Rosrybolovstvo chairman Ilya Shestakov told RIA News that prices for pink salmon and red caviar in Russia are expected to ease. The anticipated decline is linked to the overall scale of fish production and the endurance of the salmon run, which has been substantial this season. Shestakov explained that the market is currently well supplied with fish, a situation that should gradually translate into lower retail and wholesale prices as supply chains adjust to the abundance. He noted that among fishermen, the price level has already dropped by roughly one and a half times, reflecting the pressure of increased catch volumes and the temporary surplus in supply. The official added that retailers play a decisive role in price formation and expressed optimism that they would respond by passing some of the reduction onto consumers, reinforcing the seasonal trend of price moderation as the harvest peaks. The broader implication is a potential stabilization of seafood prices across major markets in the coming weeks, with consumers benefiting from more affordable pink salmon and caviar during the autumn months.
Earlier, RIA Novosti reported breakthroughs from scientists at the Northern (Arctic) Federal University MV Lomonosov (NAFU). Researchers unveiled a new, fully domestic starter feed for salmon, designed to support rapid and efficient early growth. In trials, model fish fed with the new formula showed nearly a tripling of weight compared with baseline controls. The researchers highlighted that the growth performance is comparable to that achieved with high-quality imported feeds, but at roughly half the price. The development is presented as a potential game-changer for salmon aquaculture, offering a cost-effective alternative for farmers and an opportunity to enhance feed security in the industry. The results suggest that domestic feed could help stabilize production costs while preserving growth rates, contributing to the overall competitiveness of Russia’s salmon sector on both national and international markets.
Alexander Panin, the head of the Fisheries Union, emphasized early in September that the Kamchatka Fish project is poised to influence autumn pricing dynamics. He forecast that federal retail chains would begin discounting salmon by 10 to 25 percent relative to current price levels as the season progresses. Panin explained that the project centers on direct procurement from fishermen by retailers, minimizing intermediary margins and thereby enabling more favorable pricing for consumers. This approach aims to create a tighter, more transparent supply chain where discounts are passed through to shoppers while fishermen receive fair compensation for their catch. The anticipated discounts align with typical seasonal patterns, but the scale and smoothness of the price adjustments hinge on the effective execution of direct procurement agreements, the volume of harvest in key fishing regions, and the speed with which retailers can integrate the new stock into their product assortments. The broader expectation is that, if the initiative succeeds, autumn purchases of salmon across major retail channels could be noticeably more affordable, supporting household budgets as families plan meals around salmon and related seafood products.
Previously noted were several products whose prices were projected to rise most in the autumn period. Market observers pointed to a number of factors that could influence pricing beyond supply volumes, including shifts in consumer demand, currency movements affecting import costs, and seasonal storage considerations. While the focus remained on salmon and caviar, retailers and producers alike kept a close eye on macroeconomic developments and regional harvest reports, understanding that price trajectories in food markets often reflect a complex mix of supply readiness, logistical efficiency, and consumer sentiment. As the season advances, industry analysts will continue monitoring fishery indicators, feed costs, and retail response strategies to gauge how quickly and how broadly price adjustments take shape for households across Russia and neighboring markets.