Photo: Depositphotos / belchonock
Alcohol sales in Russia reached a historic high of 184.2 million decalitres in the first 10 months of 2024. This is the highest figure since the start of official monitoring in 2017, RBC reports, citing data from market regulators.
Vodka is a consumer favourite
Vodka remains the most popular drink among Russians, with sales of 62.5 million decalitres, slightly more than in 2022.
Dynamics of other types of alcohol
- Wine: 46.9 million decalitres (+0.9% compared to 2023, +22.5% compared to 2017).
- Sparkling wines: a significant increase of 10.9% year-on-year to 16.3 million decalitres (+61% compared to 2017).
- Liqueurs and other beverages: up 16.6% to 13.2 million decalitres.
- Spirits(whisky, rum, gin): up 15.7% to 11.3 million decalitres.
Record alcohol consumption is accompanied by worrying trends. According to the Russian State Statistics Service, in 2024, for the first time in the last decade, the number of people addicted to alcohol increased.
Analysts attribute this phenomenon to economic and social difficulties, as well as the increased availability of alcohol.
Despite the overall growth in sales, the data shows active consumption of not only traditional vodka, but also the popularisation of other types of alcoholic beverages, which may indicate changes in consumer preferences.
