Recent data indicate that Latvia led as a supplier of sparkling wine to Russia during January through September 2023, according to RIA News. The volume of imports from Latvia, calculated from open statistics, reached 105.43 million dollars for this period, marking an increase of about 25 million dollars from the previous year. This shift underscores Latvia’s growing role in the Russian sparkling wine market and signals broader dynamics in regional wine trade.
Italy claimed the second-largest share in supplies, delivering roughly 55.4 million dollars in the same nine-month window, up from 43.36 million dollars in January–September 2022. The rise reflects evolving demand patterns and supply chain movements among European producers targeting the Russian market, with Italy maintaining a strong presence in sparkling wine shipments.
The top three exporters were rounded out by Lithuania, whose exports surged from 23.03 million dollars to 42.69 million dollars during the period. In addition to these countries, Poland, Spain, France, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Germany ranked within the top ten exporters, illustrating a diverse regional footprint in Russian wine imports. Notably, France was the only major supplier to reduce its exports to the Russian Federation, experiencing a decline of 51 percent. This contraction may reflect broader sanctions-related pressures or strategic adjustments in trade flows and can be seen alongside gains by neighboring wine-producing nations.
Industry observers cited by Rosselkhozbank project that Russia’s wine consumption in 2023 could total about 90 million decaliters, with a majority of the market expected to be supplied by domestic producers. The forecast highlights a significant share of local supply in a year characterized by shifts in import patterns and potential changes in consumer preferences within Russia, reinforcing the importance of both domestic production and international sourcing in meeting demand.
In early September, Greece was noted for reaching a record level of wine supply to Russia for the year, signaling continued strong ties in southeastern European wine trade and the ongoing diversification of export routes into the Russian market. This development fits into a broader narrative of rising volumes from several regional producers seeking to capitalize on demand in Russia, even as geopolitics and economic factors shape trade routes and competitive dynamics.
Earlier in the year, Georgia also reported an increase in wine shipments to Russia, with volumes rising by nearly a quarter over eight months. The Georgian export uptick aligns with broader regional patterns in the post-Soviet space, where several producers have expanded access to Russian consumers through varied varieties and price points. Analysts suggest that such movements reflect a mix of growing interest in diverse wine products and the strategic importance of maintaining a presence in the Russian market amid evolving regulatory and market conditions.
These developments collectively illustrate a dynamic period for wine trade between European and nearby regions and Russia. Market participants and analysts emphasize the need to monitor exchange rates, trade policies, and consumer trends that influence how much and which kinds of sparkling wines move across borders. The data point to Latvia, Italy, and Lithuania as prominent players in the near term, while ongoing shifts in France’s export portfolio and the performance of other suppliers will help determine the competitive landscape in 2023 and beyond.
Source notes: The figures cited come from open-statistics compilations as referenced by RIA News and are complemented by assessments from Rosselkhozbank concerning anticipated consumption trends within Russia for 2023. These sources collectively provide a snapshot of a market in which regional producers navigate sanctions, demand fluctuations, and evolving consumer preferences.