OREANDA-NEWS  By the end of 2025, the production of breweries with a strength of 0.5 percent to 8.6 percent in Russia fell for the first time in several years, to 781.14 million decaliters, which is one percent less than a year earlier. The production of fermented beverages as a whole decreased by 0.4 percent, to 918.67 million decaliters, Kommersant writes with reference to data from Rosalokoltabakkontrol (RATK).

An interlocutor of the publication from among the major manufacturers explained the problems of rising prices for products, which is associated with an increase in excise taxes and an increase in the cost of raw materials. Alexey Nebolsin, an independent expert on the alcohol market, agrees that the decline in product sales, which amounted to 13-15 percent last year, could not but affect output.

Government fees from the industry will only increase this year. The excise tax on beer with a strength from 0.5 percent to 8.6 percent, mead and cider has increased by 10 percent since January 1, to 33 rubles, which is significantly higher than the official inflation rate.