Cream market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, cream production in Russia increased from 150.3 thousand tons to 238.1 thousand tons. This growth was initially supported by rising real incomes, which boosted demand for cosmetic products. Manufacturers expanded their assortments, introducing new items like hand creams, whose demand rose due to hygiene practices. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further stimulated hand cream production as consumers washed hands more frequently and used sanitizers.

In the 2021-2022 period, production continued to expand, reaching 315.4 thousand tons in 2022 despite economic headwinds. Sanctions and the exit of foreign brands from the Russian market created opportunities for domestic manufacturers. Government support for small and medium-sized businesses facilitated the entry of new players and increased output. Additionally, the surge in online sales became a key driver, allowing brands to reach consumers directly.

By 2023-2024, cream production peaked at 365.8 thousand tons in 2024 before a modest decline in 2025. The market continued to shift towards skincare products like hand creams, while demand for decorative cosmetics softened. Currency depreciation and inflation affected costs, but the development of localized production and new marketing strategies helped sustain volumes.

Production cream in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Russia's cream production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 238.1 thousand tons of cream, representing a significant 22.2% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 58.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 16.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports cream from Russia

Exports in kind, t

Cream exports from Russia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Russia exported 7 466 tons of cream, marking a substantial 10.4% rise from the year before. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 68%, with an average annual growth rate of 18.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan remained the top buyers of Russian cream by volume. Belarus accounted for 39.6% of exports, Kazakhstan for 34.2%, and Kyrgyzstan for 12.0%. Together, these three countries made up 85.8% of Russia's total cream exports in kind.

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, M $ US

Russia's cream exports have risen in value for the third year running. In 2021, exports reached 15.5 million US dollars, a 15.1% increase compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, export value grew by 82%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 22.1%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan were the main buyers of Russian cream by value. Belarus represented 40.3% of exports, Kazakhstan 35.0%, and Kyrgyzstan 9.4%. Collectively, these countries accounted for 84.7% of Russia's total cream export value.

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

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

Imports cream to Russia

Imports in kind, t

Russia's cream imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 31 655 tons, down 1.4% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 22.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.0%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 42 605 tons, which saw a 64.8% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 24.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Belarus and Iran dominated Russia's cream imports by volume, together accounting for 99.4% 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, M $ US

The market showed volatility during these years. In 2019, imports reached their peak at 109.0 million US dollars, while the lowest value was recorded in 2018, resulting in a 1.8-fold difference between these years. In 2021, imported cream volumes in Russia amounted to 75.9 million US dollars, up 5.9% from 2020. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 77.4%, and the largest decline was in 2020 at 34.3%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Russia's cream imports in value terms were highly concentrated, with Belarus and Iran jointly making up 99.7% of total import flows.

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

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