The debate over parallel imports of alcohol in Russia has intensified as the Mast-Jagermeister SE herbal liqueurs are being excluded from the list that governs imports without the copyright holder’s consent. This move, reported by the press service of the Industry and Trade Ministry via TASS, signals a tightening of permissions for these products to enter the domestic market.
An official note states that the ministry is preparing an updated catalogue of goods permitted for parallel importation and that Mast-Jagermeister SE products will be omitted from this list. The change would mean these liqueurs no longer qualify for import under simplified parallel channels, requiring separate authorizations or licenses to be brought into Russia.
The issue surfaced in June when Kaluga Distillery Kristall sent a formal inquiry to Denis Manturov, the minister overseeing the Industry and Trade Ministry. Kristall argued that Jagermeister herbal liqueur is not unique in itself and pointed to its broader regulatory and competitive landscape. The distillery noted that since it began producing Alter Heiler and Konig Heiler bitters, it has faced what it described as sustained and aggressive pressure from Mast-Jagermeister. Kristall asserted that two lawsuits had been filed against the German company, cumulatively seeking 512 million rubles in damages, highlighting a broader confrontation between the producers and their rivals.
In December, Kristall expanded the dispute by filing a complaint with Russia’s Federal Antitrust Service, alleging unfair competition. The plant claimed that Mast-Jagermeister interferes with manufacturers and retailers who attempt to limit Kristall’s ability to produce its own bitters in Russia under the Alter Heiler and Konig Heiler brands. The complaints extended to wholesalers and retailers who did not carry Mast-Jagermeister products, suggesting a strategic effort to curb Kristall’s market presence.
Meanwhile, an influential voice in Moscow’s restaurant sector, Sergey Mironov, who serves as an ombudsman for the restaurant market and holds a leadership role in the Russian Federation of Restaurateurs and Hoteliers, indicated in November that Mast-Jägermeister was exiting Russia. The distributor handling the German brand’s products later denied these claims, adding another layer of uncertainty to the market dynamics surrounding the brand and its competitors in the Russian trade environment.
These developments come against the backdrop of broader discussions about supply chains and the availability of cognac and whiskey in Russia, where reports have noted periods of normal availability despite shifts in import and licensing policies. The evolving regulatory stance on parallel imports and the ongoing legal actions illustrate how multinational spirits brands and local manufacturers navigate a changing landscape of competition, tariffs, and distribution rights, influencing what Russian consumers can access on store shelves without special permissions. The situation remains in flux as policymakers, industry groups, and market actors seek clarity on how parallel import rules will apply to the Mast-Jagermeister portfolio and similar products in the months ahead. Informed observers will watch closely for any official updates that could reshape import pathways, licensing requirements, and the competitive environment for herbal liqueurs and related bitters across the country.