Roskachestvo announced plans to inspect whiskey products next year and may extend these checks to cider as well. In discussing the initiative, the organization s leadership outlined the goal of elevating quality across the category after a period of reputational challenges. This push follows concerns over incidents involving adulterated or unsafe cider in the past, which prompted renewed attention to product safety and labeling standards.
According to the head of Roskachestvo, inspections will span whiskeys in 2024, with a focus on supporting import substitution strategies and ensuring that domestic offerings meet rigorous quality benchmarks. The message behind these inspections is clear: consumers deserve reliable products, and producers should adhere to transparent quality criteria to rebuild trust in the market.
Recent import statistics show a dynamic evolution of Russia’s whiskey supply. In the January–September period, the country imported whiskey valued at roughly $262.5 million, nearly quadruple the amount imported during the first nine months of the previous year. Latvia has emerged as a leading supplier, with shipments totaling about $190.6 million, reflecting more than a sixfold increase. Lithuania ranks second on the list, with supplies increasing ninefold to around $28.9 million. Other notable sources include the United Kingdom at about $10.4 million (a decline of about 18%), France at $7 million (up about 50%), and Armenia at approximately $5.6 million. Notably, there is a visible trend of rising whiskey imports from China, which more than quintupled within a year to reach about $2 million in value.
Local financial analyses indicate that Moscow residents spent less on alcohol and tobacco in the first half of 2023, pointing to broader shifts in consumer behavior and purchasing patterns. These trends intersect with Roskachestvo’s quality initiative, underscoring the ongoing need for credible product assessment in a market with evolving supply chains and consumer expectations.
Earlier reports noted that a major whiskey brand with a significant presence in Russia had achieved record profits after exiting the market, highlighting the fluid nature of brand distribution and the broader implications for domestic availability and consumer choice. This context provides a backdrop for Roskachestvo’s decision to introduce standardized inspections, aiming to protect buyers while encouraging manufacturers to maintain high safety and quality standards. [Citation: Roskachestvo press materials and industry analyses]