Despite a significant increase in red caviar production, experts do not anticipate a price reduction on the Russian market. Forecasts indicate a supply growth of over 30% following the fishing season, a typical pattern for odd-numbered years when salmon catches are traditionally higher.
According to the All-Russian Association of Fishermen, red caviar supplies to the Russian market have risen by 18% since May. The projected annual increase in production exceeding 30% is attributed to the two-year life cycle of salmon.
However, as Valentin Balashov, head of the Interregional Association of Coastal Fishermen, points out, despite a good catch (around 325,000 tons of various types of red fish), a decrease in caviar prices is not expected. The primary reasons are general inflation and a significant rise in transportation costs.
Balashov predicts that caviar prices could increase by 15-20% from current levels by New Year, subsequently dropping by approximately 30% by mid-January. He advises purchasing caviar in advance, during October or November, to avoid overpaying.
Interestingly, retail prices for red caviar did show a slight decrease in August: sockeye salmon caviar dropped by 9%, and pink salmon caviar by 2% compared to July figures, according to the analytical center of the Fish Union.
