Russian cider, mead, and pear cider show notable growth driven by rising consumer interest
During the first quarter of the year, retail sales of cider, mead, and pear cider rose by about 30 percent compared with the same period in the previous year, reaching roughly 2.05 million decaliters. This trend was reported by the Vedomosti newspaper, which cited data from the Unified State Automated Information System, commonly known as EGAIS. Independent analysis from NielsenIQ supports these observations about the market trajectory.
Industry experts cited by Vedomosti attribute the surge in sales to a low base effect from prior years when production volumes were small. As producers expanded output, the beverage category began to show double digit gains. Consumers, meanwhile, have shown a clear preference for more natural drink options, with cider emerging as a favored choice within this shift toward authenticity and simplicity.
Vyacheslav Mamontov, who chairs the Association of Brewers, noted that mass consumers are actively choosing cider and are responding to producers by favoring this segment. He pointed out that late last year the companies Ochakovo and Soyuz-vino announced new production lines for cider products, signaling ongoing expansion within the sector.
Looking back, the year 2022 did not bring significant changes in consumer habits. A large portion of Russians maintained familiar routines with alcohol and beverages, and general trends in health and wellness did not radically alter drinking practices. The current data, however, suggests a shifting landscape where cider and related products are becoming a more common feature in the daily beverage mix as tastes evolve and product availability grows.