Russian vodka exports to India rise 240% in January-November 2025; spirits exports nearly quadruple in value
Soyuzprod expands distribution to 13 states as Russian producers assess India opportunity
Russian alcobev companies are stepping up their focus on India as exports of vodka and other spirits to the country record strong growth. Russian vodka exports to India increased 240% between January and November 2025 compared with the corresponding period a year earlier, according to data from India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry analysed by RIA Novosti.
Russia accounted for around 3.9% of India’s USD 27 million vodka imports during the period, ranking joint sixth among suppliers after Sweden, France, Singapore, the UAE and Italy.
The wider spirits category has also seen a sharp increase. Data from Agroexport, the Russian government’s agricultural export centre, shows that Russian spirits exports to India rose nearly fourfold in value and threefold in volume during January-November 2025.
The growth comes as Russian alcobev producers look beyond exports to explore distribution partnerships, brand development and longer-term opportunities in the Indian market.
Expanding Footprint
Soyuzprod, which entered India in June 2026, has established distribution across 13 states through ROSIND, the official India partner of the Russian Export Centre, along with local distribution partners. The company plans to expand its presence to 21 states over the next six months.
The company’s portfolio includes premium vodkas in the 38–42% ABV range, along with flavoured and savoury bitters. Its vodka is priced at around INR 999 for a 700 ml bottle. According to ROSIND, the brand has sold around 25,000 cases since entering the market and is targeting sales of approximately 1.5 lakh cases by FY27/FY28.
Around 35% of the cities currently covered by the brand are in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, indicating an expansion strategy beyond India’s largest metros.
“India represents an important growth opportunity for Soyuzprod and marks our long-term commitment to the country. We are focused on building our distribution footprint across key states and cities while developing the brand for Indian consumers. The early response has been encouraging, and we see significant potential for Russian spirits in India,” said Bobby Kohli, Executive Director, ROSIND, the official India partner of the Russian Export Centre.
Wider Interest
Soyuzprod’s entry comes amid growing interest from other Russian alcobev companies. Tatspirtprom, brewers Baltika and Afanasy, and sparkling-wine producer Abrau-Durso are among the companies assessing the Indian market, with their India strategies at different stages of market evaluation, regulatory approvals and commercial development.
Industry estimates suggest that more than 160 Russian alcobev manufacturers are assessing opportunities in India. The interest covers vodka and other spirits as well as beer and flavoured alcoholic beverages.
The Russian Export Centre (REC) also inaugurated its first ‘Made in Russia’ pavilion in India in Navi Mumbai in August 2026. The platform is intended to facilitate engagement between Russian producers and Indian importers, distributors and potential business partners.
“Through the ‘Made in Russia’ pavilion, the REC is facilitating connections between Russian companies and Indian importers, distributors and potential partners as they explore opportunities in this dynamic market,” said Kohli.
India Opportunity
India’s alcoholic beverage market is estimated at around USD 44 billion annually, according to Euromonitor. Imported spirits volumes grew at a 16% CAGR between 2019 and 2024, while IWSR forecasts India to become the world’s fifth-largest imported spirits market by 2035.
Crisil Ratings expects revenues of Indian alcobev manufacturers to grow 8–10% in fiscal 2026 to around INR 5.3 lakh crore.
For Russian producers, the opportunity extends beyond higher exports. The growth of India’s premium spirits segment, expanding consumer base and increasing engagement with local importers and distributors could support more sustained market development. Over time, this could also create opportunities for local bottling or manufacturing arrangements, subject to commercial and regulatory considerations.
The increasing presence of Russian alcobev companies suggests that India is gradually becoming a more important market in their international expansion strategies, moving from an export destination towards a broader distribution and partnership opportunity.
