Sales of semi-finished fish and seafood products in online retail increased by 13%

Russian retailers and manufacturers are expanding the range of semi-finished fish products, and consumers are increasing purchases. The market volume in the country has exceeded 30 billion rubles, the growth rate in this segment remains double-digit, and the margin is more than 20%. This was announced on March 31 by German Zverev, President of the All-Russian Association of Fisheries Enterprises, Entrepreneurs and Exporters (VARPE).

"High demand for Ready-to-eat and Ready-tocook fish products is a global trend, and the Russian market is following a path that other markets followed a quarter of a century ago. So far, the share of the "semi-finished products" category in the Russian fish basket is 3.5%, but it is one of the fastest growing. Despite the general stagnation in sales of fish products after growth in 2024-2025, sales of semi—finished products continue to grow both in volume and in money," said Zverev.

According to the NTech analytical agency, in 2025, sales of semi-finished fish and seafood products in online retail increased by 13% in physical terms, while total sales of fish products decreased by 2%. The semi-finished fish segment is growing at an accelerated pace not only in comparison with the generalized fish category, but also with the food market as a whole (food sales in online retail increased by 1.9% in volume in 2025).

According to NTech estimates, last year Russians bought 35.8 thousand tons of semi-finished fish products in online retail for 20.7 billion rubles.

"The e-com sector is becoming an important channel for the sale of semi-finished products, especially marketplaces, online gastronomic boutiques and online platforms of manufacturers who are increasingly working directly with consumers. Plus, the high demand for fish semi-finished products stimulates catering, primarily in the segments of Asian cuisine and fast food," concluded Zverev.

According to the expert, the potential of the semi—finished fish products market in Russia is now only partially revealed, but more and more manufacturers and retailers are going beyond the traditional formats of breaded products, cutlets and dumplings. He noted that frozen paella, kebabs and mussels in various sauces, fish popcorn, soup preparations, and tataki can be found on Russian shelves. The expert called it a good trend and a clear indicator of the category's relevance.

According to him, expanding the range of semi-finished products that are easy to prepare and favorably reveal the taste and benefits of seafood dishes may become one of the main drivers of fish consumption growth.

Demand for Russian fish is growing in Europe despite the sanctions. And here's why

In early February, it was reported that in 2025, pollock supplies to the Russian market reached a record, amounting to 271 thousand tons, which is 7% more than in 2024. The Association of Pollock Miners (ADM) noted that since 2013, the volume of supplies has increased almost 4.5 times, and this is due not only to sanctions, but also to the development of domestic demand.

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