Major vodka brand returns to U.S. after bankruptcy

14 Nov 2026, 14:47 · The Fresno Bee

After a costly bankruptcy, a debilitating cyberattack, and years of business challenges, Stoli is making another push into the U.S. spirits market.

The comeback comes as the vodka category faces declining sales and the spirits industry adjusts to changing consumer demand.

In 2025, U.S. vodka supplier revenue totaled approximately $7 billion, down 3% from the previous year, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (DISCUS). Despite the decline, vodka remained the country’s largest spirits category by revenue. Sales volume also fell 2.2% to 72.5 million nine-liter cases, highlighting the challenges Stoli faces as it works to rebuild its U.S. business.

Founded in 1997 by entrepreneur Yuri Shefler, SPI Group developed into an international spirits business built around the Stolichnaya vodka brand. Stoli Group was established in 2013 as the division responsible for managing, marketing, and distributing SPI Group’s global spirits portfolio.

The vodka brand traces its origins to the Soviet Union, with 1938 commonly cited as the year its original recipe was developed. Today, Stoli Group’s portfolio includes premium spirits, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages sold in more than 95 countries.

Stoli returns to the U.S. after bankruptcy

Stoli Group is resuming its U.S. market operations following a comprehensive settlement with creditors, according to a company announcement.

The agreement, involving Stoli Group (USA), resolves disputes over distribution rights and addresses outstanding inventory and financial obligations, the company said. The settlement clears the way for Stoli to resume supplying products to the U.S. distributors and retailers.

“The company is moving forward with a renewed focus on growth, supported by longstanding distribution partnerships, inventory already positioned in the country and an expanded portfolio of spirits brands,” Stoli said in its announcement.

However, the U.S. bankruptcy proceedings were still active as of Nov. 13. On Nov. 6, the bankruptcy court approved a global settlement involving the Chapter 11 trustee and the official committee of unsecured creditors, along with a separate asset sale. The trustee subsequently filed an executed asset purchase agreement on Nov. 11.

The distinction is important because the settlement represents a significant step toward resolving the company’s financial and distribution challenges, but does not mean the bankruptcy case itself has been formally closed.

The return does not mean Stoli products will be available nationwide immediately. The company said sales will resume in participating markets as it works with existing and prospective distribution partners.

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Stoli expands its U.S. distribution strategy

Stoli has partnered with MHW, Ltd., which will serve as its importer of record. The company is also working with established wholesale partners, including Empire Merchants in New York and Johnson Brothers, while discussing additional distribution agreements.

The company already has inventory in a U.S. customs bonded warehouse, which it says will help support distributor orders and product availability as sales resume.

“The U.S. has always been an important market for Stoli, and we’re eager to share that Stoli is back and better than ever,” said Stoli Chief Commercial Officer Marina Troyanovskaya in the announcement.

“Our products are already here, we have longstanding partners who know our brands, and we’re focused on reconnecting with consumers across the country.”

Alongside its existing Stoli Vodka and elit Vodka products, the company is expanding its U.S. lineup with five additional brands: Moskovskaya vodka, Rooster Rojo and KAH tequilas, The Irishman and Writers’ Tears Irish whiskeys. Its portfolio also includes Bayou Rum, which is introducing updated products, packaging, and pricing.

Stoli is also exploring U.S. production of flavored Stoli vodkas and Stoli Ginger Beer, a non-alcoholic mixer. However, the company has not announced a confirmed production timeline.

The expanded lineup gives Stoli an opportunity to diversify its U.S. business beyond vodka and reach consumers across several spirits categories. Whether that broader portfolio can help the company regain market share will depend in part on distribution coverage and consumer demand.

Stoli’s financial struggles and business challenges

Stoli Group USA and its Kentucky Owl American whiskey subsidiary filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas on Nov. 27, 2024. The companies reported approximately $84 million in debt, according to court filings.

The bankruptcy followed several years of financial and operational challenges. In court filings, the companies cited softer demand for alcohol and spirits products, higher costs and inflation, disputes with lenders, and the financial effects of a rebranding effort following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

A ransomware attack in August 2024 added to the company’s difficulties. The incident disrupted Stoli’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) and accounting systems, forcing employees to handle many operations manually and making it difficult to provide lenders with the required financial reporting, Reuters reported.

The disruption contributed to financial pressure on the U.S. businesses as lenders restricted financing and the movement or sale of inventory.

Stoli has also faced a prolonged dispute with the Russian government over ownership of the Stolichnaya and Moskovskaya vodka trademarks. Russian President Vladimir Putin issued an executive order in March 2000 calling for the restoration and protection of state rights in trademarks that had been privatized during the 1990s, according to bankruptcy court filings.

The dispute continued for years across multiple jurisdictions. The Russian government also seized the brand’s remaining distilleries in the country, according to the bankruptcy filing.

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Despite those challenges, Stoli is now attempting to rebuild its U.S. presence through renewed distribution agreements and a wider product lineup. While the settlement and renewed distribution agreements give Stoli a path back into the U.S. market, rebuilding its business will depend on its ability to restore relationships with retailers, secure broader distribution, and attract consumers in an increasingly competitive spirits industry.

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This story was originally published November 14, 2026 at 6:47 AM.