27-29 January 2026
Crocus Expo, Moscow
Key news from the Russian meat processing industry: spring–summer 2025
Published on: Aug 25, 2025
Reading Time: 5 min
Spring–summer 2025 will be characterized by the comprehensive development of the meat processing industry in Russia.
Government support, import substitution, export expansion, stricter safety and environmental requirements, and the introduction of digital technologies are creating new standards of efficiency and sustainability.
At the same time, challenges remain, including staffing shortages, rising costs, and the need to quickly adapt to new regulatory requirements. Overall, the industry is showing strong growth, and companies that innovate and stay abreast of current developments are leading the market.
State support for meat processing: new measures and subsidies
In the spring of 2025, the Russian Ministry of Agriculture expanded its support package for meat processing enterprises. Additional subsidies were introduced for equipment modernization and the implementation of modern technologies, as well as partial reimbursement of loan costs for production modernization. Particular attention is being paid to small and medium-sized enterprises, for whom the conditions for receiving state support have been simplified.
Import substitution trend: reducing dependence on foreign ingredients
According to Rosselkhoznadzor (Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance) analysis, the share of imported ingredients in meat processing decreased by 18% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Companies are actively switching to domestic spices, casings, and protein components. Both government programs and regional initiatives are supporting import substitution.
Export: Increased supply of meat products to the CIS and Middle East
According to the Federal Customs Service and the National Union of Meat Processors, exports of semi-finished and finished meat products increased by 12% from January to June 2025. The main markets remain Kazakhstan, Belarus, Uzbekistan, as well as the UAE and Saudi Arabia. New Halal standards and the expansion of logistics corridors are contributing to this growth.
New requirements for product safety and labeling
On May 1, 2025, updated requirements for meat product labeling came into effect, in accordance with a decision of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) and an order from the Russian Ministry of Agriculture. Mandatory labeling of the origin of raw materials was introduced, and the list of information required on packaging was expanded. This increased transparency for consumers and simplified oversight for regulators.
Current changes in technical regulations
In June 2025, amendments to the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union "On the Safety of Meat and Meat Products" (TR CU 034/2013) were approved. New standards were introduced for the content of antibiotics and veterinary drugs in raw materials, as well as requirements for batch traceability at all stages of production.
Rising costs of raw materials and energy
HSE and Rosstat analysis for the spring and summer of 2025 show an 8-10% increase in meat production costs. The main factors are rising prices for feed crops, electricity, and logistics. This is forcing companies to implement energy-saving technologies and optimize production processes.
Implementation of digital technologies and automation
In 2025, the active implementation of digital solutions will continue, from manufacturing execution systems (MES) to automated warehouse logistics and quality control. According to the Meat Industry Association, over 60% of large enterprises already use elements of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). This improves efficiency and reduces the impact of human error.
Personnel shortage and measures to eliminate it
The personnel situation remains critical: according to the Russian Ministry of Labor, the shortage of qualified technologists and engineers in the meat processing industry exceeds 15%. To address this, educational programs are being launched at specialized universities, and the attraction of young specialists is being encouraged through corporate internships and salary increases.
Development of environmental standards and sustainable production
In the spring of 2025, the industry increased its focus on sustainability. New requirements for emission reduction and waste disposal were introduced. Over 40% of companies implemented water treatment and packaging recycling systems. The Russian Ministry of Natural Resources announced additional grants for the implementation of green technologies.
New product lines: growth in functional and premium products
Analysis by the Institute of Agricultural Marketing shows that the trend toward value-added meat products—functional products, healthy eating products, and premium lines—will continue in 2025. Their share of total production has reached 23% (up 4% from 2024). This is due to changing consumer preferences and government support for innovation.
The situation with African swine fever and veterinary control
In 2025, the number of African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks was reduced by 27% compared to the previous year. Biosecurity measures were strengthened, and new protocols for tracking and containing outbreaks were implemented. This has stabilized raw material supplies and reduced risks for processors.
New investment projects and industry modernization
In 2025, more than 30 major investment projects for the construction and modernization of meat processing facilities will be implemented in Russia. The total investment exceeds 40 billion rubles. This will contribute to the modernization of the technological base and the growth of production capacity in the industry.