During the January through April window in 2023, Russian retail outlets showed a notable shift in alcohol categories, with Champagne sales rising by 7.6 percent year over year and reaching 5.972 million decaliters across branch networks. This movement was reported by RIA Novosti, citing the Rosalkogolregulirovanie press service as the source for these figures. The data underscores a continued consumer preference for sparkling wines and premium imports within the domestic market, even as overall alcohol dynamics evolve under regulatory and market pressures.
Meanwhile, vodka sales in the first four months of 2023 declined slightly, by 0.2 percent, totaling 24,207 million decals. The modest dip reflects a complex mix of consumer substitution, price sensitivity, and shifting popularity among different spirit categories as retailers adjust assortment and promotions across major urban centers and regional outlets alike.
In parallel, grape wine purchases rose by 3.2 percent in the same period, climbing to 17.412 million decals, while liqueur wines surged dramatically, recording a 149.4 percent increase to 420.2 thousand decals. These shifts point to growing interest in both everyday table wines and higher-margin fortified or flavored expressions, influenced by consumer interest in variety, wine tourism trends, and evolving cultural tastes within Russia’s diverse markets.
Overall, the total spirits sales volume—excluding beer, ales, cider, Poiret and mead—advanced by 3 percent to 70.99 million decaliters. Additionally, health and regulatory developments appear to be shaping the low-alcohol segment, which saw a 17.3 percent uplift, reaching 5.584 million decaliters during the reporting period as buyers increasingly explore lighter options in response to lifestyle and price considerations.
In mid-May, RIA Novosti referenced a spokesperson for Russia’s Ministry of Health, who indicated the ministry was examining the possibility of instituting a ban on strong alcohol sales between 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 a.m. Such a policy would directly influence consumer purchasing patterns, retailer operations, and the broader retail landscape in the coming months, aligning with ongoing discussions about public health measures and alcohol control in the country.