Russian alcohol suppliers warn of coming holiday liquor shortage

Russian wholesalers and retailers have begun seeing a shortage of popular brands of alcoholic beverages that they used to import from abroad, the news outlet RBC reported on Wednesday, citing multiple market participants.

With the New Year's approaching, demand for sparkling wine, French cognac, and Scotch whisky has grown, according to Dmitry Isachenkov, director of development at the company Ladoga. He said that in the past, the majority of these beverages have been provided by foreign companies that have since left Russia due to the war.

Additionally, according to Alexander Lipilin, acting director of the winemaking company Fort, significantly fewer Russians will be drinking champagne this year, as only small producers are still selling the drink in Russia.

Crimean Vodka Company head Viktor Zlotnitsky told RBC that suppliers have almost completely run out of the liquors that are most in demand, including whiskey, rum, gin, and French cognac.