Russia: Crisis sparks demand for cheaper poultry

Per capita total red meat consumption in Russia since the start of the year decreased by 7 kg to 56 kg, which is the lowest figures in the past 3 years, suggests a new study carried out by analysts of Discovery Research Group.

“With the beginning of the crisis the food ration of Russian consumers has changed. Instead of more expensive beef and pork, Russians are buying cheaper poultry meat,” said Sergey Yushin, the head of the executive committee of the National Meat Association. “In this regard the per capita meat consumption in the country this year will decline below the 60 kg mark,” Yushin said.

Currently meat products are more popular in Russia compared to meat. According to analysts, one of the reasons of such a trend is closely related with the present situation in the local society and a decrease of purchasing power of the Russian consumers. Analysts predict that the production of budget meat products in the country will continue to increase, with a need to reduce the production costs.

Since 1990, the share of meat products in the country’s meat market has increased from 35% in 1990 to 60% in 2008.

By Evegen Vorotnikov