Finance Ministry proposes to set minimum retail prices for beer and still wines

The Ministry of Finance is considering the issue of establishing a minimum retail price (MRP) for all types of alcoholic products, including still wines and beer. About it write “Izvestia” with reference to the deputy head of the department Alexei Sazanov.

“We propose to expand the practice of applying the MRP, that is, to give the government the right to establish such a minimum for all types of alcoholic products, including still wines and beer,” he said. At the same time, the Ministry of Finance did not specify the possible MRP for this alcohol.

The idea to extend the MRC to still wines is supported by business, the newspaper notes. Thus, Arsen Karapetyan, General Director of Moe Vino, called the situation on the market contradictory, when there is an MRC for champagnes and sparkling wines, but not at all for still wines. In his opinion, the establishment of the MRC for still wines will help to remove low-quality products from the shelves.

Alexander Stavtsev, Vice-President of the Russian Association of Retail Market Experts, noted that at present, in the regions, a bottle of wine in convenience stores can be bought for 250–275 rubles. He expressed doubt that retailers and buyers would support a high level of MRP for these products. According to him, inexpensive still wine should remain in stores, otherwise consumers will switch to low-alcohol drinks that mimic it. According to the general director of the Fanagoria winery Petr Romanishin, if we talk about the minimum for winemakers (shipping price from the factory), then the threshold is 239 rubles. “may be acceptable.”

The Ministry of Agriculture noted that the issue of establishing an MRP for still wines has already been raised. The department added that it can be considered again, provided that the initiative is worked out by the Federal Self-Regulatory Organization (FSRO) of winegrowers and winemakers of Russia. If the idea is supported by industry experts, the Ministry of Agriculture will prepare the necessary regulations, the department concluded.

Currently, Russia has established MRC for strong drinks (vodka, cognac, whiskey, etc.), as well as for champagne and sparkling wines. For example, the minimum price is 0.5 liters of vodka is 261 rubles, and cognac – 480 rubles. Sparkling wines in stores cost at least 169 rubles. for 0.7 l. From January 1, 2023 Ministry of Finance offers raise the MRC for this type of alcohol to 239 rubles.

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