Russia gets smooth supplies of raw material for making starter cultures, rules out shortages of fermented milk products - Agriculture Ministry

MOSCOW. May 20 (Interfax) - Russian dairy enterprises have sufficient stock of raw material to produce bacterial starter cultures. In addition, these products continue to arrive in Russia without disruptions, there have been no problems with deliveries, the Agriculture Ministry said on Saturday

It was commenting on a number of media reports about a departure from the Russian market of Hansen, the biggest manufacturer of starter cultures for cheese and yogurts. The Danish company plans to stop supplies to Russia, which accounted for 45% of the Russian market, during the year.

The ministry also said it would simultaneously stimulate the domestic production of various food ingredients, including starter cultures.

"Currently, Russia is implementing two investment projects to set up such production: the biofactories in the Yaroslavl and Moscow regions, due to be completed in 2025," the ministry said.

"Shortage of fermented dairy products on the domestic market is ruled out," it said.