Kazakhstan Sets Record for Ice Cream Exports, Reaching Unprecedented Peak Levels
Kazakhstan's ice cream exports have reached a record-breaking 9,800 tons from January to November 2024, marking the highest volume of ice cream exports for the country since 2002. This significant increase of 70% compared to the same period in 2023 can be attributed primarily to Kazakhstan's efforts to diversify its agricultural production and innovate locally distinctive ice cream flavors.
The country has introduced ice cream varieties flavored with traditional dairy products such as Kurt, Tara, and Balkaymak, which have been presented in Almaty. This product differentiation likely boosted export appeal by offering unique, culturally authentic flavors that can differentiate Kazakhstan's ice cream in international markets.
Other supporting factors for the strong export growth include the growing global demand for premium and artisanal ice cream variants, as seen in regions such as North America. Kazakhstan's focus on distinctive traditional flavors fits this broader trend. Additionally, improvements in dairy supply and production underpinning quality ice cream manufacturing, supported by regional initiatives to increase crop yields and dairy outputs, could also contribute to export growth.
However, the domestic market for ice cream in Kazakhstan has seen a decrease of 10% compared to the same period in the previous year. The exact reasons for this decrease in production, imports, and domestic availability are not specified. Simultaneously, the production of ice cream in Kazakhstan for the period January to November 2024 decreased by 3% to 49,400 tons, while imports of ice cream decreased by 3% to 12,500 tons.
Interestingly, Russian ice cream imports nearly doubled compared to the same period in the previous year, although no specific figures for this increase were provided in the data.
These figures were reported by Data Hub's press service on Jan. 21, 2025, with no new figures or updates reported since then. The main factors contributing to the strong export growth are Kazakhstan's introduction of culturally unique ice cream flavors and its broader agricultural diversification efforts aimed at increasing production efficiency and output quality.
The increased exports of ice cream in Kazakhstan, reaching a record 9,800 tons from January to November 2024, not only signifies a growth in its business sector but also contributes to an enhancement of Kazakhstan's lifestyle, offering unique food-and-drink choices on global markets. This growth can be attributed to the country's focused efforts in agricultural diversification and innovation, resulting in distinctively flavored ice cream based on traditional dairy products like Kurt, Tara, and Balkaymak.
