Russian reports 16% increase in dairy exports to new markets

RUSSIA – According to the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, Russia’s dairy industry is experiencing strong growth in export markets, with overseas sales rising by 16 per cent since the start of the year.

This positive trend follows an 18 per cent increase in the value of dairy exports throughout the previous year.

The Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, Oksana Lut, highlighted the success of the sector and explored opportunities for further expansion.

The primary export destinations for Russian dairy products remain within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), along with significant sales to Uzbekistan and China. However, producers are actively exploring new markets to diversify their reach and increase export volumes.

 In particular, the exports of dry milk whey increased the most, by 37 per cent, followed by ice cream with a 23 per cent increase, fermented milk products with an 18 per cent increase, and cheese and cottage cheese with an 18 per cent increase.

Efforts are also underway to expand the number of countries open to receiving Russian dairy products and to broaden the range of products eligible for export, paving the way for continued growth in the sector.

Russia’s dairy sector sees 3% growth in raw milk production

In 2024, the country also experienced notable growth in its dairy sector, with raw milk production increasing by 3% to reach 13.2 million tonnes in the first half of 2024, according to Soyuzmoloko, a leading dairy industry association. 

According to the report, the positive trend showed an upward trajectory across various segments of the Russian dairy market, which had previously displayed mixed results.

Cream production surged by 23% to 146,500 tonnes, while cottage cheese output rose by 9% to 334,500 tonnes. 

Additionally, yogurt production climbed by 13% to 330,600 tonnes, and the ice cream sector expanded by 14%, reaching 260,300 tonnes. 

Other categories, such as sour cream and kefir, recorded modest growth of 2% and 1%, respectively, while cheese products saw a slight increase of 1% to 85,000 tonnes. 

Artem Belov, general director of Soyuzmoloko, highlighted the role of stable raw milk prices throughout 2023 in supporting the industry. 

“Despite rising prices in other food sectors, such as a 61.4% increase in egg prices, dairy products have helped mitigate overall food cost inflation,” he said. 

Subscribe to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa, the Middle East and around the world. SUBSCRIBE HERE