FOOTBALL fans from around the world are flocking to Russia’s bars, beer gardens and craft beer pubs to quench their thirst as the World Cup heats up. But the surge in sales will not have a lasting impact on Russia’s beer industry, where consumption has been losing fizz for years – ever since it lost its classification as a soft drink. Russia ranks 14th in terms of annual alcohol consumption per capita, according to the World Health Organization. But with spirits – chiefly vodka – traditionally playing a stronger role in social life, Russia ranks far lower at 32nd in terms of beer consumption, according to a 2016 survey by Japanese beermaker Kirin. Part of the reason why Russians are drinking less beer now than they were in the early 2000s is because of moves to restrict sales and advertising. Higher taxes on beer and declining consumer spending power have also contributed […]
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