AB InBev Efes has rejected allegations from Russian brewers, stating that the company did not produce beer over a three-day period. This denial was conveyed to socialbites.ca through the organization’s press service.
Yesterday, the Kommersant newspaper reported that the Russian Brewers’ Association (SRP) asked the Russian authorities to tighten rules governing beer circulation in the domestic market. In its appeal, the association cited a February remark from a company representative at a meeting, claiming that AB InBev Efes held a portfolio of beer produced within a three-day window in Russia.
Alexander Smirnov, head of innovation and technical development at AB InBev Efes, described the claim as inaccurate and misleading to consumers. He explained that the production cycle comprises several stages, including the fermentation and stabilization phases, which for the brands referenced at the meeting can extend to around three days.
“The fermentation phase lasts seven days for certain varieties, and the entire production process requires at least eight days,” Smirnov noted, clarifying the timeline and challenging the three-day assertion.
On 21 February Kommersant, citing data from Rosalkogolregulirovanie (RAP), reported that by the end of 2022 the volume of alcoholic products produced in Russia rose by 2.24 percent compared with 2021, totaling 1.01 billion decaliters. The report also indicated that the majority of domestic production volumes were concentrated in beer, cider, mead, and other fermented beverages, underscoring shifts within the sector and the regulatory environment. This data point provides context for ongoing discussions about labeling, production cycles, and market oversight that affect brewers and consumers alike. According to industry summaries, these dynamics influence how brands position themselves and how regulators monitor timing, safety, and distribution across the Russian market. Cited sources include Kommersant’s coverage based on RAP data during the referenced period.