Turkey Market in Russia: A Rapidly Expanding Sector
The Russian turkey meat market has experienced impressive growth, with exports soaring by 40% last year to a record high of 40,000 tonnes. This surge has been largely driven by increased demand from African and Asian markets, as highlighted by Anatoly Velmatov, the executive director of the National Association of Turkey Producers, during a recent industry event in Moscow.
Domestic Growth and Rising Consumption
Russia’s domestic turkey production has also been on the rise, increasing by 3.5% to reach 453,000 tonnes, surpassing the overall poultry sector’s growth of 2.3% in 2025. Turkey consumption per capita reached 2.9 kg last year and is expected to double over the next decade, according to Velmatov.
The focus on exports has shifted towards emerging markets, with African destinations such as Benin, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, and Angola accounting for significant portions of sales. Concurrently, Asian markets including China, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Malaysia are also becoming key players in the export landscape.
In neighboring countries, Russian turkey has successfully competed against traditional meats like beef, with a similar trend being observed domestically, where the consumption of beef and lamb has decreased while turkey demand continues to rise.
Challenges from Hatching Egg Shortages
Despite the positive outlook, the industry’s growth is hampered by a shortage of hatching eggs, a vital component for production. Velmatov pointed out that if Russia could reliably provide sufficient breeding stock and continue sourcing from foreign suppliers, the production could potentially reach the targeted output of 600,000-650,000 tonnes this year.
However, ongoing outbreaks of avian influenza and other serious diseases in countries such as those in the European Union, the UK, Canada, and the US have contributed to a global shortage of hatching eggs. In 2025, imports into Russia fell nearly 20% from the previous year, totaling 15 million eggs—a stark decline of about 40% compared to 2023 levels. The sector also faces growing labor shortages and rising operational costs, adding to the challenges.
Poultry Sector Under Pressure
Looking at the broader poultry industry, Russia is dealing with pressure resulting from an influx of imports, particularly low-cost chicken fillets from China. In the past three years, imports from China have skyrocketed by 3,600%, according to official statistics. These inexpensive frozen fillets are increasingly replacing alternative types of meat in the domestic processing sector, leading to oversupply and price volatility.
In conclusion, while the turkey market in Russia appears to be on a promising trajectory with growing domestic production and rising consumption, it is also grappling with significant challenges. Ensuring sustainable growth will require addressing the shortage of hatching eggs and managing the impact of increasing imports on the domestic market.
