Retail Sales of Beer and Beer-Based Beverages in the RF: Results for 7 Months of 2026

In January–July 2026, Russia recorded a decline in retail sales of beer products. According to EGAIS data, total sales volume of all fermented beverages reached 413.9 million dal, which is 2.4% lower than in the same period of 2025. Market dynamics deteriorated gradually: from slight growth in Q1 (+0.3%) to a noticeable downturn in mid-summer.

Key Indicators by Category for 7 Months of 2026:

• — Traditional beer — decreased by 2.6%, down to 351.3 million dal;
• — Beer-based beverages — fell by 3.8%, down to 54.4 million dal;
• — Strong beer (over 8.6%) — dropped by 12.3%, down to 33.1 thousand dal;
• — Cider, perry, and mead — grew by 20.7%, reaching 8.2 million dal (cider: +26.2%, up to 6.4 million dal).

Monthly Beer Sales Dynamics:

• — Q1 (January–March) — symbolic growth of 0.3% (131.5 million dal);
• — May — sales dropped by 7.5% (to 55.7 million dal);
• — June — temporary rebound of 7.4% (to 55.5 million dal);
• — July — sharp drop of 12.4% (to 60.9 million dal vs 69.5 million dal in 2025).

Key Reasons for the Decline in Sales:

• — Increased excise tax burden — excise rate hike to 33 RUB/L alongside rising raw material and logistics costs;
• — “Chestny ZNAK” labeling — displacement of unrecorded turnover and portion-based tracking of kegs;
• — Restrictions on “nalivayki” (small taprooms) — curtailment of catering outlets operating in residential buildings;
• — Weather factors and demand shift — rainy July weather and consumer shift toward cider and non-alcoholic beer.

Thus, the brewing industry continues to adapt to growing regulatory pressures and shifting consumer demand. With the peak summer season coming to a close and a high tax burden in place, market players do not anticipate a rapid recovery in sales volumes through the end of the year, focusing instead on profitability and dynamically growing niche beverage categories.