In 2025, Russian fishermen plan to increase pollock roe supplies to the Chinese market to 1,000 tons – twice as much as the previous year

Russian Pollock Roe Successfully Paving Its Way into China

Russian pollock roe is successfully paving its way into China. For the first time, buyers from the PRC will compete for Russian pollock roe at the April auctions in Busan. The interest of the Chinese market in this marine superfood is fueled by a program launched last year by the Pollock Catchers Association (PCA).

Photo: courtesy FishNews

Market diversification remains a crucial task for the Russian fishing industry, especially in light of export targets. Amid falling prices for frozen pollock and pollock fillets due to sanctions, the PCA has actively engaged in finding and developing new supply routes. According to experts, pollock roe appears to be one potentially interesting product for these purposes, as reported by Fishnews.

According to Alexey Buglak, President of the PCA, roe accounts for about 18% of the total export revenue of the pollock sector. The main importers of this product have traditionally been Japan and the Republic of Korea, accounting for 56% and 42% respectively. However, consumption in these markets is stagnating, which is putting pressure on prices. In 2024, pollock roe exports amounted to about 37,000 tons worth $194 million. If the shipment volume remains at the 2023 level, the export value in monetary terms decreased by 21%.

The needs of the Russian market are much more modest; the PCA estimates them at around 3,000 tons of salted loose roe in the form of canned goods and preserves. “Non-graded frozen pollock roe is used for the production of these products, and its cost for domestic market supplies is lower than the export price. In Asian markets, graded skein roe is valued and consumed in a different form. Russian fishermen can fully meet the needs of the domestic market and are also ready to develop new markets,” emphasized Alexey Buglak.

In this situation, Russian pollock catchers have turned their attention to their closest neighbor, China, where there is a growing demand for high-quality and natural food products. The emergence of such a large buyer in the long term could reduce the current supply surplus in the market and stabilize prices, according to the PCA.

“The Chinese market is one of the fastest-growing and most promising for seafood,” believes Savely Karpukhin, CEO of the Russian Fishery Company (RFC). “Under the influence of international gastronomic trends and cultural exchange, consumers in Asia are becoming more open to new products and tastes.”

An analysis of roe production volumes and wholesale prices clearly shows a trend: volumes are growing, and prices are falling. Andrey Buzin, Commercial Director of Okeanrybflot, also draws attention to the decline in roe consumption in the traditional Japanese market. In his opinion, the most rational solution in such conditions is to seek new markets, including creating opportunities in China.

Superfood from the Ocean Depths

However, pollock roe is not a typical product for the Chinese market, where its consumption is minimal. The main sales channel is Japanese cuisine restaurants, while the internal roe consumption culture is generally not developed. A significant volume of shipments to the PRC goes to factories owned by Japanese companies and, after processing, is re-exported to Japan.

Given these factors, the PCA decided to create a niche market from scratch to ensure stable domestic consumption of pollock roe in China. As part of this work, the association launched a program last year to promote the new product and initiated a marketing study for a deep understanding of consumer preferences.

In the Chinese market, pollock roe is positioned as a new superfood. Tralflot notes that the nutritional value of the product makes it particularly attractive amid the growing interest in healthy eating and longevity. Pollock roe is characterized by a high protein content with a low fat content, is rich in vitamins A, E, and B12, and helps the body recover after illness and strengthen the immune system.

Modern high-tech vessels used in the pollock fishery by PCA member companies ensure the production of roe in compliance with the strictest international quality and safety standards. “Given the growing attention to sustainable fishing and ecology, pollock roe can be considered a more environmentally friendly choice compared to some other types of roe,” says Savely Karpukhin.

However, to succeed in the Chinese market, it is necessary to develop new products suitable for the local consumer. “Naturally, the Chinese themselves are not aware that they need to learn to eat pollock roe, so we must help them understand this and show examples of how it is eaten and why it is tasty, healthy, interesting, and necessary,” notes Andrey Buzin.

Cracking the Culinary Code of a Nation

The PCA believes that pollock roe has every chance of fitting into China's culinary code. It is a versatile product that can be used in various ways – as a standalone snack or as an ingredient for Japanese-style rice dishes, in soups, hot pots, and sauces in canned, dried, or vacuum-packed form.

In 2024, the association, together with chefs from the PRC, developed a whole range of dishes with the addition of pollock roe, designed, on the one hand, to harmoniously fit into the traditional menu, and on the other hand, to offer interesting novelties to Chinese consumers open to culinary experiments. A tasting of these dishes took place at the largest Asian exhibition, China Fisheries and Seafood Expo, in Qingdao.

The presentation at the PCA stand attracted the attention of officials and delegations from the Chinese side, who reacted positively to the idea of promoting pollock roe jointly with Chinese processors. The association's press service confirmed that the development of prototypes of several products – semi-finished products and snacks – is already underway both in China and at Russian organizations.

“The PCA is interested in localizing the consumption of pollock roe in China. Our task is to make this product a part of Chinese gastronomic culture,” emphasizes Alexey Buglak. According to him, tests at enterprises in China have confirmed the versatility of the raw material: processors have tested various product formats adapted to local taste preferences. Moreover, Chinese companies are developing unique recipes based on pollock roe, exclusively for the domestic market.

The Beginning of a Long Journey

Although relatively little time has passed since the start of the promotion campaign, the activity of PCA members has already yielded initial results. Chinese traders and processors will participate for the first time in roe auctions in Busan, which were previously focused only on buyers from Japan and South Korea. The first major deals could take place as early as April 8-10.

According to PCA representatives, this event can rightly be considered a turning point in the history of promoting this Far Eastern delicacy to new markets. In 2025, Russian fishermen plan to increase pollock roe supplies to the Chinese market to 1,000 tons – twice as much as the previous year.

“Today, we stand at the beginning of a long journey. The lack of consolidated efforts previously hindered the development of pollock roe exports to China. However, now, under the leadership of the PCA and with the active participation of leading PRC importers, processors, and traders, we expect rapid and sustainable growth in interest in the product. The potential is enormous – and it has already begun to be realized, and our producers will certainly provide China with the necessary volume of products!” comments Vladimir Rekasov, CEO of Tralflot.

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