Vegetable oil (Russian market)

Vegetable Oil (Global Market)

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2025

Reduction in fat and fat production by 7% to 14.4 million tons

Oil and fat production in Russia decreased by 7% in 2025 and amounted to 14 million tons against 15 million tons in 2024. The output of vegetable oils, spreads and animal fats has decreased. This is reported in a study prepared by BusinesStat in February 2026.

The main impact on the overall production picture was a 12% drop in sunflower oil output relative to the 2024 level. This happened against the background of stable sales growth in previous years. The key factor in the decline in sunflower oil production in 2025 was unfavorable agroclimatic conditions.

The leading producers of oil and fat products in Russia are:

• "Aston ";
• "Cargill";
• Company "Agrocomplex" named after N.I.Tkevva;
• "MEZ South of Russia";
• "Kurskagroterminal."

Spring frosts in the southern regions of Russia, where sunflower production is concentrated, led to damage to seedlings and a decrease in the area of ​ ​ productive crops. A prolonged drought followed in the summer, causing a significant drop in crop yields. Climate anomalies have become the main reason for the reduction in the raw material base.

In addition to reducing yields, the quality of raw materials has deteriorated. A decrease in the oiliness of sunflower seeds to 41-45% was recorded with a standard indicator of 46%. This led to a reduction in the yield of finished products at the processing stage. A lower oil content in the seeds required processing more raw materials to obtain the same amount of production.

A prolonged summer drought has swept the main sunflower growing regions. Krasnodar Territory, Rostov Region, Stavropol Territory recorded a shortage of precipitation. The critical period of crop formation fell on the peak of dry conditions. The lack of sufficient soil moisture reduced the mass of seeds.^[1]

In the Orenburg region for ₽15 billion launched a new plant for the production of vegetable oil

In November 2025, Aaston commissioned a new plant for the production of vegetable oil in the city of Buzuluk, Orenburg Region. The volume of investments in the project is ₽15 billion. The company became the most powerful in the structure of the company with production capacities of more than 660 thousand tons of oilseeds per year. Read more here.

A new rapeseed processing plant was built in the Krasnoyarsk Territory for ₽1,12 billion

A rapeseed processing plant built for ₽1,12 billion is being commissioned in Achinsk. The project is being implemented by the Barnaul Food Group and the Achinsk Tex JSC on the territory of the former grain receiving plant. This was reported by the press service of the Corporation for the Development of Yenisei Siberia in November 2025. Read more here

The production of vegetable oils in Russia for the year decreased by 7% to 9.47 million tons

According to the results of the agricultural season from September 2024 to August 2025, the production of the main types of vegetable oils in Russia amounted to 9.47 million tons, having decreased by 7% compared to the same period last year due to a sharp drop in sunflower oil production and a loss of producers' motivation for export supplies. The total volume of oilseeds processing decreased by 5.7% to 26.3 million tons. Data presented by the analytical company OleoScope on September 1, 2025.

According to Kommersant, the main factor in the decline was the fall in sunflower oil output by 11% to 6.94 million tons. According to the Center for Price Indices, the production of sunflower oil amounted to 7.2 million tons, which also demonstrates the negative dynamics of the industry.

The volume of vegetable oil production for the year in Russia decreased by 7%, amounting to 9.47 million tons.

The decline in sunflower oil production occurred against the background of a fall in exports by 11% to 4.72 million tons over a 12-month period. In monetary terms, foreign deliveries in January-July 2025 amounted to $2.9 billion, an increase of 3% to the level of 2024.

Ilya Ilyushin, head of Agroexport, called India, Turkey and China the key buyers of Russian sunflower oil. Geographical diversification of exports partially compensated for the decline in physical volumes of supplies due to rising prices in the global market.

Mikhail Maltsev, executive director of the Fat and Oil Union, said that the economy of processing sunflower for export at the beginning of 2025 went into a negative zone of profitability. Dmitry Krasnov, Managing Director of the Competence Center at Reksoft Consulting, pointed to a critical level of unprofitability in February 2025, when profitability was minus 20%.

Negative factors for the industry included an increase in the cost of sunflower seeds, stagnation of world prices for finished products, strengthening of the Russian ruble and current export duties. According to Sovekon, the average cost of sunflower as of August 20, 2025 amounted to ₽35,4 thousand per ton, an increase of 12.3% compared to 2024.^[2]

2024

The volume of the Russian avocado oil market for the year soared by 47.3% and reached ₽1,3 billion

The avocado oil market in Russia in 2024 in value terms amounted to ₽1,34 billion, which is 47.3% more than in 2023. The market expanded in value terms not only due to physical growth in volumes, but also against the background of rising prices for avocado oil, primarily for cold-pressed products and unrefined varieties. This was reported by Gidmarket on December 30, 2025.

Over the five-year period from 2020 to 2024, the avocado oil market in Russia increased 2.3 times. This indicates the formation of sustainable demand and the gradual strengthening of the category. Avocado oil is used not only in the food industry and the HoReCa segment, but also in cosmetology, pharmaceuticals, the production of dietary supplements and products for a healthy lifestyle.

In 2020, the market volume was ₽579,8 million. A significant jump was recorded in 2021, when the figure increased by 51.5% to ₽878,2 million. This growth was due to a significant expansion of imports. The weakening of pandemic (we are talking about the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic) restrictions, the restoration of international logistics and the intensification of foreign trade activities contributed to the return of foreign suppliers to the Russian market.

In 2022, the market showed a decrease of 9.6% to ₽794,2 million. The main reason was a sharp reduction in imports due to a violation of the usual supply chains. However, already in 2023, the market again switched to growth by 14.9% to ₽912,4 million. In 2024, the growth rate accelerated to 47.3%.

The avocado oil market in Russia is represented by a combination of domestic producers and foreign companies supplying products directly or through distribution networks. Russian players form the basis of domestic production, while imports provide a wide range and presence of premium brands.

The main domestic companies participating in the avocado oil market in 2024:

• Oleos LLC;
• LLC "PC" Health Tastes "(" Dial-Export ")";
• Altaria LLC;
• LLC "Victoria" ("Oil King").^[3]

Palm oil imports to Russia for the year decreased to 795 thousand tons.

At the end of 2024, the import of palm oil into Russia reached the minimum indicator over the past ten years, amounting to 795 thousand tons. The reduction in import volumes has been observed for the third year in a row. This is evidenced by the data of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries, which TAdviser got acquainted with in December 2025.

Palm oil imports to the Russian Federation began to decline in 2022, and in 2024 decreased by 4.2%. More than 70% of all supplies to Russia were provided by Indonesia. In 2024, 570.3 thousand tons of palm oil worth $538.2 million were purchased from this country. In physical terms (by weight), imports from Indonesia increased by 12%, and in value terms - by 21%. Malaysia in 2024 supplied palm oil to Russia for $15.2 million, which exceeds the 2023 figure of $6.7 million.

Palm oil imports to Russia fell to 795 thousand tons at the end of 2024.

Russia, which does not produce its own palm oil, in 2024 ranked eighth in the world in terms of imports of this product with a share of 1.7% in world imports, RIA Novosti reports. The world's largest palm oil importers were India (19%), the European Union (10.7%) and China (10%).

The Vedomosti newspaper reports that the Russian government sent an official response to the State Duma decree issued in October 2025 to restrict the use of palm oil. The response argues that evidence of the harmful effects of palm oil on children's health has not been identified.

This government finding is based on the 2019 European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) report, as well as the 2024 World Health Organization (WHO) review.

As noted by "Reedus," on the territory of Russia there are legislative restrictions on the use of palm oil. Its use is prohibited in institutions organizing baby food. In dairy products and ice cream, the use of vegetable fats, including palm oil, without appropriate labeling is prohibited.

For lack of information about the presence of palm oil in the product, administrative fines are provided. The issue of the possible introduction of excise taxes on palm oil can only be considered taking into account a comprehensive analysis of the market situation. Such an analysis should include import volumes, supply channels, product applications, as well as pricing policies for both the oil itself and products with its content.^[4][5][6][7]

Sesame oil production in Russia for the year decreased by 7% to 192.6 tons

In 2024, the volume of sesame oil production in Russia decreased to 192.6 tons. The drop was 6.8% compared to 2023. This is evidenced by the data of the analytical company Alto Consulting Group, released in October 2025.

The Central Federal District retained its leadership in the production of sesame oil. It accounted for 51% of the total output. The largest processing enterprises of the industry are concentrated in the region.

Over the year, the volume of sesame oil production in Russia decreased by 7%, amounting to 192.6 tons

The decrease in production is due to the limited availability of high-quality raw materials. The increase in the cost of logistics and transportation also affected. There were fluctuations in consumer demand due to price changes.

Sesame oil is used in the food industry. The product is used in the production of sauces and marinades. Also, the oil is in demand in the confectionery industry.

The cosmetics industry uses sesame oil to create natural products. Creams and skin care products are being developed. Pharmaceuticals use oil as a base for medicinal products.

Consumers are showing interest in dietary nutrition. Products with a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids are in demand. Sesame oil contains vitamins and antioxidants.

Manufacturers face competition from other vegetable oils. Sunflower and olive oil have more affordable prices. There is increasing interest in imported sesame oil brands.

Analysts at Alto Consulting Group predict market stabilization in the coming years. A gradual increase in the healthy eating segment is expected. The consumption of environmentally friendly oils will increase.

The production of organic products is considered a promising direction. The production of cold pressed oil will develop. The range of domestic brands will expand.^[8]

Cut sesame oil production for cosmetics and medicines by 6.8% to 192.6 tonnes

The production of sesame oil in Russia amounted to 192.6 tons in 2024. The figure is 6.8% lower than the previous year. The sesame oil market continues to be part of the niche vegetable oils segment. The products are used in the food industry, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. The Central Federal District became a key production region with a share of about 51% of the total output. This is evidenced by data from a study by Alto Consulting Group, published in early October 2025.

The distribution of production is explained by the high concentration of processing enterprises. The availability of raw materials ensures a stable supply of sesame seeds. The developed infrastructure guarantees the production and distribution of products. Moscow and Lipetsk regions concentrated fat and fat plants. Cold squeezing process lines allow you to maintain the beneficial properties of the oil.

The production of sesame oil for cosmetics and medicines in Russia for the year decreased by 6.8%

Sesame oil is one of the most valuable vegetable fats. The unique composition and wide range of applications determine the demand for products. The high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids is beneficial for the cardiovascular system. Vitamins and antioxidants make the product in demand in various areas. Food production uses oil for sauces, marinades and cooking mixtures. Asian cuisine traditionally uses sesame oil to add a distinctive flavor.

The confectionery industry and bakery production add butter to the formulations. Halwa and oriental sweets contain sesame oil as the main ingredient. The beauty industry creates natural skin care creams and oils. The moisturizing properties of the oil are appreciated in cosmetology. Hair oils with sesame strengthen the roots and give shine. Pharmaceuticals use sesame oil as the basis for medicinal products. Oil-based injections require quality raw materials.^[9]

Cutting cocoa butter production for cosmetics by 45% to 1,805,9 tonnes

The volume of cocoa butter production in Russia in 2024 amounted to 1.8 million tons. The figure is 45% lower than in 2023. The downturn is a significant development for the country's confectionery industry. Cocoa butter and its fractions remain the most important basis for the production of chocolate and other sweets. The Central Federal District became the leader in output and accumulated the bulk of the volume produced. This is evidenced by data from a study by Alto Consulting Group, published in early October 2025.

The Central Federal District has concentrated most of its processing capacity. Enterprises are focused on the production of semi-finished products for confectionery factories and food enterprises. The region provides the overwhelming share of Russian cocoa butter production. The concentration of production creates certain risks for the sustainability of supplies. Reliance on single-territory infrastructure increases industry vulnerability.

In Russia, the production of cocoa butter for cosmetics for the year decreased by 45%

Cocoa butter is a key ingredient in the confectionery industry. The product is the result of processing cocoa beans with unique physicochemical properties. The production of chocolate and chocolate products uses cocoa butter as the main fat component. Creating confectionery creams, glazes and fillings requires this ingredient for the right consistency. The cosmetics industry applies cocoa butter in soaps, creams, masks and balms. Pharmaceuticals use the product in suppositories and ointments due to the melting point close to body temperature.

The food industry uses cocoa butter to replace fats in specialty products. The fall in production has an impact not only on the producers of sweets. Related industries, including pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, are experiencing a shortage of raw materials. Prices for final products are rising due to a reduction in the supply of the basic ingredient.^[10]

Olive oil production in Russia decreased by 39.3% to 219.4 tons.

The production of olive oil in Russia amounted to 219.4 tons in 2024. The figure is 39.3% less than the previous year. The decrease in volumes reflects the complexity of the production segment. The Central Federal District retains absolute leadership with a 99.4% share of the total output. Most of the country's needs are covered by imports of finished products. This is evidenced by data from a study by Alto Consulting Group, published in early October 2025.

Own production is developing and forms a niche for local manufacturers. The focus on quality and the premium segment distinguishes domestic manufacturers. The main concentration of processing facilities is in the Central Federal District. Moscow and Lipetsk regions accumulate almost the entire volume of output. The processing of imported raw materials into finished products takes place at Russian factories.

Olive oil production in Russia decreased by 39.3%

The reasons for the reduction in olive oil production in Russia, as mentioned in the study:

• Dependence on imported raw materials - olives are not grown on an industrial scale in the Russian climate, raw materials are completely imported from abroad.
• Rising costs of importing raw materials - sanctions and logistical restrictions have increased the cost of delivering olives from the Mediterranean.
• Currency changes - the strengthening of the dollar and the euro increases the cost of imported supplies of olives and raw oil for processing.
• Weather factors in the producing countries - Drought in Spain and Italy reduced the harvest of olives and raised world prices.
• High dependence on the global environment - supply fluctuations in the global market directly affect Russian production.
• Inflationary processes - the overall increase in prices in the economy increased production costs and reduced purchasing power.
• Competition with other vegetable oils - sunflower, rapeseed and pumpkin oils are cheaper and more affordable for consumers.
• Seasonality of production - the harvest of olives is collected in the fall, failures in the supply of raw materials disrupt the production cycle.
• Changes in consumer demand - high prices force buyers to switch to more affordable alternatives.
• Limited raw material base - the lack of its own olive groves does not allow competing with world market leaders.^[11]

5 largest regions in Russia for the production of vegetable oil

In August 2025, Viktor Logvinov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Voronezh Region, spoke about the five largest regions for the production of vegetable oil in Russia.

• According to the results of 2024, the Voronezh region became the leader in the production of vegetable oil - 1269.8 thousand tons (share in the Russian Federation 12.2%).
• Krasnodar Territory - 1260.7 thousand tons (12.1%),
• Rostov region - 929.3 thousand tons (8.9%),
• Belgorod region - 661.3 thousand tons (6.3%),
• Kaliningrad region - 621.2 thousand tons (6%).^[12]

Sunflower oil production for the year increased by 11.7% to 8 million tons

In 2024, about 8 million tons of sunflower oil were produced in Russia. This is 11.7% more than in 2023, when 7.17 million tons of these products were produced. Such data are provided in the Rosstat report, which TAdviser got acquainted with at the end of February 2025.

According to estimates, in 2024 the volume of production of various plant unrefined oils and their fractions in the Russian Federation reached 10.41 million tons. Growth compared to the previous year was recorded at 6.9%. At the same time, butter output on an annualized basis decreased by 1.4%, being at the level of 331 thousand tons.

Sunflower oil production in Russia increased by 11.7% over the year

The analytical company Tebiz Group notes that the sunflower oil market in Russia is showing positive dynamics, which is due to both domestic demand and export supplies. The increase in consumption of these products is influenced by changes in consumer preferences, including a shift towards healthy eating. In addition, there is a tendency to improve product quality due to the introduction of modern processing and control technologies. Leading industry players include:

• LLC Cargill"";
• Aston JSC;
• LLC "MEZ South of Russia";
• JSC Firm Agricultural complex"" named after N. I. Tkachev;
• Food Ingredients LLC;
• OJSC Efko;
• JSC Samaraagroprompererabotka"";
• JSC Pavlovskagroproduct"";
• LLC Agroholding "Pearl of the Volga Region";
• LLC "Sorochinsky Oil Extraction Plant."

Analysts note that competition among domestic sunflower oil producers is intensifying, which pushes companies to improve product lines and form effective marketing strategies. At the same time, the market faces certain challenges, including global fluctuations in commodity prices and changes in international trade policy.^[13]

Growth in the production of vegetable oils by 6.9% to 10.4 million tons

The production of vegetable oils in Russia in 2024 increased by 6.9%, reaching 10.4 million tons. This was reported in February 2025 by the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia. The volume of sunflower oil output increased by 11.7%, to 8 million tons, and soybean oil production increased by 9.6%, amounting to 1.1 million tons. The department notes that the dynamics is associated with the expansion of processing capacities and a high harvest of oilseeds.

According to the press service of the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia, the production of sunflower oil reached 8 million tons, which is 11.7% more compared to 2023. Soybean oil production increased by 9.6% to 1.1 million tonnes. The department explained that the dynamics is due to the implementation of state programs to support the agricultural sector and modernize processing enterprises.

The production of vegetable oils in Russia over the year increased by 6.9% and reached 10.4 million tons

According to the Oil and Oil Union of Russia, the country's self-sufficiency in vegetable oils in 2024 exceeded the threshold established in the Food Security Doctrine by 2.8 times. This allowed Russia to strengthen its position in the world market and maintain the status of one of the leading exporters of fat and fat products. The executive director of the union, Mikhail Maltsev, noted that the consistent policy of the Ministry of Agriculture contributes to the development of the industry and the strengthening of the position of Russian manufacturers in the international arena.

Market experts point out that the main growth drivers were an increase in investment in processing facilities, an increase in domestic consumption and stable demand in export markets. In 2024, processing enterprises expanded capacity by more than 1 million tons, exceeding 32 million tons per year.^[14]

Amaranth oil plant opened near Voronezh for ₽1,5 billion rubles

The enterprise for the deep processing of amaranth began work in the special economic zone "Center" of the Voronezh region in mid-November 2024. Investments in the construction of the first stage amounted to ₽1,5 billion, which made it possible to create 149 jobs. The production capacity of the plant reaches 6 thousand tons of processing of raw materials per year. Read more here.

Oilseeds processing plant built in Novosibirsk for ₽5,6 billion

In early October 2024, it became known about the construction of an oilseed processing plant in Novosibirsk. The main units, installations and buildings of the enterprise have been mounted, said the Governor of the Novosibirsk Region Andrei Travnikov. The volume of investments in the project is ₽6,5 billion. Read more here

2023

Growth in sunflower oil production by 13.2% to 6.9 million tons

The production of unrefined sunflower oil and its fractions Russia in reached 6.9 million tons in 2023, which demonstrates an increase of 13.2% compared to 2022. Rosstat TAdviser got acquainted with such data in November 2024.

According to Forbes, the total production of refined sunflower oil and its fractions also increased in 2023 - by 5.5% and amounted to 2.7 million tons.

Sunflower oil production in Russia increased by 13.2% over the year

If production in 2024 meets the forecast, then exports will increase by 10.5% compared to 2023 and in physical terms will reach about 7.4 million tons, - said Mikhail Maltsev, executive director of the Fat and Oil Union

In December 2023, the production of unrefined oil amounted to 727.2 thousand tons, which exceeds the indicators of December 2022 by 17.3%. Refined product production reached 243.9 thousand tons, an increase of 0.3% in annual terms.

According to analysts, "Agroanalytics Center" Russia occupies 29% of the global sunflower oil export market. According to the Ministry's estimates, agriculture USA the world production of sunflower oil in the 2023/2024 season will reach 22.05 million tons.

In the structure of Russian exports of vegetable oils, sunflower is more than 65%. 4.3 million tons of products are supplied abroad with domestic consumption of 2.3 million tons. Partner of the consulting company NEO Albina Koryagina notes the strengthening of Russia's position in the Eastern markets, Asia where the share of Russian sunflower oil reaches 27% of the total imports of the region.

According to forecasts of the Oil and Oil Union of Russia, by the end of 2024, the production of sunflower oil may grow to 7.2 million tons. The increase in production and exports contributes to the strengthening of Russia's position as a leading producer of sunflower oil in the world market.^[15][16]

Reduction in sunflower oil sales by 10.1% to 2.4 million tons

In 2023, approximately 2.4 million tons of sunflower oil were sold on the Russian market. This is 10.1% less compared to 2022, when 2.67 million tons of these products were sold. The corresponding indicators are reflected in the BusinesStat study, the results of which were published on March 19, 2024.

It is noted that the domestic market in the Russian Federation is saturated, and the bulk of the products produced are exported. Own production fully meets the needs of Russians in sunflower oil. In 2019, its sales on the Russian market amounted to approximately 2.43 million tons (plus 0.2% year-on-year). In 2020, against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic, demand decreased by 11.3%, amounting to 2.15 million tons. At the same time, a decrease in sales volumes was observed in all sectors of the market, including the hotel and restaurant business and retail.

During the pandemic, the Russian economy experienced a mild recession, which negatively affected the volume of government purchases and sales of sunflower oil for industrial processing, the BusinesStat study says.

In 2021, sales of sunflower oil in Russia recovered to 2.23 million tons, which is 3.6% higher compared to the previous year. And in 2022, demand jumped by 19.9%, reaching 2.67 million tons. Against the background of an unstable economic situation, consumers made purchases for future use, which caused a rush of demand for sunflower oil, as a product with long shelf life, constantly present in the consumer basket. In 2023, the economic situation stabilized, and sales returned to the average.

Analysts add that the main foreign buyers of Russian sunflower oil are, Iran,, and India Turkey. China Egypt The low global price of this product allows it to compete with palm and soybean oil.^[17]

2022: Sunflower oil production growth by 8% to 2 million tonnes

In 2022, 2.01 million tons of packaged sunflower oil were produced in Russia, which is 8.8% more than a year earlier. The market rose after a 9 percent decline recorded in 2021. Such data are given in the BusinesStat study, published at the end of December 2023.

Experts pay attention to the growth in demand for sunflower oil - in the context of the crisis, the attention of buyers is shifting towards more budgetary product options, and sunflower oil among vegetable oils is one of the cheapest. Also, thanks to the record sunflower harvest and high export duties for the export of seeds, domestic enterprises managed to load as much as possible. The provision of enterprises with raw materials serves as a determining factor for the industry, analysts explain.

According to them, the wave of departure of foreign companies from the country practically did not affect the sunflower oil market. The only major player to leave the Russian market was the American Bunge, the owner of the Ideal, Oleina and Bunge Procusine sunflower oil brands. At the end of 2022, Bunge sold Russian assets to Exoil Group. The change of ownership did not affect the activities of enterprises, production continued under the same brands, added to BusinesStat.

Experts add that the sunflower oil market in Russia is highly consolidated. A significant share of production falls on several largest players, including Cargill, Aston, Rusagro, South of Russia, Efko, NMZHK, large shares belong to Nefis, Blago companies. The technology of processing sunflower and the production of sunflower oil is quite complex, and the efficiency of production in small companies is significantly less than in large enterprises. The high level of competition in the market creates additional difficulties for the entry of a new business into it, analysts noted.^[18]

Notes