DEVELOPMENT OF WHOLESALE FISH AND FISH PRODUCTS TRADE INFRASTRUCTURE IN RUSSIA: FEATURES, TRENDS, CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

Issue № 6, 2026, article № 9, pages 94-112

Section:

Language: Russian

Original language title: РАЗВИТИЕ ИНФРАСТРУКТУРЫ ОПТОВОЙ ТОРГОВЛИ РЫБОЙ И РЫБНОЙ ПРОДУКЦИЕЙ В РОССИИ: ОСОБЕННОСТИ, ТРЕНДЫ, ВЫЗОВЫ И РЕШЕНИЯ

Keywords: AQUACULTURE, DISTRIBUTORS, IMPORT SUBSTITUTION, LOGISTICS, WHOLESALE TRADE, FISH PROCESSING, REGIONAL HUBS, FISH AND FISH PRODUCTS, FISH MARKET, FISHING, DISTRIBUTION INFRASTRUCTURE, EXPORTS

Abstract: The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state and key trends in the development of the Russian fish and seafood market in the context of geopolitical changes, sanctions pressure and transformations in consumer demand. Special attention is given to the role of wholesale trade as a key link in the supply chain that connects production (fishing and aquaculture), processing, and retail trade. Based on the current data from Rosstat, Rosrybolovstvo, VAPE and industry analytics for 2017-2026, the paper examines the dynamics of water biological resources catch, the structure of import substitution, and the activities of major distributors and processors. The paper identifies key trends, including the shift from raw materials to processed products, the development of retailers and manufacturers own brands and the significant reorientation of export flows towards Asian, African, and Middle Eastern markets. Special attention is paid to critical infrastructure limitations: the shortage of refrigeration capacities, the deterioration of the refrigeration fleet and the high logistical costs caused by the territorial separation of fishing and consumption areas. The paper concludes that it is necessary to consolidate the efforts of the government and business to modernize the infrastructure, update the fleet, and increase the competitiveness of domestic fish products in domestic and foreign markets.

Authors: Avarskii Nabi Dalgatovich, Bogachev Aleksandr Ivanovich