The Brewers Association Export Development Program received funds from USDA’s Emerging Markets Program earlier this year in order to commission a research study examining the Russian craft beer market. A few U.S. craft breweries are already exporting to Russia, and there has been recent activity within Russia’s own craft beer industry with breweries opening more frequently and expanding rapidly.

The BA retained Crisp Consulting Ltd., a marketing firm in Russia, to explore the market further. The Russia report is now available to BA Export Development Program members. It contains an executive summary and details on export opportunities and challenges, consumption, logistics, trade partners, competition, the regulatory environment and more. The study identifies the Russian market as promising over the long-term, but notes that there is limited awareness of craft beer in the market. Based on these results, the EDP will focus on educating Russian trade and media about the U.S. craft beer industry and proper storage practices. We are currently planning our 2018 activities and are considering activities in Russia.

Contact Mark Snyder for more information on the BA Export Development Program and the Russia Market Study.