Brewers complained about the refusal of retail chains to accept draft beer

Brewing companies from Russia reported that retail chains refuse to sell draft beer. This problem was discussed by market participants at a meeting of the working group on brewing products and low-alcohol drinks of the expert council under Rosalkogoltabakkontrol. We have the minutes of the meeting RBC.

According to the document, the Baltika brewing company and smaller brewers faced this problem. Retail chains began to refuse brewers after stricter requirements for transporting draft beer in stores began to apply on January 15 of this year. In particular, retail chains were required to transfer data on connecting bottling equipment to the system, as well as data on sales using cash register equipment, to the national labeling system “Honest Sign”. Control over the alcohol market was strengthened last summer after the mass poisoning of the Mister Cider draft drink.

Representatives of the brewing industry at the meeting noted that retail was not ready to meet the new requirements. Representatives of the Association of Beer, Malt and Beverage Producers (Baltika, AB InBev Efes and United Breweries) confirmed that they are aware of the unpreparedness of beer and retail market participants for the new requirements.

The problem was brought to the attention of the all-Russian public organization of small and medium-sized businesses “Support of Russia”. In February, the organization asked to delay the entry into force of new requirements for retail chains at least until September 1, 2024, or not to apply penalties to organizations that do not comply with these requirements until then.

According to the protocol, retail chains refuse to sell draft beer, including due to the fact that the marking codes on kegs become unusable “in extreme cold.” By the time beer arrives at retail outlets, they stop being read. Marking codes are also due to mechanical damage when rolling heavy kegs on the ground. There are no regulations for working in case of unreadable marking codes. In addition, the cash registers of many retail outlets have not yet been adapted to the requirement for partial disposal of draft brewing products.

Read more about the situation on the Russian alcohol market in the material “Beer is changing format”.

Anastasia Larina