Demand for non-alcoholic wine and beer has increased in Russia

According to the results of the X5 Club study, for eight months of 2024, customers of X5 Group stores (Pyaterochka, Perekrestok, Chizhik) spent more than 3.6 billion rubles on substitute alcoholic beverages. This is an increase of 33% compared to the same period last year. Sales of non-alcoholic cider in the group’s stores doubled and reached 37 thousand liters, those of non-alcoholic wine (64%, up to 197 thousand liters) and beer, 22%, up to 28 million liters.

The Lenta chain reported that in January-August 2024, sales of non-alcoholic wine and cider increased more than 60%. At the same time, the range of similar products has expanded by 75%.

Metro also reported that in the first half of 2024, demand for non-alcoholic wines increased by 140% and its range expanded 2.5 times.

WineRetail Director Alexander Stavtsev noted that the structure of alcohol consumption is changing with the arrival of young consumers who prefer a healthy lifestyle.

He also added that this category of products is not subject to duties, additional taxes or excise taxes, as is the case with alcoholic products, so such drinks can be imported faster and cheaper. However, Stavtsev adds, it is too early to make predictions about the future growth of this market segment.

• In August, three graduates of Omsk State Technical University developed non-alcoholic craft beer using a mathematical model. In the “Student Startup” competition they won 1 million rubles to develop the project.
• In early October, cider producers warned of rising prices due to a shortage of apples. Spring frosts destroyed part of the harvest in the central and northern regions of the country, causing prices to double. Experts note that the cost of a liter of apple juice for cider production has increased from 25 to 50 rubles per liter. However, it is difficult to predict how much the prices of the final product will increase, since many factors influence this.