Russia entered the top 5 global producers of raw materials for crab sticks
Russian fishermen have increased production of pollock surimi - the raw material for the production of crab sticks and other globally popular fish semi-finished products - by 47%. By the end of 2024, its output in the country reached 70.8 thousand tons against 47.5 thousand tons produced a year earlier. Thus, Russia has entered the top 5 world leaders in the production of this product, the Association of Pollock Producers (ADM) told Izvestia on January 21.
"In six years, Russian fishermen have increased their share in the global surimi market from 0 to 7%, while in the wild fish segment this figure is significantly higher - 25%. In 2024, we produced 70.8 thousand tons of pollock surimi," explained Alexey Buglak, president of the association.
According to him, while all countries were reducing the output of surimi, Russian fishermen, on the contrary, were increasing it. In 2024, the country's output increased by 47%. The USA, Russia's main competitor, reduced its pollock surimi production by 13%, to 170.5 thousand tons. Major players - the countries of Southeast Asia - reduced output by a total of 5%, to 318 thousand tons. These countries produce cheaper products from aquaculture fish. The total global production of surimi of all types in 2024 decreased by 4% to 905 thousand tons. Russia has firmly established itself among the world leaders in surimi production.
According to the expert, Russia produces high-quality surimi from fresh pollock catches. Now it is produced by seven fishing vessels and three coastal plants. Marine production accounts for the bulk of output, but onshore processing showed a higher growth rate last year. Mint remains the main fish of the country. At the end of the year, its catch amounted to 1.99 million tons, keeping the Russian fish in the world leadership.
"The rapid growth of production in the country made it possible to completely cover the demand of the domestic market for raw materials for crab sticks and other surimi products. Now 90% of this product is produced from domestic quality raw materials from fresh wild fish. Although previously the entire volume of crab sticks on Russian shelves was produced from imported surimi, mainly from fish grown in Asia. Russia is actively increasing its share in the world market," Buglak summarized.
Earlier, on January 15, German Zverev, president of the All-Russian Association of Fishery Enterprises, Entrepreneurs and Exporters (VARPE), told Izvestia that Russian fishermen have stated their desire to expand cooperation with Vietnam. According to him, the country has significant capacities for the production of fish fillets and meat. In terms of exports of these products, Vietnam and China will be almost equal in 2024.
