Simple Wine sees risks of disappearance of imported wine cheaper than 700 rubles – Kommersant

Imported wine worth up to 700 rubles. per bottle may disappear from Russian stores by the beginning of 2025, believes the president of the Simple Group (owns the Simple Wine store) Maxim Kashirin, reports RBC. This may occur due to an increase in import duties and excise rates.

According to a representative of Simple Group, imported wines priced up to €5 per bottle were affected by the new customs duty rate, which increased in July this year. From August 1, 2023, their rate was increased to 20% instead of 12.5%. Prices are also affected by problems in European producing countries: inflation, the cost of glass containers, cardboard, transport, electricity.

“Before the tariff increase, many distributors were stocking up, so the process of “dying” of this segment will occur gradually. According to our forecasts, it will begin after the New Year holidays and will last until the beginning of 2025,” said Maxim Kashirin.

According to a company representative, against the background of rising prices for imported wines, prices for domestic ones will increase. “The problem, unfortunately, is that the government does not have all the information about what support measures would be truly effective. They should not be hidden in rising prices for imported wine, because everything will become more expensive,” he believes. Inexpensive wines, he said, will only be available from South African producers.

Following the increase in import duties, the government increased the excise tax rate on all wine. From May 1, 2024, the excise tax rate will rise from the current 34 rubles. for 1 liter of still wine and 45 rubles. for 1 liter of sparkling wine up to 108 rubles. and 141 rub. respectively.

Read more about the market situation in the material “The wine will need aging”.

Anastasia Larina