Ovechkin to Launch His Own Beer Brand in Russia
The NHL star is teaming up with a brewer built from Heineken’s former Russian assets to produce the OVI beer range.
Alexander Ovechkin, a star player for the Washington Capitals, intends to launch his own beer brand in Russia. The OVI range will be produced by Bochkarev Breweries, a company owned by Arnest, a group that has rapidly expanded by acquiring the Russian businesses of Western companies. The beer will include a classic lager, a lower-alcohol version, and an alcohol-free option, priced at around 100 rubles per can.
Ovechkin, known for his support of President Vladimir Putin, commented that he has long desired to create a beer he would enjoy. Bochkarev Breweries, part of the Arnest group, was formed after the company acquired Heineken's Russian assets in 2023. Arnest's expansion has included the purchase of aluminum packaging plants, Unilever's Russian assets, and Heineken's Russian business.
Ovechkin's venture into the beer industry follows criticism over his political activities, including a video he posted supporting Russia's ruling party in September.
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