Kazakhstan’s ice cream output rises 47.4% to 35,100 tonnes in first half of 2026
Kazakhstan produced 35,100 tonnes of ice cream in the first half of 2026, up 47.4% year on year. Exports increased faster than imports, supported by shipments to Russia and Kyrgyzstan and new production capacity in the Almaty region.
Production outpaces domestic market growth
Kazakhstan produced 35,100 tonnes of ice cream in the first half of 2026, an increase of 47.4% from the same period of 2025, Azh.kz reported, citing the Ministry of Agriculture. The ministry based its assessment on data from the Bureau of National Statistics and industry analysts.
The domestic market expanded by 41.2% to 31,900 tonnes. Production therefore grew faster than local market capacity, while imports increased at a substantially slower rate. The figures indicate that Kazakh processors are capturing more of the additional demand and simultaneously increasing the volume available for foreign markets.
The Ministry of Agriculture linked the rise in output partly to the launch of a new production complex in the Almaty region. The facility has capacity to manufacture as much as 350 tonnes of products per day. Its commissioning gives the industry additional room to serve seasonal domestic demand and expand shipments to nearby markets.
Exports exceed imports by more than 1.6 times
During January-May 2026, Kazakhstan exported 8,343 tonnes of ice cream, 38.5% more than in the corresponding period of 2025. Imports reached 5,145 tonnes, rising by 7.1%. Exports consequently exceeded imports by more than 1.6 times, underlining the growing role of regional sales in the industry’s expansion.
Russia remained the largest buyer, taking 5,748 tonnes, or almost 69% of Kazakhstan’s total ice cream exports. Shipments to Russia increased by 39.6%. Kyrgyzstan ranked second with 2,019 tonnes, up 46.7%. Kazakhstan also shipped 498 tonnes to Uzbekistan, 53 tonnes to Tajikistan, 17 tonnes to Mongolia and eight tonnes to Azerbaijan.
Trade remains concentrated in neighboring Eurasian markets, where proximity supports refrigerated logistics and established distribution channels. The Ministry of Agriculture said work was also under way to expand supplies to China, although regulatory and logistical issues still need to be resolved before that market can become a significant destination.
One producer dominates exports
Russia and Kyrgyzstan were also Kazakhstan’s main sources of imported ice cream, supplying 2,250 tonnes and 2,073 tonnes respectively. Together, they accounted for more than 84% of imports. Supplies from Belarus increased by 118%, while imports from Uzbekistan rose by 78.9%, although the source did not provide their absolute volumes.
Shin-Line accounts for about half of Kazakhstan’s ice cream market and as much as 95% of exports, according to the ministry. That concentration means the company’s production and sales decisions have a major influence on national output and trade figures. The new capacity can strengthen Kazakhstan’s position as a regional supplier, but export growth remains heavily dependent on demand in Russia and Kyrgyzstan and on one dominant producer.
