June 30, 2020

Lighten Up, Russia


Lighten Up, Russia
This could be water, for all we know. Chris Ralston on Unsplash

Even as the coronavirus pandemic continues, Russian drinking habits appear to have lightened up a bit.

Russia's National Consumer Protection Union reported earlier this week that sales of high-alcohol beverages, such as vodka and cognac, have decreased, while sales of low-alcohol drinks, like wine and beer, have seen an uptick.

Almost 10% more low-alcohol drinks were sold this May than last; wine sales were up 6%, and champagne sales rose 4.8%.

By contrast, vodka sales climbed only 2.8% year on year; cognac sales actually decreased by 1.3%.

All told, it's been a big year for Russian beverages, from moonshine drive-thrus to an official switch to "coffee country" status.

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