World Food Moscow

14 January 2010
The demand for fruits in Russia remains high
	Demand for fruits in 2009 in Russia remains high, although consumers began to prefer more affordable and necessary fruit. So in 2009 the demand for exotic fruits in Russia fell by 30% for pears - 17% of the grapes - by 5%. In 2009 Russia imported 5.1 million tons of fruit, domestic production was 2.1 million tons.
Imports of apples to Russia in 2009 will be 1.2 million tons, up 4% more than the previous year. In 2007, total imports amounted to 949 000 tonnes ($ 565 000). Russia’s fruit production in 2008 totaled 1.1 million tons. In season 2008/09 the export of peaches from the EU to Russia amounted to 104,2 tons. Russia remains the world’s largest importer of pears. The total volume of Russia’s market pears (imported and local origin) is 496 000 tons. In 2008, imports of fruit fell by 25% and amounted to 316 487 tons. Imports of wine to Russia’s market has been steadily increasing since 2001. In 2008 Russia imported 394 000 tons ($ 488 000). Imports fell by 5% in real terms and rose by $ 40 million — in value. The main suppliers of wine to Russia are Turkey (120 897 tonnes — 30%), Uzbekistan (64 359 tons) and Kyrgyzstan (41 394 tons). Source: Fruitnews.ru