Restaurants are switching to Russian salmon

The Russian restaurant and salmon production sectors have undergone significant changes, with a notable shift towards domestic sourcing and vertical integration. The cessation of salmon shipments from the Faroe Islands prompted Russian Japanese restaurant chains like TanukiFamily to source salmon locally from Inarctica in Murmansk, leading to a decrease in import dependency from over 90% in 2018 to 55% in 2023. This move has not only ensured a steady supply of fresh salmon but also fostered a preference among Russian consumers for locally sourced fish. Additionally, Russian salmon producers are now investing in related sectors such as feed and smolt production, aiming for a vertically integrated production system that is expected to maintain or slightly increase salmon and trout production volumes in 2024. This strategic shift reflects a broader trend towards self-sufficiency and quality control in the Russian salmon market, despite the continued need for imports to meet demand and foster competition.