Alcohol production excluding beer in Russia in January-October 2026 decreased by 7.7% year-on-year, to 128.72 million deciliters, Kommersant writes, citing data from Rosalkogoltabakkontrol. Production of strong drinks from 9% decreased by 6.8%, to 84.89 million deciliters, including vodka production decreased by 7.3%. At the same time, retail sales of strong alcohol during the nine months increased by 1%, to 87.84 million deciliters; The rapid decline in production is explained by the reluctance of companies to build up inventory before the excise tax increases due to the risks of excess inventory.

Alcohol production excluding beer in Russia in January-October 2026 decreased by 7.7% year-on-year, to 128.72 million deciliters, Kommersant writes, citing data from Rosalkogoltabakkontrol. Production of strong drinks from 9% decreased by 6.8%, to 84.89 million deciliters, including vodka production decreased by 7.3%. At the same time, retail sales of strong alcohol during the nine months increased by 1%, to 87.84 million deciliters; The rapid decline in production is explained by the reluctance of companies to build up inventory before the excise tax increases due to the risks of excess inventory.