Wine industry and inclusivity: women in the Russian wine sector

Russian women in the wine industry During its eighth edition, wine2wine Business Forum 2021 dedicated part of its program to the theme of women in the Russian wine industry, entrusting Irina Fomina with the task of presenting some reflections on the role of the female figure within wine importing enterprises. Irina Fomina is the founder of an influential Russian importer whose portfolio includes major Italian brands such as Marchesi Antinori, Livio Felluga and Allegrini. Accompanied by Eleonora Scholes, one of Russia’s most authoritative wine journalists, Fomina provides an overview of a market that is increasingly open to and dependent on women, who occupy roles of increasing importance, especially in relation to commercial relationships with countries of interest, above all Italy The importance of the Russian market The particular importance of analysing Russia in more depth stems from the signifcant growth this market has experienced in recent years. Over the course of five years, Russia has climbed 23 positions to tenth place among the most attractive markets in the world for wine imports. The long-term trend shows that the volumes of wine consumed, both local and imported from abroad, have increased from just over 60,000 cases in 2015 to almost 100,000 in 2019. Per capita consumption also increased by 14.7 % between 2015 and 2019 and 18.3% between 2018 and 2019. While the share of wine arriving in the Russian market from abroad represents just 29% of the total consumed, Italy stands out among the major importing countries. Data from the first half of 2020 places il Bel Pease as the leader among Russia's supplier countries, with a market share of 27.27%. Irina Fomina After obtaining a PhD in International Economic Relations, Irina Fomina founded MBG - Moscow Business Group - in 1995, of which she is now president. In the following year she signed her first import contract with the famous Marchesi Antinori brand while in 2005, in partnership with the Novikov group and the Antinori family, she opened the Cantinetta Antinori restaurant in Moscow, one of the most famous Italian restaurants in the Russian capital. In 2007, Irina was awarded the rank of Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, the highest honor of the Italian Republic for her important contribution to the development of commercial and cultural cooperation between Italy and Russia. In 2019 she was also appointed Grand Officer of the Order of the Star of Italy in recognition of her work promoting Italian wine and lifestyle.