Latvia’s legal alcohol consumption dropped during the first seven months of 2026, driven by steep declines in flavored drinks and traditional spirits according to data released for the period. Total alcohol released for consumption dropped to 32.452 million liters between January and July 2026, down from the totals recorded during the first seven months of 2025.
Category-Wide Volume Declines in Spirits and Wine
Traditional beverage categories saw broad downward adjustments across the board. Wine volumes fell 7.8% to 7.168 million liters during the seven-month stretch. Vodka volumes decreased by 4.7% to 5.799 million liters. Cognac and brandy imports and distribution dropped 12.8% to 1.324 million liters, while whiskey volumes fell 4.7% to 1.275 million liters. Other fermented drinks, excluding beer and grape wine, dipped 2.5% to 7.199 million liters. Sparkling wine remained nearly flat, dropping just 0.2% to 3.127 million liters.
The sharpest losses hit flavored and fortified beverages. Alcoholic cocktail volumes crashed by 32.4% down to 1.329 million liters. Fortified wines suffered an even steeper drop, falling 45.1% to 390,580 liters.
Growth Categories Counter Market Trends
Not all sectors contracted during the period. Liqueur consumption grew by 5.7% to reach 845,370 liters. Meanwhile, the combined category containing rum, tequila, products from Latvijas Balzams, and other spirits expanded by 12.4% to reach 3.997 million liters.
| Beverage Category | Volume (2026) | Change vs. Prior Period |
|---|---|---|
| Fortified Wines | 390,580 liters | -45.1% |
| Alcoholic Cocktails | 1.329 million liters | -32.4% |
| Cognac and Brandy | 1.324 million liters | -12.8% |
| Wine | 7.168 million liters | -7.8% |
| Vodka | 5.799 million liters | -4.7% |
| Whiskey | 1.275 million liters | -4.7% |
| Other Fermented Drinks | 7.199 million liters | -2.5% |
| Sparkling Wine | 3.127 million liters | -0.2% |
| Liqueurs | 845,370 liters | +5.7% |
| Rum, Tequila, and Latvian Balsam Group | 3.997 million liters | +12.4% |