Sanctions raising risk of illicit alcohol in Russia; report

An exodus of food and drink manufacturers from the Russian market as a result of sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine is placing consumers at risk of illicit and potentially hazardous alcoholic beverages.

With restaurants in Russia already running short on spirits, there is concern that they could start to run out of popular western brands altogether in early September, driving up prices and potentially opening the door for criminals to start selling counterfeit versions, according to a report on the RIA Novosti news wire, as cited by news84media.com.

Global drinks company Diageo said in June is was winding down its operations in Russia, while others including Beam Suntory and beer producers Heineken and Carlsberg have also said they are exiting the market.