The expert explained the reduction in sales of low-alcohol products

The increase in excise taxes has become a significant factor in reducing the segment of low-alcohol products, Oleg Pavlov, chairman of the Public Council at Rospotrebnadzor, head of the public organization Public Consumer Initiative, said in an interview with Izvestia. Low-alcohol cocktails, in particular, have faced an increasing fiscal burden in several areas at once, which is why their production and sale have become significantly less profitable.

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"This led to an increase in retail prices, a decrease in product availability, a reduction in the range and the withdrawal of some manufacturers from the category," the expert said.

According to him, the average price of a can of low-alcohol cocktail has increased by about 15-25% compared to last year.

"If earlier the mass price range was about 70-90 rubles per jar, then at the beginning of 2026 a significant part of the positions were already in the range of 99.90–199.90 rubles," the source said.

This is due to the growing demand for alcoholic beverages (LVI). Strong alcohol gives customers a better price-alcohol ratio than ready-made low-alcohol cocktails, Pavlov explained. LVI was chosen by consumers who value the sweet, mild, fruity taste typical of ready-made cocktails. Manufacturers are actively expanding their lines of tinctures, liqueurs and other flavoring drinks, which attracts customers.

Retailers have already responded to changes in demand, the specialist added. They are increasingly reducing the area for weak alcohol and increasing the presence of strong alcohol.

"The reason is that strong alcohol usually yields a higher return per unit of shelf space, turns around better and proves to be more stable in demand. The shelf is becoming more pragmatic: the networks leave what sells more stable and profitable," the expert concluded.

Read more in the exclusive Izvestia article:

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