Frozen potatoes market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The Russian frozen potato market began a period of strong growth in 2018, fundamentally reshaped by the launch of major domestic production facilities. The commissioning of the Lam Weston Belaya Dacha plant and a new factory in the Lipetsk region with a capacity of up to 100 тыс. т provided a massive immediate boost to output, causing production to jump from 44.5 тыс. т to 72.5 тыс. т in a single year. This expansion continued despite the industry's ongoing structural dependence on imported high-quality seed potatoes and raw material.

Growth accelerated significantly from 2021, driven by robust demand from the HoReCa (food service) sector, which accounts for about 80% of consumption. The market dynamics were further transformed in 2022 by Western sanctions and the consequent weakening of the ruble, which raised the cost of imported inputs but simultaneously accelerated import substitution and boosted domestic manufacturing. This period also saw the exit of foreign competitors like Poland's Hortex and the announcement of major new investment projects, such as plans by Miratorg and the fast-food chain 'Vkusno – i Tochka' to build a large factory for frozen fries and potato wedges.

The upward trajectory in both production and market volume continued through the end of the period. By 2025, production had soared to 264.7 тыс. т, reflecting the sustained expansion of domestic manufacturing capacity that more than tripled the output level recorded in 2018.

Production frozen potatoes in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Russia ranked sixth globally in frozen potato production.

Top producers of frozen potatoes, 2018-2021

World map of production of frozen potatoes, 2018-2021

Russia's frozen potato production grew for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 106.9 thousand tons, marking a significant 30.5% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production surged by 140.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 33.9%.

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

Exports frozen potatoes from Russia

Exports in kind, t

The market showed considerable volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2021 at 170 tons, down 64.2% from 2020, while the peak occurred in 2020 at 474 tons. This represents a 2.8-fold difference between the highest and lowest levels. The largest year-on-year increase was recorded in 2020 at 102.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Belarus were the main buyers of Russian frozen potatoes, accounting for 81.6% of total exports by volume. Kazakhstan led with 68.6%, followed by Ukraine at 8.4% and Belarus at 4.6%.

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

Market performance exhibited notable fluctuations over this period. Exports hit a low in 2020 at 105 thousand US dollars and a high in 2018, with a 2.9-fold difference between these extremes. In 2021, exports rose to 216 thousand US dollars, a 104.6% increase from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2020, dropping by 52.6%.

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

During 2018-2021, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Belarus were the largest buyers of Russian frozen potatoes by value, together comprising 72.2% of total exports. Kazakhstan accounted for 51.2%, Ukraine for 13.0%, and Belarus for 7.9%.

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

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

Imports frozen potatoes to Russia

Imports in kind, t

The market experienced significant volatility in these years. Imports fell to their lowest in 2020 at 173 tons and peaked in 2018, with a 50-fold variation between these levels. In 2021, imports increased to 326 tons, up 88.7% from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 88.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belarus dominated Russia's frozen potato imports by volume, holding 96.5% of the total.

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

Market performance showed marked fluctuations during this period. Imports reached a low in 2020 at 90 thousand US dollars and a high in 2018, varying 19-fold between these points. In 2021, imports grew to 159 thousand US dollars, a 75.7% increase from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 80.0%.

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

Over 2018-2021, Belarus accounted for 88.2% of Russia's frozen potato imports by value, with the remainder distributed among various smaller markets.

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

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