Vodka Sales in Russia Decline as Demand for Strong Alcohol Weakens

Retail sales of vodka and several other categories of strong alcoholic beverages declined in Russia during June, according to market data cited by RIA Novosti. Industry representatives say the figures may reflect changing consumer drinking habits and a broader shift toward lower-alcohol beverages. Strong Spirits Record Broad Sales Decline Vodka sales dropped 5.8% year-on-year to 5.9 million decaliters in June. Other spirits posted even steeper declines. Brandy recorded the largest fall, with sales decreasing 8.9% to 1.05 million decaliters, while bitters and herbal liqueurs declined 7.1% to 559,300 decaliters. Whisky proved more resilient than other categories, with sales slipping only 1.8% to 829,300 decaliters.