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Russian alcoholic beverage makers eye India
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Wednesday, 14 October, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
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More than 160 Russian alcoholic beverage manufacturers are evaluating opportunities in India across spirits, beer and flavoured alcoholic beverages, as producers explore distribution partnerships and long-term market expansion, according to Bobby Kohli, executive director of ROSIND, the Indian partner of the Russian Export Centre (REC).
The companies are at different stages of market assessment, regulatory approvals and commercial development, reflecting growing interest among Russian producers in establishing a sustained presence in India beyond exports. Their strategies include building distribution networks, partnering with local businesses and reaching consumers in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Soyuzprod, which entered the Indian market in June 2026, has established distribution across 13 states through ROSIND and local distribution partners. The company plans to expand its presence to 21 states over the next six months, with approximately 35per cent of the cities it currently serves falling within Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets.
“Based on our understanding of the market and interactions with Russian producers, more than 160 alcobev manufacturers are currently assessing opportunities in India. The interest spans spirits, beer and flavoured alcoholic beverages, with companies at different stages of market evaluation, regulatory processes and commercial development,” said Kohli.
Other Russian producers, including Tatspirtprom, brewers Baltika and Afanasy, and sparkling-wine producer Abrau-Durso, are also assessing the Indian market at various stages of evaluation, regulatory approvals and commercial development.
The growing interest follows a significant increase in Russian alcohol exports to India. Russian vodka exports to India rose 240per cent between January and November 2025 compared with the corresponding period in 2024, according to data from India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry analysed by RIA Novosti.
Russian spirits exports to India also increased nearly four-fold in value and three-fold in volume during the same period, according to Agroexport, the Russian government's centre for agricultural exports.
To strengthen business engagement, the Russian Export Centre inaugurated its first ‘Made in Russia’ pavilion in India in Navi Mumbai in August 2026. The initiative aims to facilitate connections between Russian companies and Indian importers, distributors and potential business partners.
“India is an important market for Russian alcobev producers, with growing interest in developing longer-term commercial relationships. Through the ‘Made in Russia’ pavilion, the REC is facilitating connections between Russian companies and Indian businesses as they explore opportunities in this market,” Kohli said.
Soyuzprod's expansion plans illustrate how Russian producers are seeking to build a wider distribution footprint following their initial market entry. According to ROSIND, the company has sold approximately 25,000 cases since launching in India and is targeting sales of around 1.5 lakh cases by FY27/FY28. Its current network covers 13 states, with expansion to 21 states planned over the next six months.
India's alcoholic beverage market is estimated at approximately US$44 billion annually, according to Euromonitor. Imported spirits volumes grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16per cent between 2019 and 2024, while India is forecast to become the world's fifth-largest imported spirits market by 2035, according to IWSR.
For Russian manufacturers, the Indian market offers an opportunity to diversify export destinations and establish longer-term commercial relationships. However, translating interest into sustained growth will depend on navigating state-specific regulations, securing reliable distribution networks, building consumer awareness and developing partnerships suited to India's diverse regional markets.
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