In 2023, the vodka industry showed impressive resilience. While many high-volume spirit categories saw stagnant or declining sales, vodka brands managed to stay strong. Euromonitor International reported a slight increase in the vodka market, from 341.5 million nine-liter cases in 2022 to 345 million in 2023. This growth indicates a renewed interest in vodka, driven by trends like lower-alcohol-by-volume (ABV) options, ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, and natural flavors.
In the United States, vodka-based RTDs are particularly popular, even outpacing tequila RTDs. This renewed interest is reflected in the performance of the world’s biggest vodka brands. The provided top-10 list ranks the leading vodka brands by volume for 2023, based on data from The Brand Champions 2024 report.
The top-selling vodka brands 2023
2023: 3.4m cases
2022: 2.4m cases
Growth: 41.7%
The Ukrainian vodka brand Nemiroff faced significant hurdles in 2022, largely due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Despite these challenges, the brand made a remarkable recovery in 2023, achieving Vodka Brand Champion status.
With a growth of 1 million cases, Nemiroff reached 3.4 million cases in 2023, marking a 41.7% increase from the previous year. This impressive comeback is attributed to their expansion into new markets and the introduction of ultra-premium vodka Lex by Nemiroff.
Nemiroff’s bold strategies and resilience played key roles in its success, making it a standout in the competitive vodka market.
Elevate your gatherings with premium spirits from Rock Market Beverage
Our curated selection features the finest whiskies, vodkas, rums, and more, perfect for any occasion. Discover unique flavors and exclusive brands that will impress your guests and enhance your celebrations. Experience the best in spirits today
2023: 4.2m cases
2022: 3.9m cases
Annual Growth: 7.2%
After a dip in 2022, Pyat Ozer – produced by Alcohol Siberia Group – saw a resurgence. The brand bounced back to surpass the four-million-case threshold, reaching 4.2 million cases in 2023. This marks the brand’s best performance since 2019, demonstrating a significant rebound. Pyat Ozer’s recovery has been notable after falling below the four-million mark the previous year. This increase highlights the brand’s resilience and ability to regain market share.
2023 Sales: 4.2 million cases
2022 Sales: 4.1 million cases
Percentage Change: 2.7%
Rank Last Year: 10
Soplica, a Polish vodka brand now owned by Maspex Group, experienced a 2.7% increase in sales, recording 4.2 million cases in 2023. This growth marks a positive shift, although the brand’s sales volume remains slightly below its peak of 4.3 million cases in 2020.
Grey Goose, a renowned French vodka, consistently ranks high in global popularity. Using French winter wheat from Picardy and spring water from Gensac-la-Pallue, Grey Goose produces a smooth and refined spirit. The brand’s various flavors, such as vanilla and pear, cater to diverse tastes.
In 2023, Grey Goose vodka maintained its sales volume at 4.2 million units, the same as in 2022. This stability highlights the brand’s enduring appeal. Recent innovations, including a bottled Martini and an ultra-premium vodka distilled at subfreezing temperatures, show Grey Goose’s commitment to quality. The vodka often presents a neutral profile with subtle citrusy and citrus notes, adding to its versatility.
Żoładkowa, a Polish vodka owned by Stock Spirits, showed a promising recovery in 2023. After experiencing a double-digit decline, the brand increased its sales volume. In 2022, it sold 4.2 million cases, and this number rose to 4.4 million cases in 2023, marking a 4.5% growth. Despite past setbacks, Żoładkowa made it onto the list of the biggest-selling vodka brands last year, securing the eighth position.
Arkhangelskaya, owned by Novabev, has been a standout performer since its debut in 2015. This vodka brand reached the million-case mark in 2019 and continued to grow significantly. In 2023, Arkhangelskaya sold 4.4 million cases, which is an 11.0% increase from 2022’s 4.0 million cases.
Here’s a quick snapshot:
Year | Cases Sold (millions) |
2019 | 1.6 |
2022 | 4.0 |
2023 | 4.4 |
This consistent growth highlights its strong market presence.
Magic Moments, a popular vodka brand from India, achieved significant growth in 2023. The brand saw a substantial increase in sales volume, rising by 29.2% compared to 2022. This growth brought their total to 6.2 million cases, up from 4.8 million the previous year. Ranked seventh last year, Magic Moments continues its impressive trend of consistent annual growth since 2020.
Żubrówka, a renowned Polish vodka, experienced notable changes in recent times. In 2023, the brand’s sales dropped to 9.5 million from 10.5 million in 2022, reflecting a 9.3% decrease. This decline marked the lowest volume sales for the vodka in five years. However, the brand did not rest; it introduced a lower-ABV range called Fresh Żu late in 2023.
In early 2024, Żubrówka unveiled a new slogan and modernized design for its Bison Grass and Biała expressions. Under the ownership of the Maspex Group, acquired from Roust, these updates signal a strong intent to revitalize the brand and regain market growth through innovative changes.
Craving a perfect brew?
Rock Market Beverage offers an extensive beer collection featuring craft, imported, and local favorites. Whether you’re a fan of IPAs, stouts, or lagers, we have something to satisfy every beer lover’s palate. Find your next favorite beer now. Drop by our store to discover our diverse and exciting beer selection.
In 2023, Absolut Vodka experienced an 8.1% decline in sales, dropping to 11.9 million cases from the previous year’s 13.0 million. Despite this setback, the brand maintained activity through collaborations and new product offerings. Notably, Absolut partnered with singer Olly Alexander and ventured into the ready-to-drink (RTD) market alongside Sprite.
This year, the brand has introduced innovative flavors, including honey-flavored vodka, as well as two RTD cocktails. Should these new launches appeal to consumers, Absolut has the potential to regain its growth trajectory in 2024. The company, known for its creativity, continues to be a significant player in the global vodka market.
Smirnoff, known for its grain-based production, remains the top vodka brand by volume despite a challenging year. In 2023, Smirnoff reported a 7.7% drop in sales, bringing its volume down to 26 million cases. This decline marked a decrease from its 2022 sales of 28.1 million cases.
Owned by Diageo, Smirnoff faced a difficult market environment in 2023. Despite this, the brand’s outlook for the future remains promising. With strategic marketing initiatives and new product launches, there is potential for growth in 2024 and 2025.
Key Information:
Smirnoff continues to be a staple in many cocktails, including the classic Moscow Mule, and its flagship product, Smirnoff No. 21, is widely recognized for its smooth taste.
What are the global rankings for best-selling vodka brands?
The rankings for the best-selling vodka brands globally often include brands like Absolut, Smirnoff, and Grey Goose. These brands are recognized for their widespread availability and consistent quality. Smirnoff consistently ranks high due to its international distribution and affordability.
Which vodka brand leads sales in the United States?
In the United States, the top-selling vodka brand is often Smirnoff. This brand is well-known for its classic flavors and various product lines that appeal to a broad audience. Other popular brands in the U.S. market include Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Grey Goose. For more information on top U.S. brands, check out this VinePair article.
What are the characteristics of a premium vodka brand?
Premium vodka brands are characterized by their smooth taste, high-quality ingredients, and meticulous distillation process. Brands like Grey Goose and Belvedere often use high-grade materials like winter wheat or rye. Their distillation processes ensure a refined finish with minimal impurities, giving the vodka a balanced and clean taste. More insights can be found here.
What factors contribute to the popularity of the top vodka brands?
Several factors contribute to the popularity of vodka brands, including marketing campaigns, flavor variety, and brand legacy. For instance, Grey Goose was one of the first to market itself as ultra-premium and has built a strong brand identity. Consumer trust and a reputation for quality also play crucial roles.
How has the list of best-selling vodka brands changed over the last five years?
Over the past five years, the list of best-selling vodka brands has seen some shifts due to changes in consumer preferences and emerging brands. Traditional brands like Absolut and Smirnoff remain popular, while newer brands like Deep Eddy have gained traction. Variations in flavor offerings and marketing strategies have also influenced these changes.
What criteria define the top shelf vodka brands?
Top shelf vodka brands are typically defined by their smoothness, purity, and premium ingredients. These brands undergo multiple distillations and filtrations to achieve a clean taste.
Packaging also plays a role. Elegant and sophisticated designs that convey luxury are important. Brands such as Grey Goose stand out in these aspects.