The expert predicted the costs for the regions due to the introduction of GOST for ice cream

For small regional enterprises, the production of ice cream according to the new GOST may be associated with increased costs, while manufacturers with a technological base will receive the greatest advantages in the new standards. Alexey Govyrin, a State Duma deputy and member of the Committee on Small and medium-sized enterprises, told Izvestia about this on March 13.

According to the expert, the new GOST for ice cream will have a significant impact on the market in 2026 and 2027, as the transition to the new standard will be gradual. The main innovation of the new GOST is the separation of ice cream into non-enriched and enriched. This includes the possibility of adding milk proteins, vitamins, micro- and macronutrients, dietary fiber, as well as probiotics and prebiotics.

"The greatest advantages will be gained by manufacturers who at the same time have a strong position in the classical segment, their own laboratory and technological base for launching enriched lines and export infrastructure," he said.

As Govyrin emphasized, for small regional producers, innovations can mean increased costs, especially if they decide to produce fortified ice cream. Despite this, the growing share of regional second-tier companies gives them the opportunity to compete through premium brands and farm-produced ice cream.

"As for exports, the standard is able to push it, but rather as an auxiliary tool. In the first 9 months of 2025, Russian ice cream exports exceeded $67 million and 16 thousand tons with shipments to more than 50 countries. A single and more modern standard simplifies the product description in export specifications, but does not replace the requirements of the importing country, logistics and veterinary and sanitary permits," said Govyrin.

He concluded that a massive price increase due to the updated GOST is not expected, although possible price increases are observed in premium and functional lines.

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The document will strengthen quality control from raw materials to bottles.

Ahmed Yusupov, an economist and partner at the Goldman Energy communications agency, said on March 11 that the new GOST regulating the production of "green" fruits is voluntary and forms a separate segment of products labeled "Green Standard" on the market. He noted that this approach would not change the structure of the entire fruit market, but would create an additional niche for producers willing to invest in eco-friendly technologies.

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