For the first time ever, a Lithuanian brand has been included in the prestigious “The Millionaires’ Club” ranking by Drinks International, a leading magazine analyzing the global spirits market. Stumbras Vodka secured 34th place worldwide in its category based on popularity. Even more impressively, it was recognized for remarkable growth, selling over one million 9-liter cases in a year – earning it third place among the world’s fastest-growing spirits brands.

“International expansion is at the core of our growth strategy. We are confident that Lithuanian-made products meet the highest global quality standards and are highly competitive. This is confirmed by both our foreign partners’ feedback and sales figures. Our team’s persistence and strong partnerships allow us to showcase the distinctive qualities of a Lithuanian product—qualities that trace all the way back to its roots at our factory in Kaunas,” says Dalia Gruzdzevičiūtė, Head of Brands Management Department at MV GROUP Production.

Stumbras Vodka was exported to 26 countries in 2024. According to Gruzdzevičiūtė, it’s no coincidence that active foreign expansion and growing sales paved the way for a Lithuanian product to enter The Millionaires’ Club, a publication that only ranks premium-quality spirits. The magazine features insights from globally recognized drink experts, independent reviewers, and industry leaders.

Each year, the Millionaires’ Club is compiled based on data collected from public company reports and direct inquiries to the world’s largest spirits producers. This is how a Lithuanian Stumbras Vodka found itself listed alongside global giants such as Grey Goose, Nemiroff, and Absolut. In the vodka category, the Lithuanian brand ranked 34th, and 140th overall among all global spirits brands.

According to Gruzdzevičiūtė, the breakthrough was driven by nearly 43% annual growth in international markets, outpacing even major players like Olmeca (a well-known tequila producer). A significant sales spike in Poland, where MV GROUP Distribution PL is expanding, played a key role. Sales also steadily increased across other foreign markets.

Overall, Stumbras Vodka ranked seventh among the fastest-growing spirits brands in the Millionaires’ Club, and an impressive third in the vodka category.

Drinks International, published since 1967, is the only magazine dedicated exclusively to the global spirits, wine, and beer industries. The English-language publication offers insights into brand evolution and industry trends, featuring in-depth editorial articles, business news, market reports, analyses, and expert commentary in every issue.