Russia: Russian Whiskey Market
During the first 10 months of 2015, retail whiskey sales in Russia amounted to 41 million liters - 5 percent less than the same period in 2014. The whiskey segment has been negatively affected by the devaluation of the ruble, high excise taxes, falling consumer purchasing power, and a growth in illegal alcohol production. In calendar year 2015, Russia imported 15 million liters of whiskey valued at $ 274 million – down 23 percent in volume and down 42 percent in value compared to 2014. A record $85.7 million in bourbon and Tennessee whiskey was imported to Russia in 2013, due to strong marketing efforts in previous years and brand popularity. As soon as the economic slowdown changes to growth, Russian consumers will start to buy more American whiskey.
