In 2022, Russia’s ice cream production volume declined compared with the previous year, slipping by 11.1 percent and reaching 468 thousand tons. This assessment comes from a study reported by Kommersant, which aggregates findings from Milknews, the consulting firm Streda Consulting, the Soyuzmoloko association, and the Ice Cream Producers Association. The picture of the market is shaped by shifts among key players, evolving consumer demand, and strategic decisions by manufacturers operating within the Russian confectionery sector.
Among the notable developments, the Iceberry group, which includes brands such as Plombir Vologodsky, Filevskoye, and Zhemchuzhina Rossii, posted a substantial gain. Production rose by about 19.6 percent in 2022, totaling 52.6 thousand units, which solidified Iceberry’s position as the leading ice cream producer in the country by volume for that year. In contrast, Renna, a brand associated with Korovka and Korenovka, experienced a decline, with output dropping roughly 7.4 percent to 46.7 thousand tons, placing it behind Iceberry in the competitive ranking for the period.
International player Unilever, known in the Russian market for a portfolio that includes Magnat and Gold Standard lines, also faced a downturn. Production fell by about 13.3 percent to 39,000 tons, leaving it in third place among the major producers. The performance of the multinational varied by region and product line, reflecting broader market forces, including price sensitivity and evolving consumer tastes within Russia.
Explanations for Iceberry’s robust year include the company’s expansion into new production capacity and modernization activities. A newly launched plant in the Yaroslavl region, along with improvements at facilities in Vologda and Penza, contributed to more efficient production and the ability to meet growing demand across multiple consumer segments. These investments illustrate how plant upgrades and geographic diversification can influence a manufacturer’s competitive standing even in a market with tighter overall demand compared with the previous year.
Beyond Russia, market chatter in early March highlighted a broader trend in the dairy and frozen treat segment. A dpa report noted that a German cafe began offering ice cream flavored with insects, such as crickets, following regulatory changes in the European Union that permitted certain edible insects for consumption. This development underscores how global shifts in consumer openness and regulatory frameworks can open up niche product ideas for trial in nearby markets, even if they do not immediately translate into widespread adoption. The story reflects a wider curiosity about adventurous dessert formats and how regional preferences interact with evolving food safety norms.