To avoid counterfeit caviar, buyers should focus on three core criteria: the product’s appearance, its price, and the stated place of production. According to Alexey Rudko, founder of a regional fish store chain, high-quality caviar typically costs no less than 6,000 rubles per kilogram. This observation was shared in a conversation with NSN.
Regarding origin, the expert notes that caviar produced in the Far East is generally regarded as reliable. If a box bears a label reading “made at sea,” that should be a red flag and buyers are advised to pass on the purchase, as it often signals fraudulent handling. Irregularities in production and transportation can also degrade quality.
“A good caviar command a price that reflects its quality,” Rudko explains. “Current market averages usually lie between 6,000 and 8,000 rubles per kilogram. Pink salmon showings are more affordable this year due to higher catch rates, while types like chum, sockeye, and coho generally start at about 7,000 rubles per kilogram at retail.”
Specialized fish stores are the preferred venues for purchasing caviar. The expert also advises avoiding “green jars,” since last year’s caviar is sometimes blended with imitations in those containers.
When selecting red caviar, attention should be paid to the composition, which ideally should include only fish roe and salt. Some products may contain preservatives or additives intended to preserve freshness.
Roskachestvo has performed checks on red caviar from eight producers, highlighting the importance of independent quality assessments in the market.