Bartenders at war: Parovoz's Dima Shovkoplias speaks from the frontline

It is in the lives of normal people that war’s impact is most profound. In Kyiv, under attack by Russia from land and air, the city’s bartenders are a compelling illustration. They are everyday civilians living everyday lives that now look unrecognisable from a week ago. 

Russian vodka boycotts in US have little impact on war, says expert

An industry expert believes that boycotts on Russian vodka across the US will have little impact on the war due to the divide between ‘control states’ and those under the three tier system.

Marussia Beverages completes Itkulsky Distillery purchase

Dutch group Marussia Beverages has purchased a controlling stake in Siberian vodka producer Itkulsky Distillery.

Russia gets taste for imported wines

Russian consumers are turning to imported wines, especially sparkling wines, as traditional beverages such as vodka and beer decline in popularity, according to Wine Intelligence.

US distillers closer to Russia

The Distilled Spirits Council of the US (DISCUS) has applauded the Senate's approval of legislation that will extend permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) to Russia.

Russia's WTO accession welcomed by SWA

Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organisation (WT0), after 18 years of negotiation, has been welcomed by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).

Wild Geese land in UK cities

The Avalon Group has announced distributor Emporia Brands will roll out its Irish Whiskey brand The Wild Geese to the UK market.

Distillers urge senate to pass Russian trade bill

Legislation granting permanent normal trade relations status (PNTR) to Russia has been introduced to the US Senate. The Distilled Spirits Council urged speedy passage in order for US distillers to gain many market access benefits of Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Russia: CEDC/La Martiniquaise deal commences

Central European Distribution Corporation (CEDC) has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with La Martiniquaise to distribute Label 5 whisky in Russia. La Martiniquaise announced the tie-up in December 2011.

Russia: Label 5 to be distributed by CEDC

La Martiniquaise, the French spirits group, has announced that, Russian Alcohol Group  the Russian subsidiary of CEDC, will be the exclusive distributor of Label 5 scotch whisky in Russia from January. Label 5 claims to be the fast-growing tenth largest worldwide scotch brand.

Budweiser extends FIFA sponsorship

Anheuser-Busch InBev is to extend its official beer sponsorship to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia and the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar. 

DJ designs Olmeca tequila bottle

Russia: Pernod Ricard has teamed up with DJ Ferry Corsten to launch a limited edition bottle of Olmeca tequila. The product will be exclusive to Russia, where Olmeca holds a 41% market share.

DI’s Lucy Britner gets the lowdown on vodka from the man in the know

Do you meet the Russian Standard? I recently met Russian Standard vodka founder Roustam Tariko’s college roommate. In fact, he works for the firm, too. Igor Galburt is the company’s global brand ambassador (though it also says on his business card executive VP corporate affairs – very American-sounding) and he came to give us a Russian Standard injection. Are you aware of the how the brand got its name, for example? I’ll tell you…

Russia: Diageo to launch Smirnov Titul

Diageo has announced the launch of super premium vodka Smirnov Titul to the Russian market.

Cider in Russia

Russia could be the next growth market for cider, according to a new report.