Crispbread market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The Russian crispbread market contracted from 28 172 t in 2018 to 25 584 t in 2020, against a backdrop of declining traditional bread consumption, geopolitical sanctions, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted temporary measures like allowing unpackaged bread sales.

A strong growth phase began in 2021, with the market reaching 32 612 t in 2021 and 36 642 t in 2022. This was propelled by import substitution policies, state subsidies to producers, and the expansion of regional bakeries and in-store mini-bakeries by retail chains. The introduction of mandatory labeling for snacks, including crispbread, from May 1, 2022, further structured the market.

Growth accelerated sharply to 55 472 t in 2023 and 67 449 t in 2024, supported by market recovery, sustained government support, and the development of new product segments like crispbread. Production rose to 72 625 t by 2025, reflecting the overall expansion of Russia's bakery sector.

Production crispbread in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, t

After two years of decline, Russia's crispbread production rebounded. In 2021, production reached 34 565 tonnes, representing a significant year-on-year increase of 26.8%. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 17.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 27 262 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 4.7% drop.

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

Exports crispbread from Russia

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Russia's crispbread exports experienced a decline. In 2021, export volume stood at 2 491 tonnes, showing a 7.6% decrease compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 16.4%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 5.2%. The peak export volume was reached in 2020 at 2 695 tonnes, with the largest increase occurring in 2019 at 19.0%.

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

During the 2018-2021 period, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Georgia formed the core export markets for Russian crispbread in volume terms. Belarus accounted for 43.9% of exports, Kazakhstan for 22.5%, and Georgia for 8.5%. Together, these three countries represented 74.9% of total export 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

Russia's crispbread exports in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, export value reached 6 178 thousand US dollars, showing minimal change from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 22.8%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 7.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 6 476 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase at 28.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 4.1% drop.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Georgia were the largest buyers of Russian crispbread in value terms. Belarus accounted for 43.6% of export value, Kazakhstan for 21.2%, and Georgia for 8.4%. Collectively, these three markets represented 73.3% of total 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 crispbread to Russia

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Russia imported 960 tonnes of crispbread, marking a gradual decline of 4.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 23%, corresponding to an annualized growth rate of 7.1%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 740 tonnes, while the highest was in 2020 at 1 008 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 5.2% drop, and the largest increase was in 2020 with 36.2% growth.

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

During the 2018-2021 period, Finland, Belarus, and Sweden were the principal suppliers of crispbread to Russia in volume terms. Finland accounted for 41.3% of imports, Belarus for 15.8%, and Sweden for 11.4%. Together, these three countries represented 68.5% of total import volume.

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

Russia's crispbread imports in value terms increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, import value totaled 3 500 thousand US dollars, showing a modest gain of 0.6% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 24.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 429 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline at 13.7%. The largest increase occurred in 2020 with 43.2% growth.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Finland, Belarus, and Germany consistently remained the main sources of crispbread imports to Russia in value terms. Finland accounted for 38.6% of import value, Belarus for 12.8%, and Germany for 12.1%. Collectively, these three countries represented 63.5% of total import value.

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

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