Viktor Evtukhov: No Expected Sparkling-Wine Shortage in Russia During New Year

Viktor Evtukhov, the deputy head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, stated that there should be no shortage of sparkling wine during Russia’s New Year celebrations. The news was reported by TASS. He emphasized that the worry about a deficit simply does not align with current market realities. On one side, he noted, a large volume of imported wine comes in during periods when the ruble strengthens, which helps stabilize supply. On the other side, Russia has a strong domestic wine production season, producing substantial quantities of both still and sparkling varieties. Given these factors, a shortage appears unlikely to emerge at any point during the holiday period, Evtukhov said. He made these remarks while speaking informally to attendees at the Russian Wine Forum, where he outlined his assessment of the year’s production landscape and what it means for retailers and consumers as New Year’s Eve approaches. According to him, Russian producers have demonstrated ample capacity this year, delivering a robust harvest and a steady stream of finished wines to the domestic market. The conversation at the forum underscored the balance between imports and local production, with officials keeping a cautious eye on how exchange rates and seasonal demand might influence availability in the coming weeks. The ministry’s briefing pointed to strong domestic vintners and sustained import activity as two pillars supporting market stability during a peak consumption period. In related policy discussions, the Ministry of Agriculture had previously signaled support for expanding online wine sales within Russia, exploring new channels to reach consumers and modernize distribution. A proposed experiment to enable online trading of Russian wine through the national postal service was introduced to the State Duma for consideration in June but was withdrawn from debate and postponed indefinitely, leaving the policy’s concrete path unclear. Such developments illustrate ongoing efforts to adapt to evolving consumer habits and to modernize the country’s wine market, even as the immediate holiday period approaches. The evolving regulatory environment, alongside market dynamics, continues to shape how Russians access wine at home and how retailers plan their inventory. Earlier commentary from a cardiologist questioning the broader health impacts of alcohol added a broader public health dimension to the ongoing discussion about wine consumption and market development. These conversations reflect a wider interest in how policy, health, and economic forces intersect as Russia moves into a festive season that traditionally features sparkling wines as a staple for celebrations and toasts.