Growth Points of the Russian Dairy Products Market
Find out what 2023 was like for the Russian dairy industry and how those in the industry see the prospects for 2024.
The production of milk and dairy products in the main exporting countries recovered in 2023 compared to 2022, when a decline in global production was recorded. Russia was no exception. We will tell you whether this trend will continue in 2024 and what market participants' expectations are.
Russian Dairy Market: Key Indicators
Last year, Russia produced 33.5 million tons of milk, a 3.6% increase over 2022. Over the past five years, the Russian Federation has consistently grown its raw milk production. The Ministry of Agriculture reports that in 2023, Russia saw a 21% increase in cream production, a 16% increase in cheese production, and a 12% increase in ice cream production. However, the volume of cottage cheese production in 2023 decreased by 3.9% compared to 2022.
Russia produces almost 86% of its milk domestically. This data is provided by Lyudmila Manitskaya, Chairman of the Public Council at Rosselkhoznadzor, Chairman of the Council of the Dairy Union of Russia, and member of the ROSNG Expert Council. Therefore, the Russian dairy market is approaching the target of 90% domestic production set out in the Food Security Doctrine.
The volume of dairy imports to Russia in 2023 remained approximately at the level of 2022, with approximately 877 thousand tons of dairy products supplied to the Russian Federation. Belarus holds the leading position in imports, with a 94% market share, an increase of 5% from 2022.
In 2023, Russia exported 215 thousand tons of dairy products, a 9% increase over the previous year. The largest growth was seen in milk powder exports, which increased almost fivefold, followed by whey, for which exports doubled. Russia's main export markets for dairy products are China, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan.
Interesting fact – The average per capita consumption of milk and dairy products in Russia by the end of 2023 increased by 3%, reaching 249 kg. This is a record figure for the last 28 years. The data is provided by the analytical center Milknews and experts from Soyuzmoloko. Artem Belov, the general director of Soyuzmoloko, asserts that the growth of real disposable income among the Russian population is the primary reason for this trend. The Russian economy has adapted to the current geopolitical challenges, leading to an increase in wages (primarily in the real sector of the economy) and, consequently, an increase in demand for food products, including dairy products.
Growth Points
The current situation on the Russian dairy market can be characterized as balanced and stable. It is likely that this trend will continue throughout 2024. Furthermore, the authorities have extended all support measures for the dairy industry for the current year. In particular, the continuation of programs of preferential lending to producers will be important. The key rate of 16%, borrowed funds under market conditions becoming significantly less affordable for producers, hindering investments in development.
Another valuable initiative is the extension of the program of compensation of part of capital expenditures (SAREH) for dairy producers. This program provides market participants with an opportunity to invest in the development of production infrastructure. Moreover, this program applies to a wide range of companies, including dairy producers, livestock farms, and feed producers.
Experts at the National Milk Union are certain that the upward trend in milk and dairy product consumption in Russia will continue this year. They estimate that by the end of 2024, this indicator will have increased by about 3%. This is due to the stabilization of the economic situation and further growth of wages.
We anticipate further growth in exports of milk and dairy products from Russia in 2024. In 2023, exports were made to more than 60 countries, and we project that figure will reach even higher levels by the end of 2024. According to Artem Belov, Director of Soyuzmolok, Russian producers are currently pursuing new market opportunities in North Africa (Tunisia, Algeria) and Southeast Asia (Malaysia, the Philippines).
The demand for equipment for the dairy and packaging industries from Russian companies is growing. The launch of new enterprises, the modernization of existing ones, and an increase in production volumes are all opening up new prospects for related industries.
Why Exhibit at Dairytech
The Russian dairy market will continue to develop in the coming years, with a correspondingly high demand for equipment for milk processing and dairy production. The only international exhibition in Russia, DairyTech, will become a vital link between dairy producers and equipment manufacturers and suppliers.
The following statistics highlights the demand for this event. In 2024, the event attracted 163 companies and guests, with 3,976 industry specialists from 74 regions of Russia and 23 countries in attendance.
At the same time, 28% (1,023 people) represented companies working in the field of milk and dairy products, and 66% of visitors (2,386 people) hold managerial positions, including business owners and heads of industry divisions. This provides exhibiting companies with a unique opportunity to find new partners and conclude cooperation agreements directly at the event site.
You will be able to present your equipment, technologies and other solution for dairy industry at the 23rd International Exhibition of Equipment for Milk and Dairy Production DairyTech, which will be held from January 21 to 23, 2025 (Crocus Expo IEC, pavilion 1, hall 4, Moscow).
