Not vodka: Russia’s most popular alcoholic drink named
Beer is the most popular alcoholic beverage among Russians, accounting for 51% of total alcohol sales since the beginning of the year, the Moscow city news agency reported on Thursday, citing data by IT company Atol.
Wine was the second most consumed alcohol product in the country and made up 23% of sales in the alcoholic drinks category, according to the report.
Vodka, Russia’s stereotypical national beverage, is losing out to lower-strength alternatives in terms of domestic sales, with a share of just 6%. Gin and rum each accounted for a 5% share, while various other spirits made up the remaining 10% of sales.
Overall, the greatest demand for alcoholic drinks was recorded in June, reaching 18% of total sales in the category, according to Atol, an IT company that manufactures equipment and software solutions for the retail sector.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said last month that alcohol consumption in the country has almost halved since 2009, with intake declining from 14 to eight liters per capita.
A former health minister, Golikova noted that Russian authorities have been developing health centers and consulting offices for preventive care since 2009. An information campaign for greater awareness among the public has also been launched.
“We started talking about the basic necessity to change our lifestyle within the framework of the national project ‘Health’,” Golikova stated, adding that tobacco consumption has also significantly decreased over the past 15 years.
