Russian retailers face rising counterfeit sweets and popular items under scrutiny
Store shelves in Russia are increasingly populated with fake Raffaello confections, and credible reports indicate that fakes may already outnumber genuine products in many locations. This trend has been highlighted on the Mash Telegram channel, which has drawn attention to the widening gap between authentic and counterfeit treats in the retail environment.
Observers note that the counterfeit problem is most pronounced in small shops and regional outlets. In contrast, large national networks are more likely to require official conformity certificates, which helps curb the spread of fake goods. Despite this, the counterfeit market remains active across various channels, with illegal copies appearing in multiple locales and sometimes slipping past basic checks at smaller sellers.
For consumers, distinguishing fake Raffaello is not always straightforward. Counterfeit chocolates and candy products can be visually convincing, but closer inspection may reveal subtle differences. Sensory cues can be telling: fakes are often oilier and deliver a less crisp texture, and in some cases the overall flavor profile may seem off compared with genuine varieties. Attackers use slight packaging variations and inconsistent batch markings to mimic the real product, which raises the importance of careful purchase decisions, especially when shopping in smaller shops or informal markets.
In a related development, the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, known as Rospotrebnadzor, has started a formal confirmation process regarding suspicious Coca-Cola products found in Moscow and the Moscow region. This step underscores the ongoing government effort to monitor and respond to potential safety or authenticity concerns within the consumer goods sector.
Earlier, major business daily Vedomosti cited comments from Oleg Novikov, the head of the Eksmo-AST publishing group, about a surge in counterfeit printed books on Russian marketplaces. Novikov noted that the Wildberries online platform lists hundreds of illegal book entries, illustrating that the counterfeit problem spans multiple product categories beyond food and beverages. These findings reflect a broader trend of increased counterfeit activity across online and offline retail ecosystems, highlighting the need for vigilant verification and stronger supplier controls among both merchants and consumers.
Industry actors emphasize practical steps to reduce exposure to fakes. Consumers should verify product certifications and retailer credibility, prefer established stores, and check packaging integrity, batch numbers, and expiration dates. Merchants can help by maintaining transparent sourcing, implementing robust supplier verification, and training staff to spot common indicators of counterfeit goods. Regulators continue to expand market surveillance, aiming to protect customer safety, preserve brand integrity, and support a healthier marketplace for all shoppers across the region.
Overall, the counterfeit landscape in Russia demonstrates that while major retailers with formal certification processes can deter fakes, the problem persists in smaller commerce spaces. Ongoing monitoring by authorities, coupled with increased consumer awareness and stronger reporting mechanisms, remains essential to reducing the supply of counterfeit items and ensuring that popular brands retain their trusted status among customers.