Wine imports into Russia have been rising, with the largest suppliers coming from countries that are often viewed as adversaries. This assessment comes from Maxim Chmora, who leads the Main Department of Federal Customs Revenue and Tariff Regulation at the Federal Customs Service, based on the agency’s report. The message is straightforward: demand grows even when the geopolitical climate is tense, and the market is watching closely.
In the first ten months of 2023, Russia saw a 6% increase in wine imports, reaching 532.4 thousand tons. The supply mix remains led by Italy, which accounts for about 30% of imports, followed by Georgia at 17%, Spain at 13%, France at 8%, Portugal at 6%, and a group of other exporting nations. These figures reflect long-standing trade patterns and the capacity of Russian distributors to diversify supply sources despite external pressures.
Chmora noted that the leaders in the import stream have not ceded their positions. The same report signals a cautious optimism about the availability of wine in Russia, even as markets in other sectors face variability due to ongoing international factors.
Export activity from Russia to other markets in 2023 shows a different dynamic: shipments totaled 1.4 thousand tons, down from 2.8 thousand tons the previous year. The dominant destinations for Russian wine are China with about 41% of outbound shipments, Abkhazia at 40%, followed by Israel, Tajikistan, and Turkey, each with smaller shares. The shift in export patterns underscores the evolving role of Russian winemaking on the international stage and the continuing influence of regional trade routes.
On November 10, the Russian Ministry of Agriculture expressed support for allowing online wine sales within the country. The idea was discussed during the Russian Wine Forum held in Moscow. As a potential pilot, proposals considered delivery through the national postal service, but the proposed framework still requires broader agreement within the State Duma before any legislative action.
Earlier, the Ministry of Industry and Trade highlighted a commitment to increasing the diversity of Russian wine offerings. This emphasis on variety aligns with broader goals of expanding consumer choice and encouraging domestic producers to innovate and compete in a broader market landscape.