ANALYSTS PREDICT A REDUCTION IN THE PRODUCTION OF CANNED FISH IN RUSSIA

Analysts predict a reduction in the production of canned fish in Russia. According to the ‘Analysis of the Market for Canned Fish and Seafood in Russia’ prepared by BusinesStat in 2022, their sales in the country grew by an average of 6.3% per year in 2017-2019 and reached 336 thousand tonnes in 2019.

The increase in sales was ensured by the development of the production base in the country, which made it possible to restrain the rise in prices in the market. In addition, manufacturers actively expanded the range of products, which also had a positive impact on sales

The coronavirus pandemic led to a reduction in sales of canned fish and seafood in Russia in 2020 by 0.9% to 333 thousand tonnes. On the eve of and during the self-isolation regime, large retail chains noted a multiple increase in sales of canned food due to their long shelf life. As the epidemiological situation recovers, the rush demand for products purchased for the future began to wane. However, at the end of 2020, retail sales of canned fish and preserves still turned out to be higher than the level of the previous year. At the same time, in the public sector and in catering establishments, due to the imposed restrictions, sales decreased. This influenced the cumulative dynamics in 2020 and led to a decrease in sales of canned and preserved fish and seafood by 0.9% at the end of the year.

In 2021, sales slightly increased and at the end of the year amounted to 335 thousand tons. In 2020-2021, the most significant increase in prices for canned and preserved fish and seafood in Russia was observed in 2020-2021, which negatively affected sales.

More than 90% of the market volume is occupied by domestic products. Import directly does not have a significant impact on the market. However, with the introduction of anti-Russian sanctions in 2022, a problem arose with the tin containers necessary for the production of canned products.

Previously, tinplate, from which food cans are made, as well as ready-made containers, were imported to Russia from China, Japan and the EU, and domestic production occupied only a small share in this segment. In May 2022, representatives of the Federal Agency for Fishery notified that the supply of tinplate to Russia had decreased, and the price of the metal had seriously jumped. All this leads to an increase in the cost of canned products, as well as to a reduction in its output.

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