In Russia, against the backdrop of economic problems, production of vodka, strong spirits and red caviar is declining. This is reported by Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service.
Over eight months, Russia produced 39.6 million decalitres of vodka, 12.1% less than in the same period last year. Cognac production fell by 16.8%, while overall output of alcoholic beverages stronger than 9% ABV dropped by 10.9%.
At the same time, production of low-alcohol drinks more than halved, to 495.6 thousand decalitres.
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine cites unbalanced fiscal policy, logistical difficulties and inflation as the main causes of the problems in the alcohol market.
At the same time, production of red caviar in Russia is also falling sharply. This year, warehouses are expected to receive about 2.6 thousand tonnes of product, compared with 7.6 thousand tonnes last year. This is one of the lowest figures in the past 20 years. According to intelligence, retail prices for red caviar have already doubled compared with 2024 levels.
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine also cites low spawning volumes of Pacific salmon, including due to climate change, as one of the reasons for the decline in caviar production.
Meanwhile, according to Maksim Chernigovsky, head of the “Club of Professionals of the Alcohol Market”, falling sales of officially produced alcohol do not necessarily mean a reduction in consumption.
In Russia, he says, there are more than 2.5 million moonshine stills, which can produce up to 200 million litres of drinks each year. Going forward, consumption of legal alcohol is forecast to fall by 9–10% amid rising demand for homemade alcohol.
Other food products are also becoming more expensive in Russia. In particular, according to the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, meat prices have risen by 11%.
Intelligence links the worsening situation in the consumer market to the economic consequences of Russia’s militarisation.
- In Russia, the crisis in the coal industry is also deepening, which is already having a negative impact on the transport sector.