Deep-processed fish products production, 2017-2024

The production of the main deep-processed fish products (frozen fish fillets and minced fish, fish meal) in 2024 exceeded half a million tons (529.7 thousand tons), which is 9.4% higher than the 2023 figure, according to Rosstat data analyzed by the Fishery Shipowners Association (FSA).

Over the past seven years, the production of such products has doubled (from 265.4 thousand tons). The growth by 2023 was achieved against the backdrop of a 4.1% decrease in overall fish production (from 4.44 million tons to 4.25 million tons).

Production of deep-processed fish products in 2017-2024, thousand tons

The largest increase is in the production of minced fish. It was achieved due to surimi, the production of which began in the country in 2021 and is actively growing every year. In 2024, the total production of frozen minced fish amounted to 103.3 thousand tons (including 70.8 thousand tons of surimi), which is 17% higher than the previous year and almost 4 times more than in 2020 (before the start of surimi production). Russian producers plan to more than double surimi production by 2028, to 163 thousand tons.

The production of frozen fish fillets amounted to 232.8 thousand tons in 2024, an increase of 5% compared to 2023. Fillet production returned to the growth phase after a decline in 2023. At the same time, the record figure of 2022, when almost 260 thousand tons of fish fillets were produced, has not yet been reached, which is due to the continuing effect of sanctions, tariffs and other restrictions in export markets.

Increasing the production of fish fillets and minced meat is one of the ways to increase domestic consumption of fish products, since it is these fish products, practically semi-finished products that do not require complex cutting, that are in demand by the modern consumer. The FSA also proposes to expand the menu of state and municipal catering (in schools, in medical institutions, in law enforcement agencies) using such products.

Another product of deep fish processing - fish meal - demonstrates annual stable growth. Its production in 2024 amounted to 193.5 thousand tons, which is 11.2% higher than the 2023 figure. And over the past seven years, production has almost doubled (from 100 thousand tons in 2017).

The growth in the production of fish fillets, minced meat and flour ensures the development of processing at new facilities - coastal enterprises and processing vessels that have been and are being built within the framework of investment quotas. At the same time, the continuing effect of unfriendly restrictions on foreign markets restrains the growth rate and necessitates support for investors in the development of processing.