Pollock continues to be Russia’s flagship fish, with an annual catch of 1.99 million tons in 2024

Russia Joins the Top 5 Global Surimi Producers

Russia has achieved a significant milestone in the global seafood industry, emerging as one of the top five surimi producers worldwide. In 2024, Russian fishermen increased pollock surimi production—a key ingredient in crab sticks and other processed fish products—by an impressive 47%, reaching 70.8 thousand tons. This marks a substantial leap from the 47.5 thousand tons produced the previous year, according to the Pollock Catchers Association (PCA)

"Over the past six years, Russian fishermen have grown their share of the global surimi market from 0% to 7%, while holding a dominant 25% share in the wild fish segment. In 2024 alone, we produced 70.8 thousand tons of pollock surimi," said Alexey Buglak, President of the Pollock Catchers Association (PCA).

While global surimi production declined by 4% in 2024, dropping to 905 thousand tons, Russia defied this trend with its surge in output. The United States, Russia’s main competitor in pollock surimi production, experienced a 13% decline to 170.5 thousand tons. Meanwhile, Southeast Asian countries—producing more cost-efficient surimi from aquaculture fish—reduced their output by 5%, down to 318 thousand tons. This shifting dynamic has allowed Russia to firmly establish itself among the world's surimi leaders.

Domestic Market Secured, Global Exports Rising

Russia’s rapid production growth has fully satisfied domestic demand for surimi-based products like crab sticks. Currently, 90% of surimi-based products on Russian shelves are made from high-quality, domestically sourced wild fish. This is a stark contrast to previous years when most surimi was imported, primarily from aquaculture fish raised in Asia.

Beyond self-sufficiency, Russia is also strengthening its position in international markets. The country is actively competing with American surimi in South Korea and has become the leading supplier of pollock surimi to China, while increasing exports to Japan.

"In 2024, exports to China rose by 43%, reaching 22.7 thousand tons. Similarly, surimi exports to South Korea have approached 12 thousand tons, capturing 40% of the market," noted Buglak.

High-Quality Production with Room for Growth

Russia’s surimi production is driven by both marine-based operations and coastal processing facilities, with seven fishing vessels and three coastal factories contributing to output. While marine production accounts for the majority, coastal processing saw the fastest growth last year.

Pollock continues to be Russia’s flagship fish, with an annual catch of 1.99 million tons in 2024, securing the nation’s position as a global leader in wild fish harvests.

As Russia expands its footprint in the global surimi market, its commitment to high-quality production from fresh pollock ensures a competitive edge against aquaculture-based products. With strong domestic and international performance, the country is well-positioned to further solidify its status in the surimi industry.

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