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In this article, we will discuss the 20 countries that export the most vodka. You can skip our detailed analysis of the global vodka market, the most popular vodka brand in the world, the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on the vodka market, and recent acquisitions in the vodka sector and go straight to 5 Countries that Export the Most Vodka.

One of the reasons vodka is so popular is its versatility. It can be mixed with almost anything to create cocktails and is very easy to infuse with different flavors. Moreover, as vodka does not require aging, it’s possible to produce large quantities of this highly sought-after spirit quite quickly. Both Poland and Russia claim to be the birthplace of vodka, but historians generally agree that it was first produced around 1400 AD in Northeastern Europe.

Vodka is one of the Most Consumed Alcohols in the World. As we discussed in our article – Top 20 Best Selling Vodka Brands in the World – the global vodka market was worth $25.98 billion in 2022 and it is predicted to rise to $40.25 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. This forecast is based on a report from Research and Markets.

Vodka-based ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages are seeing a surge in new product developments, which are expected to drive market growth. The all-natural flavored segment is predicted to experience the fastest growth rate, driven by an increase in demand for premium flavored vodka, particularly among millennials.

Smirnoff, the Best-Selling Vodka Brand in the World, sold an impressive 28.1 million 9-liter cases in 2022. The brand, founded in 1864, was the pioneer in using charcoal filtration in the distillation process.

In 1987, Smirnoff was bought by International Distillers and Vintners, and subsequently came under the ownership of Diageo plc (DEO). Despite its roots being in Moscow, Smirnoff is now manufactured in various countries such as the U.S., Canada, Italy, and more.

Diageo plc, which is also the owner of renowned vodka brands like Cîroc and Ketel One, is one of the Largest Alcohol Companies in the World in 2023.

The landscape of vodka consumption changed last year as the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine pushed vodka into the international spotlight. This has predictably resulted in Western consumers, retailers, and governments opting to ban and boycott Russian vodkas.

Western vodka brands with Russian-like names, such as the top-selling Smirnoff, have been quick to clarify that they do not actually originate from Russia. Instead, Smirnoff is owned by the colossal alcohol company, Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO).

The enduring conflict has also negatively impacted sales of several Ukrainian vodka brands, possibly due to the power cuts and bombardments. A large number of these brands have seen a double-digit reduction in sales in 2022. Nonetheless, with Russian vodkas largely absent from global shelves, a number of erstwhile lesser-known Ukrainian brands are stepping up to fill their place.

Nemiroff, a well-liked Ukrainian vodka brand, had to cease operations at its primary distillery for a month due to the Russian invasion and experienced a remarkable 57.4% dip in sales in 2022. Despite this, the brand has shown resilience and is now seeing a revival this year, including a doubling of sales in the U.K.

In June, it was revealed that the Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B) finalized a deal to sell its Finlandia vodka brand to Coca-Cola HBC AG for $220 million, with the sale officially closing in November. With around 2.6 million 9L cases sold in 2022, Finlandia was one of the best-selling brands in the portfolio of the Jack Daniel’s maker.

The popular vodka brand was acquired by Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B) from Altia Corp. in multiple phases, obtaining full ownership in 2004. Its sale was described as another step in the company’s long-term strategic ambition to premiumise its portfolio through brand innovation, acquisition, and divestiture.

The Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B) is placed among the Best Alcohol Stocks to Own According to Hedge Funds.

With that said, here are the Top Exporters of Vodka in 2023.

To collect data for this article, we have referred to the UN Comtrade Database, looking for the Highest Exporters of Vodka in the World. The following countries have been ranked by the total value of their vodka exports (HS Code 220860) in 2022.

Total Vodka Exports in 2022: $9.51 million

Vodka has been produced in Estonia since the late 1700’s and represents an important part of the local culture. This cultural orientation of the liquor changed to commerce with the introduction of a ferry service between Helsinki and Tallinn in 1968, and the so-called ‘vodka tourism’ began to appear. Today, approximately 15% of the total alcohol consumed in Finland is purchased in Tallinn area stores.

Viru Valge Vodka is the most popular vodka brand in Estonia and is known worldwide for its taste and excellent quality.

Total Vodka Exports in 2022: $11.85 million

Vodka in Australia is also following a trend seen in other markets around the world. Younger consumers aren’t interested in what their parents and grandparents drink, they’re moving away from dark spirits and opting instead for liquors that lend themselves to lighter, fresher cocktails.

Though The Land Down Under does not produce many big-name vodka products, its craft range is growing in popularity at home and abroad.

Total Vodka Exports in 2022: $14.91 million

Austria offers all the raw materials needed for the production of vodka, since potatoes and grain are available in abundance in the country, as well as pure spring water from the Austrian mountains.

More than 30 distilleries produce vodka in Austria and some of the popular brands include Edelweiss, NEFT, and OVAL etc.

Austria ranks among the Top Vodka Drinking Countries in the World.

Total Vodka Exports in 2022: $20.36 million

Vodka was the most consumed spirit in Canada in 2021 and 61.1% of drinking-age Canadians indicated having had the beverage during the year. Created entirely from the water drawn from the icebergs in Newfoundland, the Iceberg Vodka brand holds considerable popularity within the country.

The United States serves as the largest market for Canadian vodka, being responsible for more than 80% of the total vodka exports from the country.

Total Vodka Exports in 2022: $20.92 million

Recent years have witnessed an extraordinary transformation in the UAE, which has morphed into a major international hub for trade, travel, and entertainment. With a cosmopolitan population and a flourishing tourism sector, the demand for premium spirits, particularly vodka, has shown significant growth.

The UAE exports most of its vodka to India, Sri Lanka, and Kenya.

Total Vodka Exports in 2022: $21.54 million

Lithuania’s best known alcoholic product is its vodka, which is understandable considering the country was once a part of the Russian Empire and then the Soviet Union. There is a healthy domestic market for the popular spirit in the Baltic state, and a small number of brands are also exported. Lithuanian Vodka is a popular brand from the country.

Lithuania is counted among the Top Alcohol Drinking Countries in the World.

Total Vodka Exports in 2022: $24.52 million

Spain is better known for its fine wines, but some high-quality vodkas are also now being produced in the sunny Southwestern European country. Although the Spanish offerings do not have a deep-rooted tradition like vodka from other countries, several brands have begun to experiment with flavors and innovative production techniques to differentiate themselves in a competitive market. Handcrafted from unique Spanish tempranillo grapes, cereals, and pure water, R.I.P. is a pure, handcrafted 100% unfiltered vodka that fully captures the essence and unique taste of local raw materials.

Total Vodka Exports in 2022: $26.43 million

The port of Singapore is the second-busiest in the world, and considered the hub of entrepôt trade and a gateway to other Asian markets. The country imports a large amount of wine and spirits, which are then re-exported mainly to Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, China, Thailand, and Malaysia.

Singapore is the Country that Exports the Most Vodka in Asia.

Total Vodka Exports in 2022: $30.4 million

Belgium is known for its rich beer culture but the country has also developed into a top market for vodka, with the average Belgian consuming about 0.94 shots of the spirit every month.

OBEY is a premium vodka brand in the Western European country.

Belgium sits among Countries that Sell the Most Vodka.

Total Vodka Exports in 2022: $43.49 million

When Russia invaded Ukraine last year its vodkas were quickly removed from shelves around the world, giving an opportunity to rival Ukrainian brands to take their place. Changing their vodka-purchasing habits has been a popular way for Westerners to side with Ukraine in the ongoing war.

Total Vodka Exports in 2022: $68.47 million

Vodka is perhaps Finland’s national drink, with Finlandia being the best-known brand. The popular vodka is distributed in 135 countries worldwide and is widely associated with Finland on the international market.

The Nordic country exports most of its vodka to Moldova, India, and Russia.

Total Vodka Exports in 2022: $74.7 million

Although the UK is popular for its alluring whiskies, it has also emerged as one of the Top Vodka Exporting Countries recently.

Vodka has long been a staple in the UK’s drinking culture, with its versatile and clean taste making it a go-to choice for cocktails and mixed drinks. Britain was the world’s leading importer of Russian vodka in 2020, but the war is forcing the Brits to change their habits. The Treasury described that its 35% tariff on the spirit is aimed to ‘cause maximum harm to Putin’s war machine’.

With over $9.5 billion of spirits exports last year, the UK ranks among the Top 10 Leading Countries in Exports of Hard Liquor.

Total Vodka Exports in 2022: $88.88 million

German vodka embodies the precision and care characteristic of German craftsmanship and is a burgeoning segment of the spirits market, gaining recognition for its quality and unique attributes.

Kleiner Feigling is a top vodka brand from the European nation.

Total Vodka Exports in 2022: $98.12 million

Latvia is home to one of the Highest Quality Vodka Brands in the World. Due to the geopolitical tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Stolichnaya Vodka has officially changed its name to ‘Stoli’ outside of Russia. Stoli is produced in Latvia by the Luxembourg-based Stoli Group, controlled by the exiled Russian billionaire Yuri Shefler.

Altogether, more than 35 million bottles of Stoli are sold worldwide every year, with the biggest markets being the U.S., Canada, Chile, Austria, Greece, Israel, and Lebanon.

Total Vodka Exports in 2022: $121.87 million

Italy is among the countries where the best-selling vodka brand, Smirnoff, is produced and then distributed to 130 markets worldwide. Several locally produced vodka brands have also emerged in the Bel Paese recently, including Roberto Cavalli and VOGA.

Italy is among the Countries that Export the Most Vodka in Europe.

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