The key facts
- Krasnoye & Beloye will cut single deliveries by 70–75%, to no more than a third of a truck at a time
- The chain explains the logistics revision by reducing stock at distribution centers
- Sources link the changes to the threat of UAV attacks; the company does not confirm this
The chain is cutting single delivery batches
The Krasnoye & Beloye alcohol retail chain has decided to cut by 70–75% the volume of goods accepted per delivery: the company is now ready to unload no more than a third of a truck at a time. Kommersant reports this citing sources in the food market. The chain itself confirmed a revision of its logistics system, explaining it by a desire to reduce product stock at distribution centers. Suppliers are being asked to deliver goods in smaller but significantly more frequent batches; in the retailer's view, this will speed up the delivery of food and alcohol to stores.
Link to the drone threat and a dispute over agreements
The publication's sources link the changes to the company's attempt to protect itself from possible losses in the event of UAV attacks. Back in late July, suppliers were offered an agreement exempting the chain from liability for damage to or destruction of goods as a result of shell hits, drone strikes, or air defense operations. The document was later withdrawn, with a promise to revise the terms taking partners' comments into account. However, according to sources, manufacturers still have to choose between signing such an agreement and switching to more frequent shipments. Krasnoye & Beloye denies this and states that the question of concluding additional contracts is no longer being raised.
Market reaction and context
Rusprodsoyuz Executive Director Dmitry Vostrikov warned that the new scheme will significantly increase manufacturers' transport costs and will in fact shift part of the retail chain's risks onto them. A representative of one large food company considers cutting batches a common market practice, though he acknowledges the inevitable rise in costs. According to Kommersant, other major retailers have not yet resorted to such measures. It was previously reported that the largest Russian alcohol retail chains, including Krasnoye & Beloye, Bristol, Vinlab, and Aromatny Mir, have begun reducing the number of stores amid falling alcohol sales, rising prices, and tightening regional restrictions. According to Rosalkogoltabakkontrol, in the first eight months of 2026 alcohol sales fell by 2% compared with the same period last year, and the number of small independent stores fell by almost 8% over the year.
