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- Degree-free prospects: consumption of non-alcoholic beer in the Russian Federation increased by 8%
Degree-free prospects: consumption of non-alcoholic beer in the Russian Federation increased by 8%
Consumption of non-alcoholic beer in Russia increased by 8% over the year, the producers of this drink told Izvestia. Growth is associated with the development of consumer culture, people's desire for healthy lifestyle and interest in new tastes. At the same time, Russian exports of this drink increased by more than 34%, Agroexport noted. Belarus, Kazakhstan and Iran are among the top countries in terms of supplies. However, brewers do not stop there: they strive to introduce consumers to new flavors by presenting a variety of varieties from different regions of the country. Guests of the Baltika Fest gastro-festival in the Leningrad region will have this opportunity. They will also be able to attend workshops, enjoy performances by artists and take part in interactive entertainment.
Why do Russians drink more non-alcoholic beer?
Consumption of non-alcoholic beer in Russia increased by 8% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Such data was reported to Izvestia by analysts at AB InBev Efes.
—We are seeing consumer interest in the non—alcoholic segment due to the developing trend towards a healthy lifestyle," Vyacheslav Efimov, Director of Government Relations at AB InBev Efes, told Izvestia.
According to him, traditionally the main driver of beer production and sales growth in early summer is the seasonal factor. As a rule, the demand for breweries is growing in spring and summer, and producers are increasing their output in response, the company representative noted. He also stressed that there was an active upward trend in the market as a whole until January 2025, which has dominated since September 2023.
— It is connected with the whitewashing of the industry after the introduction of labeling and a number of initiatives to combat unregistered turnover, including the Register of Manufacturers, the fight against "bulk shipments", — Vyacheslav Efimov noted.
In 2024, legal beer production in Russia increased by more than 10%. This growth is ensured by the whitewashing of the market due to a smooth and predictable increase in excise duty: in 2020-2024, the rate increased by one ruble per liter annually, he stressed.
CEO of the Tarkos Group of companies (engaged in the production of beer and other low-alcohol beverages) Dmitry Tarasevich, in turn, noted that the consumption of non-alcoholic beer is not only a Russian, but also a global trend.
— As the segment of this market is growing, all brewing companies are working on expanding the range of this drink and launching new brands. This trend is caused by the fact that such beer is increasingly being chosen by the younger generation, and since beer itself is an isotonic (a drink that is designed to restore the water-salt balance of the body during and after physical exertion), even athletes drink it with pleasure, as it is very useful for them, — explained "Izvestia" business representative.
According to Agroexport, in the first seven months of 2025, Russia supplied more than 7 thousand tons of non-alcoholic beer worth more than $4 million to foreign markets. Compared to the same period last year, exports increased by 44% in physical terms and by 50% in value. Russia supplies most of this drink to Belarus, Kazakhstan, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan.
If we talk about the supply of alcoholic beer, then over the same period, our country supplied about 120 thousand tons of the drink to foreign markets for more than $61 million. Compared to the same period in 2024, exports increased by 6% in physical terms and by 30% in value. The top five importing countries include Kazakhstan with a share of 29%, Belarus - 26%, China — 12%, Kyrgyzstan — 9% and Abkhazia — 4%.
"In 2025, Russia exported beer to Croatia for the first time in the history of observations, and also to the DPRK for the first time since 2015," the organization's press service noted.
Izvestia sent a request to Rosalokoltabakcontrol with a request to clarify the dynamics.
Earlier, the agency reported that, by the end of 2024, Russian brewers produced 789 million decaliters (dal) of beer, which is 10.3% more than in 2023. At the same time, the production of beer drinks increased by 22.5%, to 119.3 million dal.
How do experts explain the increase in alcohol-free beer consumption?
The non-alcoholic beer segment has indeed shown growth in recent years, Vyacheslav Mamontov, executive director of the Association of Beer, Malt and Beverage Producers, told Izvestia.
— This is due to the development of a consumer culture, which is promoted through the efforts of manufacturers, as well as the active formation of a trend towards a healthy and active lifestyle. Significant investments by brewing companies in equipment for the production of non—alcoholic beer also played a significant role in the growth of the category," the industry representative explained.
According to him, at the same time, the average per capita alcohol consumption in Russia is decreasing, which is facilitated, among other things, by consumers switching to non-alcoholic alternatives.
— In response to the increasing demand, brewers are actively expanding their product range. Despite the growth, we are still lagging behind the global share of non-alcoholic products. In Russia, non—alcoholic beer accounts for 2.5%, while the global average is more than 6%, and in some countries it exceeds 10%," said Vyacheslav Mamontov.
The industry association believes that the prospects for non-alcoholic beer are significant.
— In the future, the growth rate in the non-alcoholic segment will exceed the dynamics of the alcoholic beer category in accordance with the international trend. This year, the English analytical company International Wine and Spirits Research predicted that non—alcoholic beer would become the second largest beer category in the world this year," said Vyacheslav Mamontov.
Maxim Chernihiv, General director of the alcohol market professionals club, told Izvestia that the growth trend in alcohol-free beer consumption in Russia will increase, but so far it is still not very significant in absolute terms.
— The share of non—alcoholic beer in the sale of alcoholic and beer drinks in physical terms is less than 1%. Although, at first glance, the growth figures look significant. But the trend towards an increase does exist," the expert said.
According to him, non-alcoholic beer appeared in Russia several decades ago. Initially, its main consumers were car owners and those to whom alcohol is contraindicated, for example, pregnant women. Now he has been chosen by the younger generation, more focused on a healthy lifestyle and sports.
— This explains the growth in sales of such drinks. It is clear that it will increase, and the range will expand," the expert believes.
The main task of Russian brewers is to ensure the independence of the domestic industry from foreign supplies. In addition, they strive to introduce consumers to new flavors by presenting a variety of varieties from different regions of the country. This opportunity will be available to the guests of the Baltika Fest gastro-festival, which will be held on September 13 at the Igora Drive autodrome near St. Petersburg.
The event is organized by Baltika, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. The leading player in the Russian brewing market is constantly experimenting with unique recipes, new flavors and advanced technologies. At the company's initiative, an expert advisory council was established this year to bring together brewers from different regions. The experts will hold the first working session right at the festival, while the guests will enjoy unique dishes, drinks and live music. In addition, visitors will enjoy master classes, gastronomic shows, interactive entertainment, as well as famous artists on stage.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
