Alcoholic beer market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the Russian alcoholic beer market volume stabilized around 6 800 million liters, influenced by declining real incomes and increased excise taxes on alcohol, which tempered consumption. The market then grew to 7 100 million liters in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic shifted consumer habits, reinforcing beer's dominant share among alcoholic drinks and supported by the emergence of new low-alcohol segments.

From 2021 to 2023, the market expanded further to 7 381 million liters. This gradual growth was underpinned by preparations for the mandatory digital labeling of alcohol announced for 2024 and repeated increases in excise taxes on strong alcohol, which made beer a more affordable alternative and stimulated sales. The period also saw the entry of new domestic producers and a broadening assortment, notably in flavored and unfiltered beers.

In 2024, the market volume jumped by 9.2% to 8 060 million liters. This surge was primarily driven by the introduction of digital labeling from January 2024 and another hike in excise taxes on strong alcohol in May, which further redirected consumer demand toward beer. The expansion of retail networks specializing in alcohol and the launch of hundreds of new SKUs also contributed to the strong performance.

Production alcoholic beer in Russia

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

From 2017 to 2020, Russia maintained the 6th position globally in terms of alcoholic beer production volume.

Top producers of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

World map of production of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

In 2020, Russia produced 6 982 million liters of alcoholic beer, marking a modest increase of 3.4% compared to the previous year. Production reached its lowest point in 2019 at 6 752 million liters, which represented a decline of 1.9%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 3%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 1.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2017-2020, M l

Exports alcoholic beer from Russia

Exports in kind, M l

After two years of growth, Russia's alcoholic beer exports declined in 2020. Exports fell to 296.5 million liters, down 18.7% from 2019. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 364.6 million liters, with the largest increase of 18.8% occurring that year. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 14.2%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2017-2020, M l

Between 2017 and 2020, the main markets for Russia's alcoholic beer exports in volume terms were Belarus (21.4% of exports), Ukraine (20.4% of exports), and Kazakhstan (19.2% of exports). Together, these three countries accounted for 60.9% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Russia's alcoholic beer exports declined for the second consecutive year in 2020. Exports dropped to 130.5 million US dollars, a significant fall of 12.1% compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 150.5 million US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 16.9% that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Ukraine were the three principal markets for Russia's alcoholic beer exports in value terms, collectively accounting for 52.9% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Russia in value, 2017-2020

Imports alcoholic beer to Russia

Imports in kind, M l

Russia's alcoholic beer imports increased for the third consecutive year in 2020. Imports reached 429.8 million liters, showing a slight uptick of 3.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports surged by 99.5%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 25.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2017-2020, M l

Between 2017 and 2020, the leading sources for Russia's alcoholic beer imports in volume terms were Germany (37.7% of imports), Belarus (14.1% of imports), and Czechia (11.4% of imports). These three countries jointly accounted for 63.2% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Russia's alcoholic beer imports increased for the third consecutive year in 2020. Imports totaled 130.5 million US dollars, rising by 14.0% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 89.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 23.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (38.3% of imports in value terms), Czechia (11.4% of imports in value terms), and Belgium (9.8% of imports in value terms) were the main destinations for alcoholic beer imports to Russia, together accounting for 59.5% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Russia in value, 2017-2020