Russia leading chocolate supplier on Chinese, Saudi markets - ministry

MOSCOW. April 21 (Interfax) - Russia is the leading supplier of chocolate on the markets of China and Saudi Arabia, the Agriculture Ministry said after a meeting at which officials discussed prospects for developing confectionary product exports, establishing new logistics routes and opening markets.

"China and Saudi Arabia are among the most promising markets. Russia already holds first place among chocolate suppliers by volume in these countries," the ministry said.

Russian confectionary products were exported to 95 countries last year, with 70% going to traditional markets in the CIS, 9% to China and 5% to the Middle East.

Confectionary exports have increased by 56% in the past four years. These products have become a driver of export growth in the food and processing industry, Deputy Agriculture Minister Sergei Levin was reported as saying by the ministry's press service.

Exports are continuing to grow in 2022. "And, as was noted at the meeting, in Russia there is a high share of producers without the participation of foreign capital, which guarantees the sector's stability in the current situation. According to the estimates of the Confectionary Industry Association, exclusively Russian companies account for more than 70% of the market," the ministry said.