Washington Capitals hockey star Alexander Ovechkin to launch his own beer brand in Russia
Hockey player Alexander Ovechkin is launching his own beer brand, OVI, in Russia. Bochkarev Breweries will produce the beer, Kommersant reported.
The OVI lineup will include a classic lager, a light lager, and a nonalcoholic beer. Bochkarev Breweries said the beer will sell for about 100 rubles a can. Sales are scheduled to begin before the end of 2026.
“I’ve wanted to create my own beer for a long time — something I’d enjoy drinking myself. I like pale beers with a clean, balanced taste,” Ovechkin said in comments released by Bochkarev Breweries’ press office.
OVI is entering one of Russia’s largest consumer markets, Kommersant reported. Russia produced about 930 million decaliters of beer in 2025, according to Rosstat. The nonalcoholic beer segment grew by 27% year over year in 2025 but still accounts for only about 3% of the market.
Ovechkin, who plays for the Washington Capitals, works extensively with Russian companies. He has been a brand ambassador for the food brand Indilight since 2025, for example.
In 2026, Ovechkin also appeared in a campaign video for Russia’s ruling party, United Russia. Explaining his decision to appear in the ad, Ovechkin said that “he is Russian and supports his country” and that he “wishes everyone peace and love.”
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