economy
Deputy Prime Minister Patrushev Asked Putin to Allow Online Wine Sales. His Bank Manages Russia's Largest Winery.
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev proposed that Vladimir Putin reconsider draft laws on online sales of Russian wine through the "Russian Post" infrastructure and marketplaces, "Kommersant" reports, citing Patrushev's letter dated May 21. He also proposed legalizing the advertising of Russian wine at its production sites. Rosselkhozbank, associated with Patrushev, currently manages Russia's largest winery, "Kuban-Vino."
TL;DR
- Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev proposed reconsidering draft laws for online sales of Russian wine through "Russian Post" and marketplaces.
- The proposal also includes legalizing the advertising of Russian wine at its production locations.
- Rosselkhozbank, associated with Patrushev, currently manages Russia's largest winery, "Kuban-Vino."
- The government had previously submitted a bill for an online wine sales experiment in April 2023, but it was not considered.
- The proposed scheme would involve "Russian Post" storing wines and checking buyer age via the Unified Biometric System and Max messenger.
- "Russian Post" has stated its readiness to begin the experiment.
- Current Russian law largely prohibits alcohol advertising, with a separate bill to exempt Russian wines also unconsidered.
- Dmitry Patrushev's father is Nikolai Patrushev, a close associate of President Putin.
- "Kuban-Vino" was confiscated in spring 2024 from its former owners and is now managed by "RSKHB-Finance," a subsidiary of Rosselkhozbank.
- Several other wineries, including "Myskhako" and "Sauks-Dere," previously owned by a former regional deputy, have recently been transferred to Russian Federation ownership and may also end up within Rosselkhozbank's portfolio.