Cross-border Trafficking of Mayonnaise Uncovered
Expansion in Mayonnaise Production Fueled by Growing Exports in Russia
In 2025, Russia's mayonnaise production is projected to surpass 929 thousand tons, signifying a 4.5% year-on-year growth—almost double the increase seen in 2024. This surge in production is primarily attributed to the rise in exports to post-Soviet and Asian countries, along with the development of the ready-to-eat market within Russia.
According to the consulting agency OleoScope, the escalation in mayonnaise production is expected to be driven primarily by increased exports. Major players in the Russian mayonnaise market, "Essen Production AG" and "Rusagro," did not respond to "Kommersant's" questions regarding production growth.
The escalating exports are attributed to the competitive pricing and enhanced fat content of Russian mayonnaise in comparison to European alternatives. In 2025, it is projected that Russian companies will export 135 thousand tons of mayonnaise products, marking a 12.5% year-on-year increase.
Post-Soviet countries such as Kazakhstan, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia account for 85% of Russia's mayonnaise exports. The remaining 15% are allocated to Asian markets.
Mayonnaise consumption in Russia remains relatively stable, with an average of 5 kg per person yearly, according to Andrei Kucherov. However, there is a shift in preference towards sauce-based products rather than traditional mayonnaise.
Retail sales of mayonnaise decreased by 3.5% year-on-year between April 2024 and the end of March 2025, while table sauces experienced a 3.6% increase during the same period. This trend reflects a preference for ready-to-eat food, which is contributing to an increase in mayonnaise and sauce consumption.
The mayonnaise production sector remains profitable, with an estimated average profitability of 15%, according to OleoScope. Despite the profitability, the sector is not considered socially significant, allowing the price of mayonnaise to increase proportionately with its cost.
The growing production of mayonnaise in Russia has the potential to stimulate the development of the foodservice segment and the construction of central kitchens. In addition, the rise in mayonnaise and sauce consumption is attributed to the growth in ready-to-eat food.
Enrichment Data (Relevance: High): Following increasing demand in neighboring countries, the export of mayonnaise and other sauces from Russia has become substantial, reaching approximately 150 thousand tons in 2024. This trend suggests that Russia's mayonnaise industry is benefiting from regional demand, providing additional market opportunities. The main buyers of food products, including processed goods like sauces, are typically neighboring countries. This regional demand can play a crucial role in influencing production levels in the mayonnaise sector.
- The growth in the Russian mayonnaise industry, driven by increased exports, could expand into other business sectors such as finance, particularly in the food-and-drink industry, as increased production and exports may lead to higher profits.
- As global cuisines continue to diversify and cross borders, the rising demand for mayonnaise in post-Soviet and Asian countries signifies a potential opportunity for Russian businesses to explore the cooking and lifestyle sectors, with an emphasis on the development of unique and competitively priced mayonnaise products.
- The burgeoning ready-to-eat market within Russia and the increasing consumption of mayonnaise and sauces are indicative of broader societal trends, with a shift towards convenience and global cuisines, which may have implications for the lifestyle sector, encouraging businesses to focus on the production and distribution of ready-made food solutions.
