Exports to Africa and Asia drive significant growth

Russia's turkey meat exports experienced a substantial increase of 40% last year, reaching a record 40,000 tonnes. This growth was primarily fuelled by expanding sales to emerging markets in Africa and Asia, as highlighted by Anatoly Velmatov, executive director of the National Association of Turkey Producers, during an industry event in Moscow.

Growing Domestic and Export Markets

Turkey consumption within Russia reached 2.9 kg per capita in the previous year, with projections indicating a potential doubling over the next decade. Concurrently, domestic production rose by 3.5% to 453,000 tonnes, surpassing the broader poultry sector's growth of 2.3%. The export market has seen significant engagement with African and Asian countries, with Africa accounting for 38% and Asia 32.6% of shipments. Key African markets include Benin, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, and Angola, while Asian destinations comprise China, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.

Challenges in Production

Despite the robust demand, the industry's expansion is hindered by a shortage of hatching eggs, a vital component for production. Velmatov noted that if Russia could secure a reliable supply of breeding stock and continue sourcing additional eggs from foreign suppliers, the industry could potentially achieve its target output of 600,000-650,000 tonnes. However, persistent avian influenza outbreaks in key supplier countries have caused a global shortage of hatching eggs, leading to a 20% decline in imports to Russia in 2025.

Broader Poultry Sector Pressures

The broader Russian poultry industry faces challenges from a surge in imports, particularly low-cost chicken fillets from China, which have increased by 3,600% over the past three years. These imports are contributing to an oversupply and price volatility in the domestic market, further complicating the landscape for local producers.

In summary, while Russia's turkey meat sector is experiencing significant export growth, it faces challenges in production capacity and market competition. Addressing these issues will be crucial for sustaining and expanding the industry's success.

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