Caviar market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the Russian caviar market volume reached 72.7 t, partly supported by import supplies. Black caviar production grew, aided by the emergence of new product segments and assortment expansion. By 2019, however, market volume dropped to 53.9 t due to reduced imports amid the initial impact of international sanctions. At the same time, production continued to increase, reaching 51.8 t, thanks to the entry of new players and production expansion. In 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the market recovered to 68.0 t, and production rose to 57.6 t, as tightened control over product quality and origin supported consumer demand.

In 2021, the tightening of EU and US sanctions banned imports of black caviar from Russia, which stimulated export activation to regions such as the UAE and boosted domestic consumption. Market volume increased to 77.9 t, and production to 65.3 t. In 2022, sanctions completely halted exports to far-abroad countries, and a 30% decline in inbound tourism reduced sales in restaurants and duty-free, leading to a market volume drop to 65.5 t. Sturgeon caviar production, however, grew by 10%, and red caviar sales in retail chains increased, stabilizing overall production at 64.3 t. By 2023, the market grew to 84.8 t, and production to 71.7 t, as nearly all output went to the domestic market due to a 46% decline in salmon caviar exports. The moratorium on industrial sturgeon fishing accelerated the shift to farm-based cultivation.

In 2024, market volume reached 107.8 t, and production 90.2 t, as the export ban on black caviar to far-abroad countries redirected all products to the domestic market, and black caviar sales in Russia more than doubled. A 3% growth in sturgeon caviar production over three quarters and the absence of red caviar shortage despite lower salmon catches supported this rise. In 2025, production slightly decreased to 89.2 t, indicating stabilization after rapid growth.

Production caviar in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, kg

Caviar production in Russia has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Russia produced 65 300 kg of caviar, marking a strong gain of 13.3% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 58%, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2018-2021, kg

Exports caviar from Russia

Exports in kind, kg

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export volumes bottomed out in 2020 and peaked in 2021, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 4.2 times. In 2021, caviar exports from Russia reached 11 885 kg, representing a steep advance of 322.9% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 2 810 kg, and the largest decline occurred in 2020, at 63.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021, kg

The data for 2018 to 2021 indicate that exports in kind of caviar from Russia were not concentrated on a few key destinations. Turkmenistan accounted for 22.7% of exports in kind, Kazakhstan for 7.4%, and Singapore for 5.3%, jointly representing only 35.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. A 3.6-fold variation was observed between the minimum in 2020 and the maximum in 2019. In 2021, Russia exported 1 529 K $ US of caviar, indicating an increase of 117.8% year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 702 K $ US, while the maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 2 500 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2020, at 71.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2018 to 2021, the partner structure for exports in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. Singapore accounted for 8.5% of exports in value terms, Kazakhstan for 7.0%, and Belarus for 3.2%, jointly representing 18.7% of total flows. Many other countries accounted for the remaining 81.3%.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021

Imports caviar to Russia

Imports in kind, kg

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019, while the highest occurred in 2021, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.4 times. In 2021, caviar deliveries to Russia came to 24 177 kg, representing a sudden uptick of 83.7% year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 10 035 kg, and the largest decline occurred in 2019, at 55.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021, kg

In 2018 to 2021, China, Armenia, and Italy remained the principal suppliers of caviar to Russia. China accounted for 62.7% of imports in kind, Armenia for 9.3%, and Italy for 9.1%, jointly accounting for 81.1% of total imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. From the low in 2020 to the high in 2018, volumes varied 2.2 times. In 2021, imported caviar volumes to Russia amounted to 4 128 K $ US, showing a steep uptick of 79.9% compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 2 294 K $ US, and the largest decline occurred in 2019, at 50.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2018 to 2021, three main markets — China, Italy, and Belarus — together absorbed 80.1% of total imports in value terms of caviar to Russia.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021