Shift in Russia's Alcohol Production: Vodka Output Diminishes as Wine Rises
Recent data reveals a significant decline in vodka production amid a growing preference for wine in Russia’s alcohol market.
Recent reports from Russian alcohol and tobacco regulators indicate a dramatic shift in the country's alcohol production landscape.
From January to May 2025, the total production of alcoholic beverages—excluding beer and similar drinks—decreased by 20.4% compared to the same period in 2024, totaling 59.96 million dekalitres (dal).
Vodka, traditionally a staple of Russian drinking culture, has experienced a notable decline, with production falling by 13.2% to 25 million dal.
Meanwhile, the production of brandy-like beverages has seen a more pronounced drop of 19.5%, reducing to 2.69 million dal.
The output for liqueurs and similar strong drinks also saw a decrease of 3%, resulting in 6.54 million dal produced.
In total, the production of strong alcoholic beverages (those with an alcohol content exceeding nine percent) in Russia reached 37.41 million dal during the first five months of 2025, which marks a 12.1% decline from the previous year.
Conversely, the production of grape wine has ascended by 10.4% year-on-year, reaching 14.7 million dal, while the production of sparkling wines, including varieties akin to champagne, surged by 17.8% to six million dal.
These developments suggest significant underlying changes within the Russian alcohol industry, influenced by factors such as taxation policies, inflation, rising production costs, and evolving consumer preferences.
From January to May 2025, the total production of alcoholic beverages—excluding beer and similar drinks—decreased by 20.4% compared to the same period in 2024, totaling 59.96 million dekalitres (dal).
Vodka, traditionally a staple of Russian drinking culture, has experienced a notable decline, with production falling by 13.2% to 25 million dal.
Meanwhile, the production of brandy-like beverages has seen a more pronounced drop of 19.5%, reducing to 2.69 million dal.
The output for liqueurs and similar strong drinks also saw a decrease of 3%, resulting in 6.54 million dal produced.
In total, the production of strong alcoholic beverages (those with an alcohol content exceeding nine percent) in Russia reached 37.41 million dal during the first five months of 2025, which marks a 12.1% decline from the previous year.
Conversely, the production of grape wine has ascended by 10.4% year-on-year, reaching 14.7 million dal, while the production of sparkling wines, including varieties akin to champagne, surged by 17.8% to six million dal.
These developments suggest significant underlying changes within the Russian alcohol industry, influenced by factors such as taxation policies, inflation, rising production costs, and evolving consumer preferences.
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