A recent study by Rosselkhozbank (RSHB) highlights the distribution of champagne consumption across Russia, with the Moscow region accounting for about a quarter of the country’s total champagne consumption. A copy of the study is held by socialbites.ca for reference. The data underscores how regional demand shapes the national market and reveals shifting tastes within that demand.
Following Moscow in terms of consumption volume are St. Petersburg and the Krasnodar Territory. While the capital region accounts for roughly 22% of champagne consumption, other major centers show varied patterns: St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region together consume significant amounts of still wines, at around 9%, while the Krasnodar Territory and Crimea each contribute about 2% to the total. These figures illustrate a diverse geographic footprint for sparkling wine preferences in Russia.
Industry observers note that sparkling wine remains one of the top three wine categories purchased by Russians, ranking second after dry red and semi-sweet wines. December sales of sparkling wine nearly doubled from the start of the year, reflecting seasonal demand and consistent consumer interest, according to Natalia Khudyakova, General Director of the Center for Macroeconomic Analysis and Regional Forecasting at Rosselkhozbank. This momentum points to enduring popularity rather than a temporary trend.
In terms of production, the Southern Federal District leads the country with a dominant share of sparkling wine output, totaling about 65% of national production. Within this district, the Krasnodar Territory claims a commanding position, responsible for roughly 78% of all champagne produced in its region. The Northwest Federal District follows with about 17% of production, while the remainder comes from other regions, including a notable contribution from non-traditional wine-producing areas within the Northwest Federal District, which accounts for around 14% of the national volume.
Between January and July 2023, Russia saw a notable rise in sparkling wine imports, increasing by 61% in value and 46% in physical quantity compared with the same period in 2022. The leading suppliers to Russia were Italy, which supplied about 71% of total imports, France at 14%, and Spain at 11%. These proportions reflect how global supply chains interact with consumer demand inside Russia and influence local market dynamics.
Policy changes, including shifts in import duties, coincided with a rise in sales of Russian-branded sparkling wines in price segments up to 1000 rubles per bottle. Analysts project sparkling wine production to reach around 15 million decaliters in 2023, with sales expected to grow by about 10%. Rosselkhozbank forecasts that the overall share of shamanic alcohol in alcohol sales will be around 6%.
Contextual notes reveal that Russians also tend to discuss health considerations related to alcoholic beverages. Public discourse has identified certain drinks as potentially more harmful to the liver, prompting ongoing conversations about moderation and informed choices. Meanwhile, consumer inquiries about festive menus for New Year’s Eve reflect a broader interest in pairing options with beverages that suit varied tastes and occasions.
In sum, the Russian sparkling wine market shows strong regional cores, robust production in the Southern Federal District led by Krasnodar, and a growing import footprint that shapes both pricing and consumer options. The continued expansion of sparkling wine consumption, alongside evolving regulatory and economic conditions, suggests a dynamic landscape for producers, retailers, and consumers alike.