This year, Russian restaurateurs report an average rise of 17 percent in the cost of organizing New Year’s corporate events. The finding comes from RIA News, which cites research conducted on the DocsInBox service. The data illuminate how a festive season that once promised predictable budgeting now carries higher prices across many classic party staples.
Analysts compared food prices for popular New Year dishes during the 2023/2024 season with figures from the previous year. The most pronounced jump was in cold cuts, where prices climbed by 39 percent. The Olivier salad kit, a long-time favorite at celebrations, rose by 17 percent and now averages 364 rubles per kilogram. Herring under a fur coat, a staple of Russian holiday tables, posted a 19 percent increase, reaching 399 rubles per kilogram. These shifts reflect broader trends in meat and dairy products, signaling tighter margins for caterers and higher expense bills for organizations planning year-end gatherings.
The price trajectory for cucumbers and eggs was particularly striking. Some cucumber eggs have nearly tripled in cost. Service analysts calculated that in 2022 a C1 egg cost about 7 rubles; today, it has surged to around 31 rubles, underscoring the volatility seen in staple groceries during peak season. Such spikes influence not only home kitchens but also the commercial catering space, where shell eggs are a common ingredient across many dishes and buffet options.
Beyond protein and eggs, the cost picture for produce shows meaningful increases. Fruit and vegetable slices rose by 34 percent and 27 percent respectively, signaling more expensive garnishes and fresh components used to elevate holiday platters. Hot meal meats, serving as centerpiece dishes for many corporate menus, advanced by roughly 34 percent, while the price of red fish climbed 16 percent. Even premium beverages felt the pressure: a bottle of champagne moved from about 1,400 rubles to 1,600 rubles. Vodka, bread, and fruit juices exhibited smaller gains, presenting a mixed bag of price pressures across the beverage and bakery segments. In contrast, red caviar actually fell slightly by 3 percent, from 2,486 to 2,479 rubles per 500 grams, a counterintuitive blip amid the broader upward trend for festive foods.
These shifts are not isolated observations but rather part of a larger pattern affecting holiday planning across Russia. For many businesses, the rising costs mean reconsidering the scale, menu selection, and format of year-end events. Some organizations may opt for more modest buffet configurations, while others explore value tiers in main courses, desserts, and beverages to maintain quality without overshooting their budgets. The data underscore how supplier pricing, supply chain dynamics, and seasonal demand converge to shape the price envelopes that companies must navigate when budgeting for celebrations.
In evaluating what Russians are likely to spend on holiday indulgences, the analysis also touches on consumer expectations and corporate culture. Many teams aim to celebrate milestones with warmth and generosity, yet budgeting constraints push planners to balance abundance with affordability. The evolving price landscape invites decision-makers to compare different catering models, negotiate with suppliers, and consider alternative venues or service styles that deliver festive impact at a sustainable cost. Ultimately, the cost environment for New Year’s corporate events in Russia reflects a mix of traditional favorites, market-driven price movements, and the practical choices organizations make to honor staff and partners during the holiday season.
As the season approaches, businesses and event planners in Russia are advised to review current quotes, build in contingency allowances, and stay alert to continued price fluctuations in food, beverages, and service charges. By understanding which items are driving the increases and where savings can be found without compromising the festive experience, organizations can craft memorable celebrations that are both enjoyable and financially responsible.
Previously, public chatter centered on how much Russians typically spend on holiday gifts. The shift toward documenting and analyzing meal costs demonstrates a broader interest in the economics of celebration and the ways in which price changes ripple through corporate budgeting decisions for the year ahead.