Русский
Russian consumer habits are changing, of note to the friendly countries that Russia continues to trade with. In terms of the adult consumer sector, beer accounted just over 50% of Russia’s total alcohol sales since the start of 2024.
Beer is now the most popular alcoholic beverage among Russians, accounting for 51% of total alcohol sales since the beginning of the year, according to data from Atol. The company is Russia’s leading manufacturer of equipment and software solutions for the retail sector.
Wine was the second most consumed alcohol product in the country and made up 23% of sales in the alcoholic drinks category, according to the report. Vodka, Russia’s stereotypical national beverage, is losing out to lower-strength alternatives in terms of domestic sales, with a share of just 6%. Gin and rum each accounted for a 5% share, while various other spirits made up the remaining 10% of sales.
The peak demand for alcoholic drinks was recorded in June, reaching 18% of total annual sales. That corresponds to higher than normal temperatures as global warming has an effect.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said last month that alcohol consumption in the country has almost halved since 2009, with intake declining from 14 to eight litres per capita. A former health minister, Golikova noted that Russian authorities have been developing health centers and consulting offices for preventive care since 2009. An information campaign for greater awareness among the public has also been launched. “We started talking about the basic necessity to change our lifestyle within the framework of the national project ‘Health’,” Golikova stated, adding that tobacco consumption has also significantly decreased over the past 15 years.
Russian consumers are increasingly turning to domestic beers and wines as well as imported products from BRICS nations such as South Africa, (wine), China (beer) and even Indian whisky. All these countries now offer good quality alcoholic beverages, although Italian wines continue to remain popular amongst otherwise declining overall Russian consumption of EU products.
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