World meat industry news

Russians have not yet become big fans of plant-based meat and milk. On the one hand, sales began to grow in 2023. On the other hand, according to forecasts, even by 2030, only 3% and 5% of consumers will switch to these products. Stores are expanding their range, but prices are sky-high. For the same money, you can buy 4 times more regular marshmallows than completely plant-based ones. Shopper’s looked into what Russian vegans and vegetarians eat and why public catering is refusing plant-based alternatives.

Sales of alternative dairy products increased 15.5% in the 12 months to March 2024, NielsenIQ calculates. Sales of plant-based milk substitutes increased by 18.2%, liquid desserts by 16.2%, and cream by 1%. A year earlier, demand for such drinks was declining. Analysts explained this by a drop in Russians’ incomes and a reduction in retail supply.

Part of the target audience then left, and for those who remained it was more difficult to monitor their diet due to stress; someone decided to save, says Yulia Talanova, co-founder of the online vegan club Raw Vegan Club. People are probably feeling better now, both mentally and financially, she says.