans, agricultural insurance, preferential leasing, export support and reclamation.

Secretary of the Alcopro guild Andrei Moskovsky points out that cognac from Russian grapes covers only 20% of domestic demand. More than 60% of imported cognac is supplied from Armenia, about 24% from Georgia.

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev notes that the total area of ​ ​ vineyards in the country will reach 106-107 thousand hectares. Annually, winegrowers plant an average of 6 thousand hectares of new plantations.

According to the publication, the grape harvest in Russia in 2024 exceeded 800 thousand tons. This is more than the 2023 figure of 760 thousand tons, but less than the 2022 harvest of 890 thousand tons.

The Ministry of Agriculture of Russia notes the growing demand for domestic wines. Their share is increasing in both the retail and to trade catering segments.

The increase in production indicators is the result of comprehensive measures of state support for the industry and the development of its own raw material base. The implementation of state support programs contributes to the expansion of vineyard areas and the modernization of production capacities.^[8]

2023:35% increase in cognac production to 8.76 million decalitres

In 2023, 8.76 million decaliters (dal) of cognac were produced in Russia, which is 35% more than in 2022. Such data from Rosalkogolregulirovanie led on January 15, 2024.

According to the executive director of Fortwine Alexander Lipilin, the increase in the manufacture of cognac in the Russian Federation in 2023 is associated with two main factors:

• the activity of Russian manufacturers against the background of the departure of foreign competitors;
• an increase in cognac consumption.

The growth of production is absolutely logical. But will it all sell out or linger in warehouses? The quality range of Russian brandy is quite wide. There are very interesting samples, as well as a completely inconvenient product. Unfortunately, since we are talking about, as a rule, an inexpensive price category, most of it is a fairly specific product, "Lipilin said in a conversation with Kommersant FM.

At the end of 2023, cognac production in Russia increased despite the shortage of cognac distillate - more than 70% of these products were imported. To solve the problem, Soyuzkonyak asked the Ministry of Finance to simplify the procedure for importing wine and cognac materials from Georgia.

According to analysts at Strategy Partners, in 2024 the production of vodka, cognac and other strong alcoholic beverages may grow, the main reason is the high growth of excise taxes on wine, which may shift consumer preferences towards stronger but cheaper products.

As they write Sheets"" with reference to the data, Rosstat the first place in the Russian cognac and brandy market in January-April 2023 was taken by the Stellar Group (Old Barrel, Monte Choco brands), which left behind the former leader - GC "" Alvis("Elder," "Kinovsky"). The leading three included the Alliance-1892 company (Old Koenigsberg brand).^[9]

2022

The production of strong drinks in Russia soared by 42%

According to Rosalkogolregulirovanie, the production of alcoholic beverages with a strength of more than 25% in Russia in 2022 reached 11.6 million decaliters, which is 28.8% more than a year earlier. The agency published statistics in January 2023.

The category of strong alcohol includes whiskey, gin, calvados, with the import of which in 2022 there were problems due to sanctions. The production of such drinks within the country increased by 41.8%, sales growth was most likely ensured precisely by Russian products. Sales of the category "other alcoholic beverages" (this includes, for example, rum and brandy) added 10.3%, to 11.1 million decaliters.

Since the end of February 2022, many producers and importers of strong drinks have suspended their activities or completely left the Russian market. In early August of that year, Kommersant, citing data from market participants, wrote that imports of strong alcohol to Russia in the first half of 2022 fell by 34.4%, to 32.65 million liters. The supply of foreign whiskey (48.4%, up to 11.8 million liters), vodka (by 41.7%, up to 965.5 thousand liters) and liqueurs (36.6%, up to 2.25 million liters).

The Ministry of Industry and Trade previously refused to allow alcohol to be imported under a parallel import scheme that does not require permission from the copyright holder. The ministry referred to the fear of the Ministry of Agriculture about an increase in the volume of counterfeit products. In mid-August, Karavaev appealed to the government with a request to include a number of alcoholic brands in the list of goods allowed for parallel imports.

From January 1, 2023, the minimum retail price for 0.5 liters of vodka in Russia increased from 261 rubles to 281 rubles. Also, since the beginning of the year, the retail price of cognac for 0.5 liters has been increased from 480 rubles to 517 rubles, the price of brandy - from 348 rubles to 375 rubles.^[10]

Production of rum, whiskey and gin in Russia increased by 64.2%

The production of rum, whiskey and gin in Russia has increased by 64.2% over the past year, Vedomosti wrote in October 2022. After the British company Diageo (Captain Morgan), the French Pernod Ricard (Chivas Regal, Jameson) and the American Brown-Forman (Jack Daniel's) left the country in the spring, local manufacturers began to actively develop empty niches in the premium alcohol market.

Wine

Main article: Wine (Russian market)

Low alcohol beverages

2024

Cider production in Russia for the year increased by 27.8% and reached 13.4 million decaliters

At the end of January-December 2025, cider production in Russia increased by 27.8% and reached 13.4 million decaliters. These are the statistics of the Federal Service for the Regulation of the Alcohol Market (Rosalkogoltabakkontrol).

As follows from these statistics, the cider category has become the most dynamically growing among fermentation drinks. In second place in terms of growth rates is mead, the output of which increased by 11%, to 4 million decaliters.

Cider production in Russia increased by 27.8% over the year

According to a study by Romir, the growth in cider production was accompanied by an increase in consumer demand. The share of Russians over 18 who bought cider at least once reached 5.3%. The average frequency of purchases and the average check also increased, reaching 203 rubles.

The largest production centers in the first five months of 2025 were: St. Petersburg (1.1 million dal), Bryansk region (609.9 thousand dal), Krasnodar Territory (515.6 thousand dal), Moscow region (405 thousand dal) and Kaluga region (391.1 thousand dal). These regions produce the majority of ciders (74%).

Margarita Abramkina, Romir's customer relations director, linked the growing popularity of cider with a change in consumer habits and a trend towards naturalness of products. The founder of the company "Yablochko" Sergey Bochkovenko confirmed the increased interest in traditional ciders, noting the increase in the range in retail.

President of the Alcopro guild Andrei Moskovsky and head of the Union of Traditional Cider Producers Alexei Nebolsin drew attention to the problem of terminology: under the name "cider," fruit and berry drinks produced using simplified technology are often presented on the market.

According to Nebolsin, the verification of samples in retail showed the inconsistency of many of them with the requirements of GOST, which led to a temporary reduction in production in mid-2025. He stressed the need to legislate the definition of traditional cider as an apple or pear juice drink without adding water.

At the same time, Andrei Moskovsky assesses the potential of the category as high. In his opinion, a multiple increase in the production and consumption of traditional cider in Russia is possible in the future for 5-10 years, provided that the product is actively promoted and industry standards are clarified.^[11][12]

Drop in sales of low-alcohol drinks by a third to 12 million decaliters

Rosalkogoltabakkontrol (RATK) recorded a drop in sales of low-alcohol drinks by 34.7% to 12 million decaliters in 2024. Statistics data were published on January 23, 2025.

According to RBC, the decline also affected other categories of alcoholic beverages: grape-containing drinks without ethyl alcohol decreased by 37.9% to 552.1 thousand decaliters, fruit alcoholic beverages - by 26% to 9.3 million decaliters, and grape-containing drinks with ethyl alcohol - by 7.4% to 1.4 million decaliters.

Sales of low-alcohol drinks in Russia decreased by a third

Vadim Drobiz, director of the Center for Research on Federal and Regional Alcohol Markets, noted that the decrease in indicators is associated with the redistribution of products to the category of beer drinks due to a lower excise tax rate.

According to the publication, in the categories of low-alcohol products, grape-containing drinks with and without ethyl alcohol, as well as fruit alcoholic beverages, there is a decline in production, according to Rosalkogoltabakkontrol.

Secretary of the Alcopro guild Andrei Moskovsky stressed that manufacturers transferred products to other statistical categories after a quadruple increase in taxes from ₽36 to ₽141 per liter.

As a result, drinks previously classified as low alcohol are now counted in the beer, beer drink and cider categories, resulting in a significant statistical decline in indicators in the original segment.

The majority of manufacturers reoriented to the production of products in categories with a lower tax burden, which led to a significant reduction in official indicators in the segment of low-alcohol drinks.

Since the beginning of the change in excise policy, there has been a steady trend towards a reduction in production and sales in this market segment.^[13]

2023

Sales of cider and mead up 0.9 per cent to 102m litres

Sales of cider and mead in Russia in 2023 reached 102 million liters against 101 million liters a year earlier. This is evidenced by the data of the analytical agency BusinesStat, which were released in December 2024.

According to experts, the growth of the market in question in 2023 slowed down. The growing popularity of relatively new drinks for the general consumer has led to the emergence of a large number of cheap low-quality brands that negatively affect the general attitude towards cider and mead, and mass poisoning by the surrogate "Mr. Cider" has become the crown, the researchers add.

According to them, cider, poiret and mead for most Russians have long remained a specific type of alcohol. Ciders and poirets bottled in wine-like bottles were seen as an attempt to make an alternative to the classic grape wine from cheaper and more affordable raw materials. Products poured into cans and bottles of the beer format were forced to compete with beer and were also perceived as something strange and non-standard, up to the perception of such drinks as "fakes" for ordinary beer. With beer and grape wines - both domestic and imported - fully available, cider, poiret and mead remained niche drinks for individual connoisseurs.

BusinessStat notes that the Russian alcohol market has faced a reduction in the availability of many familiar categories of imported products. In conditions of temporary shortage, the vacated niches were filled with other drinks, including ciders and mead. Craft variants of these drinks have been a lifesaver for many bars and other venues that previously specialized in beer. Seeing the growing demand for cider and mead, Russian producers also intensified, which over the year increased the production of such drinks by almost 50% compared to the previous year.

60% increase in cider production to 80 million liters

In 2023, cider production in Russia showed impressive growth - by 60% from 50 million to 80 million liters compared to 2022. This became known in September 2024.

The published indicators confirm the trend of growing interest in traditional cider, which is becoming more and more popular among Russians. It is noteworthy that imports of this drink in 2023 decreased by more than 30% compared to 2021.

Cider production increased sharply in Russia over the year

The increase in production is due to several key factors. First, consumers are increasingly paying attention to niche species and cider varieties. The craft beer market has previously shown similar dynamics, and cider repeats this path. In Moscow, for example, more ciders have already been opened than in New York. This indicates the development of the culture of consumption of this drink in Russia and its increasing popularity among the general population.

Experts also note that the popularity of traditional cider is increasing. According to the data, the share of this drink in total sales increased by 20% in 2023. In 2024, Russians became more selective in their preferences, which can be explained both by changes in consumption culture and the consequences of mass poisoning with Mr. Sidr cider in the past. The incident hit drink makers with similar names but failed to put the brakes on the overall growth of the market.

In addition to the growth of domestic production, the industry is seeing a change in assortment. Increasingly, fruity variations of the drink such as cherry cider or ice cider can be found on the market. In such products, up to 30% of the composition can be juice of other fruits and berries, which makes them attractive to a diverse audience. In addition, interest in the middle category is growing - ciders from pasteurized apple juice with added sugar.^[14]

Growth in production of low-alcohol drinks by 17.7% to 22.3 million decaliters

The production of low-alcohol drinks in Russia in 2023 increased by 17.7% compared to 2022 and reached 22.3 million decaliters (dal). This is evidenced by the data of the Rosalkogoltabakkontrol, published in mid-January 2024.

Low alcohol beverages include:

• beer, except for brewing waste;
• beer-based beverages (beer drinks)
• ciders;
• poiret;
• mead.

Low-alcohol beverages have a weight fraction of ethyl alcohol of 1.5 to 9%. As ingredients for making low-alcohol beverages, sugar-containing products, infusions, extracts of fruits and berries, juices, plant raw materials, honey, other alcoholic beverages, and other additives can be used. Low-alcohol cocktails are produced by mixing water, alcohol, flavors and flavors.

According to Rosalkogoltabakkontrol, in 2023 the production of grape-containing drinks without ethyl alcohol decreased by 87.1%, to 566.6 thousand decaliters, grape-containing drinks with ethyl alcohol - by 53%, to 37.2 thousand decaliters. But the production of fruit products increased by 10.3%, to 11.8 million decaliters.

According to experts, in Russia by 2023 the share of cheap alcoholic beverages in the total consumption of alcohol is growing, and the frequency of visits by Russians to HoReCa establishments (hotels and restaurants) is also decreasing and alcohol consumption outside cafes and restaurants is growing. Low-alcohol drinks are inexpensive alcoholic beverages, and they are consumed mostly outside catering establishments, often on a walk, "on the go."^[15]

2022

Production growth by 2 times in 4 years to 283 million liters

The production of low-alcohol drinks in Russia has more than doubled in 4 years: in 2018 it was measured at 130 million liters, and in 2022 - already 283 million liters. Such data in November 2023 led BusinesStat analysts. According to them, the market volume grew due to an increase in demand in the domestic market and an expansion of the product range.

The study notes that in 2022, a large number of new products appeared on the market of low-alcohol products. Given the increasing popularity of low-alcohol cocktails, cider and mead, a significant part of breweries and wineries replenished their range with similar drinks. So, in 2020, produce cider and poire with a natural composition of the beginning of the Abrau-Durso Group of Companies. In 2022, the production of cider was launched by AB Inbev Efes JSC, MPBK Ochakovo. Manufacturers of low-alcohol cocktails experimented with flavors, expanding the range of products.

The growth of production volumes was partially facilitated by the transfer of drinks from other segments of the alcohol market to the category of low-alcohol products by changing their recipe, the ingredients used. The increase in the excise rate in 2020 on wine drinks and the ongoing reform of winemaking led to a shift in the attention of wine producers to the segment of low-alcohol cocktails, fruit and berry drinks, cider, the researchers point out.

According to them, in 2022, manufacturers faced complications in the supply of some of the imported ingredients that are used in the production of low-alcohol drinks. Thus, according to the results of 2022, the production of poiret almost 2 times decreased, which is due, among other things, to the problems of delivery of imported pear concentrate and aromatic additives. Due to the shortage of components, companies changed the composition of some low-alcohol drinks.^[16]

Cider imports to Russia decreased by a third

In 2022, 4.6 million liters of cider were imported in Russia, which is 33% less than a year ago. Such data in May 2023 led to the analytical agency BusinesStat.

According to experts, international crises have a significant impact on the volume of cider supplies from abroad - for example, in 2020, due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and in 2022, due to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, shipments of this drink were reduced.

In 2022, the largest volumes of cider imports Russia were in, and Belarus, Latvia Hungary in total, 65% of the total annual cider imports, or 3.1 million liters, were imported from these countries. The geopolitical crisis led to a decrease Russia in trade activity between and a number of Western countries, which until 2022 were major suppliers of cider. In 2021, 70% of Britain Ireland Spain Lithuania France Sweden all imported cider was imported from,,, and in 2022, supplies from Sweden and Ireland practically stopped, and imports from, France, Great Britain Lithuania and Spain decreased by half or more. Latvia has become a major hub for cider from other countries - in 2022 Latvia , 0.8 million liters of cider were imported from Russia, most of which was produced in other European countries.

It is expected that after a sharp decline in 2022, the volume of imported cider supplies from 2023 will gradually recover. Thanks to parallel imports, you can not be afraid of the shortage of imported cider in the country. However, import growth rates will be low, due to the increase in domestic cider production, purchases of cider from abroad will be niche in nature and are aimed mainly at expanding the range, BusinesStat warns.^[17]

Sales growth of 50%

According to Rosalkogolregulirovanie, in 2022 sales of low-alcohol drinks increased in Russia by almost 50% compared to the volume of one year ago and reached 16.1 million decaliters. These statistics were published at the end of January 2023.

It says that sales of grape wine increased by only 0.8%. Sales of grape-containing drinks without ethyl alcohol in 2022 decreased by 45.8%, to 5.1 million decaliters, and with ethyl alcohol - by 11.4%, to 1.5 million decaliters. In addition, analysts recorded a decrease in sales of fruit alcoholic beverages by 18.3%, which amounted to 10.1 million decaliters.

The statistics did not take into account the sales of beer, beer drinks, cider, poiret and mead, as well as alcohol sold in catering establishments.

A low-alcohol drink is a finished drink with a volume fraction of ethyl alcohol from 1.2% to 9.0%, based on drinking or mineral water with a total mineralization of no more than 1.0 g/dm3.

The beverage may optionally be sweetened, acidified, carbonated, may optionally contain fruits and berries, juices, plant raw materials, dairy products, beekeeping products, salts, alcoholic beverages, food additives, biologically active additives and other ingredients, with or without addition of ethyl rectified alcohol from the food raw materials.

Low-alcohol beverages are divided into carbonated and non-carbonated, transparent and clouded.

Clear drinks should be free of sediment and foreign impurities, in clouded ones - it is possible to have sediment and suspensions due to the peculiarities of the raw materials used, without foreign impurities. However, it is not allowed to use orthophosphoric acid in the production of low-alcohol drinks.

Low-alcohol beverages, depending on the processing method and production technology, are divided into unpasteurized, pasteurized, hot bottling, aseptic bottling, with preservatives, without preservatives, unfiltered, filtered, with the use of anti-depositing filtration, with the use of alcohol fermentation of wort from food raw materials (fermentation beverages).

2021: Sales growth of 24.3% in physical terms and 26.1% in monetary terms

The production of low-alcohol cocktails (these usually include ready-made drinks gin-tonic, rum-cola, etc.) in Russia by the end of 2021 reached 15.1 million decaliters, which is 58% more than in 2020, and almost twice the volume of 2019. This is evidenced by the data of the Center for Research on Federal and Regional Alcohol Markets (CIFRRA), published in February 2022.

NielsenIQ estimated the growth in sales of low-alcohol cocktails in 2021 in Russia by 24.3% in physical terms and by 26.1% in monetary terms. Most of all in 2021, gin sales increased - by 41.1% and 43.5%, respectively. Pavel Funtikov, head of the NielsenIQ customer service group, noted that in Russia the growing popularity of cocktails is due to the fact that manufacturers are bringing more and more new products to the market.

The Rust group of companies (included in the top 3 manufacturers, its brands - Sunny Breeze, Amore, Bravo) sales of cocktails in 2021 increased by 13% to 1.25 million 9-liter boxes, its representative told Vedomosti. He attributes their popularity to consumer interest in drinks with a lower alcohol content and the fact that the company itself expanded distribution in various distribution channels.

CIFRRA also calls another reason - the reform of winemaking, thanks to which excise rates on wine drinks have increased sharply. In addition, after the entry into force in June 2020 of the law on viticulture and winemaking, such products fall into the category "not wine" and stand out in a special way when sold.

According to a NielsenIQ study, sales of all types of alcoholic beverages in Russia increased in 2021 compared to the previous year by 3.7% in physical terms and by 7.6% in monetary terms. According to experts, the alcohol market has become the most dynamically developing industry in the structure of everyday goods.^[18]

Alcohol markets in Russia

2025: Reduction in the number of alcohol markets by 7% to 14.3 thousand points

The number of specialized alcohol stores in million-plus cities in Russia in 2025 decreased to 14.3 thousand points. The figure is 7% less than recorded in 2024. This is evidenced by the data of the 2GIS geoservice, published in January 2026. The reduction is due to rising costs, falling demand for premium brands and increased restrictions on the trade in alcoholic beverages. According to the director of the wine trading company Fort Alexander Lipilin, due to the increase in excise taxes, the cost increased, which led to a reduction in the range in stores.^[19]

Illegal alcohol

Main article: Illegal alcohol in Russia

Excise taxes on alcohol

2022: Increase in excise taxes on alcohol by 9.6% to 444.1 billion rubles

In Russia, in 2022, the receipt of excise taxes on ethyl alcohol, alcoholic and alcohol-containing products amounted to 444.1 billion rubles, which is 9.6% more than a year earlier. Such data in Rosalkogolregulirovanie (RAR) were disclosed in early April 2023.

According to Interfax, citing materials from the department, at the end of 2022, 1 billion 11.4 million decaliters of alcohol were recorded in the EGAIS, which is 2.2% more compared to 2021. Imports of products registered in EGAIS decreased by 11.4%, to 95.8 million decaliters, exports grew by 1.1%, to 44.1 million decaliters.

The volume of retail sales of labeled products recorded in the EGAIS in 2022 increased by 3.3%, to 226.6 million decaliters. Unmarked products were sold in the amount of 774.1 million decaliters (+ 0.4% by 2021).

In 2022, the RAR checked 533.63 thousand decaliters of ethyl alcohol, alcoholic and alcohol-containing products for legality. 449.1 thousand decaliters of products were recognized as counterfeit, 414.78 thousand decaliters were arrested according to the results of inspections. According to court decisions, 388.93 thousand decaliters of products were confiscated, 579.85 thousand decaliters were destroyed, including those confiscated in previous years.

In 2022, 111.1 million rubles of fines were collected from violators, which is almost half as much as in 2021 (212 million rubles). In addition, the RAR found 250 pieces of equipment at 75 illegal production facilities, of which 175 pieces from 65 facilities were dismantled and removed for storage and disposal. By decision of the courts, 330.9 tons of basic technological equipment were disposed of from 82 illegal production facilities. In addition, in 2022, 26 vehicles carrying illegal products were seized from violators.^[20]

Alcohol poisoning

2023: The number of alcohol poisoning in Russia in 9 years decreased by 34%

The number of cases of acute poisoning with alcohol-containing products Russia in the period from 2014 to 2023 decreased by 34%, according to data Rospotrebnadzor published in early June 2024 in the report "On the state of sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population in the Russian Federation in 2023." At the same time, the number of deaths from such poisoning over the same period decreased by 29.9%.

In total, over 9 years, 426 thousand cases of acute poisoning with alcohol-containing products were registered in the Russian Federation, of which 116 thousand "27.2%" ended in the death of victims. In 2023, the rate of acute poisoning amounted to 22.20 cases per 100 thousand population.

The number of cases of acute poisoning with alcohol-containing products in Russia for the period from 2014 to 2023 decreased by 34%

In 2023, acute poisoning with alcohol-containing products above the average Russian level was recorded in 33 constituent entities of the Russian Federation, the department's report says.

The leaders in the number of poisonings were Altai Krasnoyarsk the regions, as well as, Samara region where the indicators exceeded the average Russian level by 3-4 times. In,, Arkhangelskaya Lipetsk Novosibirsk regions, and this Chuvashia To Tuva figure was 2-2.5 times higher.

The main causes of poisoning, according to Rospotrebnadzor, are the use of denaturate, cologne, perfumes, wipers, surrogates of alcohol, technical alcohols and other dangerous substances. At the same time, ethanol poisoning occupies a leading place.

According to the department, in parallel with a decrease in the number of poisoning in Russia, there is also a decrease in the volume of sales of alcoholic beverages per capita. From 2014 to 2023, this figure decreased by 21.5%, including sales of vodka and distilleries - by 19.5%, champagne and sparkling wines - by 46.3%, beer - by 18.2%, cognac - by 20.7%.

As noted in Rospotrebnadzor, despite the positive dynamics, the problem of poisoning with alcohol-containing products in Russia remains relevant and requires an integrated approach, including measures to prevent alcoholism, tighten control over the circulation of alcohol-containing liquids and increase public awareness of the risks of their use.^[21]

2022: 41.7% reduction in alcohol-containing liquid poisoning over 9 years

The number of acute poisoning with alcohol-containing products per 100 thousand of the population decreased by Russia 41.7% from 2013 to 2022, and the number of deaths for this reason - by 33.7%. Such data Rospotrebnadzor was published in early June 2023.

According to Interfax, citing materials from the department, in 2022 the rate of acute poisoning with alcohol-containing products amounted to 21.20 cases per 100 thousand population. For 2013-2022 445,851 cases of acute poisoning with alcohol-containing products were recorded, including 119,666 fatal (26.8%).

In 2022, 79% of alcohol-containing poisoning occurred in men (24,442 cases) and 21% in women (6,475 cases). Poisoning among the adult population (from 18 years and older) accounted for 91.4% (28,248 cases), poisoning among adolescents (from 15 to 17 years inclusive) - 4.7% (1,450 cases) and poisoning among children (from 0 to 14 years inclusive) - 3.9% (1219 cases).

In 2022, acute poisoning with alcohol-containing products above the average Russian level was recorded in 27 constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The largest excess was noted in the Altai Territory, the Republic of Tuva and in St. Petersburg (3.3 times). At the same time, the indicator of acute poisoning with alcohol-containing products with fatal outcomes above the average Russian level was recorded in 41 subjects: from 3.1 to 4.3 times in the Kurgan, Penza and Arkhangelsk regions and the Altai Republic.

The main causes of poisoning were, among other things, poisoning with ethanol and alcohol, unspecified. At the same time, as noted in the material of Rospotrebnadzor, over the course of the analyzed period, "there is a tendency towards an increase in the specific gravity of cases of acute poisoning with alcohol-containing products with fatal outcome to the total number of cases of acute poisoning with alcohol-containing products from 0.26% in 2013 to 0.30% in 2022."^[22]

Alcohol-related mortality

2020

Mortality from alcohol poisoning in Russia has decreased by 60% in 12 years - head of the Ministry of Health

In 2020, mortality from accidental alcohol poisoning decreased by 60% compared to 2008. This was announced on September 16, 2021 by the head of the Ministry of Health of the RFMikhail Murashko. Read more here.

Mortality from alcohol poisoning in Russia over 10 years decreased by 53%

Mortality from alcohol poisoning in Russia over 10 years decreased by 53% - from 15 cases per 100 thousand people in 2009 to 7 cases in 2020. This was reported to the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation in June 2022. Read more here.

Mortality from alcohol in Russia for the year increased by 3 thousand people

Mortality from alcohol in Russia in 2020 increased by more than 3 thousand people. The rise was due to COVID-19 the coronavirus pandemic, against the background of which Russians began to sit at home more often and consume alcoholic beverages. This is evidenced by the data Rosstat released in June 2021. More. here

Minimum age for the purchase of alcoholic beverages in countries of the world

Alcoholism

Main article: Alcoholism

Sobering-up stations

Main article: Sobering-up centers

Notes