Russia’s red caviar prices not expected to rise significantly, fish union says

A significant rise in red caviar prices in Russia is not expected by the end of the year despite the traditional pre-New Year surge in demand, the Russian Fish Union has stated.

The organisation stated that prices for red caviar have already reached around 20,000 roubles ($250) per kilogram due to a poor salmon fishing season in Russia’s Far East, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Further price movements will depend on the balance between supply and demand.

The Fish Union expects production of Far Eastern salmon caviar to total around 4,500 tonnes this year. Annual consumption is estimated at 10,000–15,000 tonnes.

Part of the demand is met by aquaculture, which produces around 800–1,200 tonnes of trout caviar annually, accounting for approximately 10% of annual consumption.

The market also offers more affordable alternatives, including pollock, herring and pike roe.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov