Russia’s Beer Output Sees Continued Growth in the First Half of the Year
Recent industry data reveal that beer production in Russia climbed by 7.3 percent in the first half of the year, reaching 451.4 thousand decaliters. This figure marks a record high not seen since 2013, according to DEA News in reference to Rosstat. The rise signals a broadening confidence among producers and a steady demand base across the domestic market, suggesting beer maintains a central role in the country’s beverage landscape.
June stood out as the peak month for beer output. During the early summer period, the industry produced 88.2 thousand decaliters of beer, reflecting a month-over-month increase of 1.8 percent over May. When viewed on an annual basis, the June performance contributed to a 6.9 percent year-over-year growth, underscoring a sustained expansion in production momentum as the summer season tends to boost consumer consumption in Russia.
Across the six-month stretch, beer dominated production, with a strong category mix showing volumes between 0.5 percent and 8.6 percent expansion across the range of products. Beer accounted for 85 percent of total output, while non-alcoholic beer represented a modest 2 percent share. Beer-based beverages contributed another 12.1 percent, illustrating the sector’s diversification as brewers respond to evolving consumer tastes and the desire for alternatives within the beer family. This mix highlights how producers balance core beer offerings with lighter or specialty formats to capture a wider audience.
Geographically, the Volga and Central Federal Districts emerged as leaders in beer production over the period, contributing 136.1 thousand decaliters and 122.7 thousand decaliters respectively. These regions have long been pivotal to Russia’s brewing industry, benefiting from favorable distribution networks, established brewing traditions, and supportive regional markets. In contrast, the North Caucasus Federal District recorded the smallest output, totaling 6.6 thousand decaliters, illustrating regional disparities in production scale and market demand within the nation’s vast territory.
The broader market narrative suggests that Russians increased per-capita beer consumption in 2024, with six-month sales rising by nearly five percent. This uptick aligns with a gradual recovery trend in consumer spending and a renewed interest in beer as a staple refreshment during warmer periods and social occasions. Analysts note that sustained growth may depend on balancing supply chain resilience, pricing dynamics, and shifting preferences for beer formats that appeal to a wide range of consumers.
Earlier in Europe, a contrasting trend emerged with a decline in beer production, underscoring how regional market conditions can diverge despite global industry patterns. The Russian market demonstrates resilience through steady production gains, a diverse product portfolio, and regional leadership in key brewing hubs. These factors collectively shape the short- to mid-term outlook for the sector as manufacturers navigate regulatory frameworks, seasonal demand, and evolving consumer expectations. (Source: DEA News; Rosstat)