Declining Beef and Lamb Consumption in Russia: Changes in Market Dynamics and Consumer Preferences

According to Rosstat data, from February 2022 to December 2025, boneless beef prices increased by 58.5%, while lamb prices increased by 61.5%. At the end of last year, average prices reached 933 rubles per kilogram of beef and 676 rubles per kilogram of lamb. These changes occurred against the backdrop of rising VAT and overall inflation.

Consumers have become more frugal when choosing chicken and pork, reflecting shifts in dietary preferences. Chicken sales increased by 4%, while demand for pork remained stable. These changes could impact the structure of the meat market in the coming years, and it's important for all market participants—from producers to consumers—to monitor these dynamics.