After the collapse of the Russian markets in the late 90s, Arla Foods’ exports to Russia are now once again showing positive trends.

Since the merger between MD Foods and Arla in 2000, annual exports to Russia have increased from approximately 1,500 tons to 2,000 tons.

"Our Russian customers have respondend positively to the merger and this, in conjunction with a revision of our market strategy, has provided some good results," explains Export Manager Irina Karlström.

Sales consist of Swedish firm cheese to delicatessen counters and speciality cheese in consumer packs such as Feta, Havarti, Rosenborg mould cheese and, most recently, Buko cream cheese. The latter was launched during the spring.

In general, Arla Foods' products have a growing reputation among Arla Foods’ Russian customers. After last year’s ban on imported European cheese following the BSE and Foot and Mouth crises, Scandinavia was the first region to have the ban lifted. When other countries were allowed to resume exports, German and Dutch suppliers began to compete strongly on price.
“Nevertheless, we’ve managed to keep prices stable and the cheese business is currently profitable,” said Irina Karlström.