Russian Canned Anchovies Shortage Impacts Caesar Salad Dressings and Seafood Trade Policy
Brand chief Stanislav Bakharovsky told the newspaper Vedomosti that Russian cuisine is facing a shortage of canned anchovies, a key ingredient in Caesar salad dressing. He explained that these anchovies had been a staple purchase for Caesar recipes, predominantly sourced from Italy. Since August 2023, Russia has implemented a temporary ban on importing fish products from unfriendly countries, a move that directly affects the availability of this essential ingredient.
Bakharovsky noted that the supply now comes from remaining stock on the market, which is increasingly scarce. He warned that such products are nearly extinct in the import stream and may create lasting gaps for restaurateurs who rely on authentic Italian anchovy profiles.
Vedomosti added that restaurants are actively seeking alternative suppliers in Asia and Africa, hoping to locate substitutes with flavor profiles close to Italian anchovies. However, chefs cannot guarantee parity in taste or texture, and many catering businesses are likely to turn to ready-made Caesar sauces as a workaround, a choice that could alter the final flavor of dishes.
Separately, Russia’s ambassador to Oslo, Teimuraz Ramishvili, stated that imports of processed fish and seafood from Norway were banned, a policy that further reshapes the domestic market and prompts Russian manufacturers to fill the resulting gaps.
On July 25, the Russian Ministry of Economic Development announced that the Council of Ministers had approved a ban on importing fish and seafood from unfriendly countries. This measure dovetails with broader statements from G7 members urging the removal of unfair trade restrictions, pointing to ongoing tensions in international seafood trade and the potential impact on domestic supply chains. [Source attribution: Vedomosti; official statements from the Russian government; contemporaneous reporting on G7 positions]