In Russia, sales of beer and beer drinks fell by 15.2% quarter over quarter

According to RATK data, in the first quarter of 2025, sales of beer and beer drinks in Russia showed a noticeable decrease — compared to the same period last year, the drop was 15.2%.
Experts attribute this dynamic to a number of factors:
— a decrease in real incomes of the population;
— strengthening control measures over retail and wholesale trade, as well as continuing the campaign against illegal products;
— there is a growing interest in non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages, as well as increased attention to a healthy lifestyle. According to RATK, in the first quarter of 2025, the production of non-alcoholic beer increased by 16% by 1Q 2024;
— the absence in 2025 of traditionally long weekends dedicated to the celebration of February 23 and March 8. Due to the peculiarities of the working calendar, both holidays fell on weekends and were not accompanied by postponement of working days, which, according to experts, limited consumer activity and reduced the volume of alcohol purchases.
At the same time, market participants are cautiously optimistic, expecting that sales of beer and beer drinks will begin to recover in the second and third quarters. This will be facilitated by the seasonal factor — the traditional increase in demand during the warmer months, as well as the gradual adaptation of consumers to new price conditions.