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Russian poultry groups are increasingly relying on halal certification to enhance their exports. They aim to tap into the growing demand for halal food in international markets, particularly in countries like Malaysia, the CIS region, the Customs Union, and the Middle East.
Cherkizovo Group, Russia’s largest meat producer, anticipates receiving approval this year to export poultry and livestock products to Malaysia, where there is a significant demand for halal products. The company also aims to expand its halal exports to other regions, such as the CIS countries, the Customs Union, and the Middle East.
During an industry conference in Kazan, Sergey Levin, the Russian deputy agricultural minister, highlighted that Russia witnessed a 24% increase in halal food exports in 2022 compared to the previous year.
Despite Russia being a neighboring country and a reliable producer of halal products, Natalya Bartnovskaya, the director of the foreign economy department at Cherkizovo’s trade house, noted that Russian poultry meat only accounts for 8% of consumption and 35% of imports in the CIS countries and the Customs Union, where Muslim consumption patterns prevail. Bartnovskaya emphasized the need for recognition of Russian halal products by certification bodies in these regions to facilitate increased exports.
Bartnovskaya also expressed confidence in the potential for Russian exporters to strengthen their position in markets like Saudi Arabia in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, as well as various Asian markets. She mentioned the possibility of expanding the export of branded halal products.
Cherkizovo Group experienced significant growth in halal exports in 2022, with 11,500 tonnes compared to 3,500 tonnes in 2021. The company produces halal products at six production sites, all of which possess halal certifications for compliance with standards in several Middle Eastern countries. These facilities employ Muslim workers for manual poultry slaughter.
Cherkizovo Group’s halal product portfolio includes brands like Latifa, Dajajti, and Krasnobor. The Krasnobor brand, specifically tailored for Muslim countries, began exporting halal turkey meat to retail stores in Saudi Arabia in 2022.
