In the Russian retail scene, domestic salmon often carries a higher price tag than its Chilean counterpart. This observation comes from Ilya Sosnov, the general director of the Inarktika group, during an interview with RBC. The remark highlights how local producers have been able to command premium prices even as import patterns evolve under past import bans.
Russia’s 2014 food embargo, imposed to restrict supplies from the EU, Norway, and Iceland, reshaped the country’s fish markets. In the early years after the embargo, the Faroe Islands were a major source of the most expensive salmon on the Russian market. Today, Chile remains the primary external supplier, even as domestic producers stay firmly in the mix. Sosnov notes that Chilean salmon still dominates the import landscape, but the dynamics have shifted in well-defined ways.
“Chile currently supplies a similar volume to before—roughly 40 to 50 thousand tons,” Sosnov explains. “Yet there’s a meaningful difference in quality. Chilean fish tend to arrive frozen, while our salmon is delivered chilled. That distinction matters for consumer experience: chilled salmon maintains texture and flavor better than thawed fish, which justifies a premium for our product.”
Separately, Alexander Savelyev, head of the fisheries information agency, has underscored a consumer health concern: Russians reportedly consume roughly half of the health-recommended fish intake each year. He attributes this gap in part to price, noting that the cost of fish is a barrier to meeting recommended consumption levels. The pricing and supply mix thus intersect with public health messaging and dietary habits in the country.
Meanwhile, observers note how sanctions and trade policy continue to influence both domestic markets and international relationships. China, among other markets, has weighed in on the broader impact of sanctions on trade with the Russian Federation, signaling that the global seafood ecosystem remains sensitive to geopolitical shifts. In this climate, the domestic salmon sector is pressed to balance quality, price, and accessibility for Russian consumers while navigating evolving import channels and health guidance.
For shoppers and market watchers, the core takeaway is clear: premium pricing for domestic, chilled salmon is tied to perceived quality, freshness, and the reliability of supply. Chilean salmon, while plentiful and competitively priced, often reaches consumers in a frozen state that affects texture and perceived value. As market conditions continue to change, both domestic producers and international suppliers will likely adjust their strategies to meet consumer expectations and health guidelines while responding to policy developments in Russia and its trading partners.
Note: Market commentary relies on statements from industry executives and public health authorities, with ongoing updates from trade observers as sanctions policies, exchange rates, and seasonal factors influence prices and availability over time.