Stocks of Bacardi gin and vodka have almost run out in Russian chains

Bacardi has suspended the supply of certain brands in 2023. Russian networks had already managed to create significant reserves. They were used to supply catering establishments, said AST General Director Leonid Rafailov, adding that now these reserves have almost been exhausted.

In addition to these brands, Bacardi Ltd no longer supplies Aberfeldy whiskey or Patrón tequila, the publication’s source says.

Currently, Bacardi primarily exports its Italian portfolio to the Russian Federation. These are vermouths and sparkling wines under the Martini brand. Rafailov explains this for geopolitical reasons: Italy, in his opinion, is more loyal to the Russian Federation than the United States.

Products of other brands owned by the company are transported under the parallel import regime. But these supplies do not compensate for the volumes that the manufacturer previously provided, Rafailov notes.

What Bacardi products can still be purchased in Russia?

Today the market includes Dewar’s and William Lawson whiskeys, as well as Oakheart rum. The drinks, in addition to Dewar’s, are bottled in the Russian Federation at the Novabev Group company (formerly Beluga Group), as well as at the Tula Distillery facilities.

Due to a reduction in supplies, Bacardi’s legal entity in the Russian Federation, Bacardi Rus LLC, reduced its net profit in 2023 to 1.5 billion rubles, down from 4.6 billion rubles a year earlier.