Pasta (Russian market)

2023

2% reduction in instant noodles to 185 kt

The production of instant noodles in Russia in 2023 decreased by 2% compared to the previous year and amounted to 185 thousand tons. This is evidenced by the data of the analytical company BusinessStat, which were released in September 2024.

According to the researchers, the production of instant noodles decreased largely due to interruptions in the supply of food additives, they affected both the volume of production and the offered range. The result of the interruptions was a decrease in demand for domestic noodles and an increase in demand for imported products, experts explained.

According to BusinesStat analysts, the production of instant noodles in Russia is "divided" between several large manufacturers, and it is very difficult for new players to enter the market with a product of their own production. This centralization of production in the hands of a small number of players, as well as the long shelf life of products, allows them to closely monitor the market and produce so many products that correspond to current demand, according to a study published in September 2024.

It also says that one of the main advantages of imported noodles is the presence of a large number of specific and even exotic options for Russians. Among the latest trends is the appearance of packages equipped with self-heating elements, which allows you to save even more time when preparing the product.

The commercial director of Mareven Food Santral, Natalia Popova , in a conversation with Kommersant, suggested that the production of instant noodles would begin to grow again, including in connection with the "turn to the East and the perception of such products as the basis for the diet of people of different social strata." 

Reduction in pasta production by 4.4% to 1.5 million tons

In 2023, about 1.5 million tons of pasta were produced in Russia. For comparison, a year earlier, the volume of production of these products was estimated at 1.57 million tons. Thus, there was a 4.4% drop, as stated in the BusinesStat study, the results of which were disclosed on February 15, 2024.

The report takes into account such types of products as vermicelli, noodles, pasta, feathers, horns, figured pasta, instant noodles, semi-finished products of pasta dough, funchosa, soba and other types of products made from non-traditional flour or from a mixture of different types of flour. The rating of leading players in the industry includes Agrocomplex JSC named after N.I. Tkachev, Mareven Food Santral LLC, Makfa JSC, Resource LLC and Soyuzpishcheprom Association LLC.

In 2019, 1.43 million tons of pasta were produced in Russia. In 2020, amid increased demand, output increased by 2.6% to 1.47 million tons. In 2021, production decreased by 1.3%, being at the level of 1.45 million tons. Factories faced a shortage of hard wheat and rising prices for it due to increased exports. In 2022, due to a decrease in household incomes due to the deteriorating geopolitical situation, the demand for pasta began to grow. As a result, their output rose by 8%. In 2023, production adjusted to the average level due to a decrease in consumer activity after rush demand.

The study also notes that, despite the difficult situation associated with the imposition of sanctions and the departure of a number of companies from the Russian market, the production of pasta in Russia was not significantly affected. The needs of the domestic market are almost completely met by domestic producers, and the share of imports does not exceed 5%.^[1]

2022: Sales growth of instant noodles by 5.1% to 174,000 units

At the end of 2022, 174 thousand tons of instant noodles were sold in Russia, which is 5.1% more than a year earlier. In previous years, market size has also grown, according to a study that BusinesStat analysts published in December 2023.

According to experts, the negative perception of instant food in Russia is gradually disappearing. This is partly due to the growth in the quality of the products - if earlier the composition of the noodle bag was quite poor and included only a small bag with the simplest spices, and the noodle package itself was a package, today manufacturers are trying to either use natural ingredients, or achieve maximum similarity with them both in taste and appearance. Product packaging is also transformed. "Classic" package packaging is still in use, but cardboard or plastic boxes are widely used with it, which they try to make as convenient as possible for consumers, the researchers note.

They also named another factor contributing to the growing popularity of instant noodles - the active fascination of many Eastern Russians, in particular Korean and Japanese culture, in which noodles are an important component. The range of eastern noodles produced in Russia is also growing, as well as simplifying and accelerating trade relations between the countries.

Analysts add that along with crowding out the negative reputation, buyers are increasingly paying attention to the functionality of instant noodles. The long shelf life, rich taste and ease of preparation of the product make it useful on trips and in the absence of the ability to prepare food by traditional methods. Quick cooking is also important - the ability to save time in the conditions of accelerated modern life is also a good competitive advantage of the product.^[2]

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