Mumbai, October 12, 2026: More than 160 Russian alcoholic beverage (alcobev) manufacturers are exploring opportunities in India as spirits, beer and flavoured alcoholic beverage producers look beyond exports to establish a stronger market presence. The companies are assessing distribution networks, regulatory requirements and local partnerships to tap into India’s growing alcoholic beverage market.
Bobby Kohli, Executive Director of ROSIND, the Indian partner of the Russian Export Centre (REC), said Russian producers are evaluating India at different stages of market assessment and commercial development. Through its ‘Made in Russia’ pavilion, REC is facilitating connections between Russian companies, Indian importers, distributors and potential business partners. The pavilion was inaugurated in Navi Mumbai in August 2026.
Soyuzprod, which entered India in June 2026, is among the Russian producers expanding its distribution network. The company currently operates across 13 states through ROSIND and local distribution partners and aims to reach 21 states within the next six months. Around 35% of the cities covered by its existing network fall under Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets.
According to ROSIND, Soyuzprod has sold approximately 25,000 cases since its India launch and is targeting sales of around 1.5 lakh cases by FY2027–28. Its strategy focuses on expanding distribution, building brand awareness and developing long-term relationships with Indian consumers and trade partners.
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Other Russian companies, including Tatspirtprom, brewers Baltika and Afanasy, and sparkling-wine producer Abrau-Durso, are also evaluating opportunities in India.
India’s alcoholic beverage market is estimated at approximately USD 44 billion annually, according to Euromonitor. Imported spirits volumes grew at a compound annual growth rate of 16% between 2019 and 2024, while IWSR forecasts that India will become the world’s fifth-largest imported spirits market by 2035.
For Russian alcobev manufacturers, India offers opportunities to move beyond exports towards sustained growth through distribution expansion, local partnerships and wider consumer reach.
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