Mineral and aerated waters market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for unsweetened, unflavored mineral and aerated waters in Russia expanded from 3 668 million liters in 2018 to 4 053 million liters in 2021. This growth was interrupted in 2020 when the market contracted to 3 729 million liters due to the economic pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic. The recovery in 2021 was supported by the introduction of mandatory digital DataMatrix labeling for mineral water starting December 1, which increased market transparency and consumer confidence.

A sharp decline to 3 320 million liters occurred in 2022 following Western sanctions and the exit of foreign producers, which disrupted supply chains and equipment availability. Simultaneously, mandatory labeling was extended to all packaged water categories, adding operational challenges. The market rebounded to 3 971 million liters in 2023 as domestic production grew by 16.4%, fueled by investments in segments like naturally carbonated medicinal water. Growth continued to 4 227 million liters in 2024, driven by the updated EAEC technical regulation TR 044/2017 and the emergence of new niche brands offering sugar-free varieties, despite persistent price increases.

By 2025, production had moderated to 3 990 million liters, as the market continued to adjust to regulatory developments such as the upcoming expansion of labeling requirements.

Production mineral and aerated waters in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, M l

Russia's production of mineral and aerated waters has grown for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 3 911 million liters, marking a modest increase of 6.2% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 8.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.7%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 3 598 million liters, with the largest decline that year at 0.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2018-2021, M l

Exports mineral and aerated waters from Russia

Exports in kind, M l

In 2021, Russia's exports of mineral and aerated waters reached 83.0 million liters, showing a solid increase of 16.4% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 26.3%, averaging an 8.1% annualized rate. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 6.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021, M l

From 2018 to 2021, Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan were the primary destinations for Russia's mineral and aerated water exports, accounting for 77.3% of total export volumes. Ukraine led with 46.2%, followed by Belarus at 20.0%, and Kazakhstan at 11.0%.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2021, the value of Russia's mineral and aerated water exports amounted to 18.9 million US dollars, reflecting a dramatic year-over-year improvement of 25.6%. Between 2018 and 2021, export values increased by 24.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 15.1 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 10.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

During 2018-2021, Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan were the main destinations for Russia's mineral and aerated water exports in value terms, collectively representing 63.8% of total flows. Ukraine accounted for 33.1%, Belarus for 16.9%, and Kazakhstan for 13.8%.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021

Imports mineral and aerated waters to Russia

Imports in kind, M l

Russia's imports of mineral and aerated waters reached 199.7 million liters in 2021, indicating a significant advance of 32.7% over the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 37.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.2%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 212.4 million liters, which also saw the largest increase of 46.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 29.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021, M l

Throughout 2018-2021, Georgia, France, and Italy formed the key group of partners for Russia's mineral and aerated water imports, jointly representing 77.3% of total import volumes. Georgia led with 53.3%, followed by France at 13.9%, and Italy at 10.1%.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2021, the value of Russia's mineral and aerated water imports stood at 129.7 million US dollars, up by 44.1% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, import values increased by 32.9%, averaging a 9.9% annualized rate. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 90.0 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 18.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Georgia, France, and Italy remained the main markets for Russia's mineral and aerated water imports in value terms, collectively taking 81.9% of total flows. Georgia accounted for 54.1%, France for 16.2%, and Italy for 11.6%.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021