Where is Smirnoff vodka made?
PEOPLE are boycotting Russian vodka following the invasion of Ukraine.
But is Russian vodka actually produced in Russia? Here’s where your favourite tipple actually comes from…
Where is Smirnoff vodka made?
When thinking of vodka, Russia often springs to mind.
And it’s true, Smirnoff was originally produced by Pyotr Arsenievich Smirnov at a distillery in the Russian capital Moscow back in 1864.
But Smirnoff vodka is now owned by British drinks company Diageo, and is now made in distilleries both in Britain and all over the world.
The best-selling vodka in the world in 2014, Smirnoff is now distributed to around 130 countries, including United States, India, Brazil, Italy and the Philippines
And Smirnoff is not the only seemingly Russian vodka produced elsewhere.
Another popular brand, Stolichnaya vodka is produced in Latvia by SPI group which is run by Russian-born Yuri Shefler who now lives in the UK.
Similarly, popular luxury vodka brand Belvedere is made in Zyrardow, Poland.
Who makes Smirnoff vodka?
Diageo is one of the biggest beverage production companies in the world.
It was the biggest distiller in the world up until 2017 when it was overtaken by Chinese brand Kweichow Moutai.
The British beverage company is based in London and operates in more than 180 countries across Europe, North America, the Caribbean, Africa, Latin America and Asia.
Diageo brands include Smirnoff vodka, Guinness stout, Johnnie Walker and Bell’s whiskey, Captain Morgan’s rum, Baileys Irish cream, and Gordon’s gin.
During the coronavirus pandemic Diageo pledged to donate enough alcohol to make eight million bottles of hand sanitiser
Is Smirnoff Russian?
Smirnoff vodka was originally produced in Russia but is now owned by British beverage company Diageo.
It is no longer made in Russia.
A descendent of original Smirnoff distiller Pyotr Smirnov started producing Smirnov vodka in Russia during the 1990s, using the original recipe.
He claimed to be producing vodka more true to the Smirnov brand, but after a protracted legal battle, Smirnoff reclaimed its vodka trademark from Smirnov.
Diageo went on to strike a deal with Smirnov in 2006.
Diageo paid $50million for a 75% share of the Smirnov brand and business.