Kazakhstan sets new record with unprecedented increase in ice cream exports
In an unexpected turn of events, Kazakhstan's ice cream exports reached a record high in 2024, despite a slight decline in domestic production [1]. The data reveals that the production of ice cream in Kazakhstan decreased by 3% during January to November 2024, totaling 49,400 tons [2]. However, this did not deter Kazakhstan from exporting a record 9,800 tons of ice cream during the same period, marking the highest volume of ice cream exports for the country since 2002 [3].
The increase in Kazakhstan's ice cream exports can be attributed to several factors. The growing demand for Kazakh ice cream abroad, strategic export initiatives, and possible price or quality competitiveness compared to alternatives in nearby markets such as Russia and Central Asia are key contributors [4][5]. The report does not specify the reasons for the slight drop in production and imports of ice cream in Kazakhstan, but it is worth noting that this decline was compared to the same period in 2023 [2].
The Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan accounted for a significant portion of Kazakhstan's ice cream exports, with the Kyrgyz Republic accounting for 20% and Uzbekistan accounting for 9% [6]. Interestingly, Russia accounted for the largest share at 69% [7].
Despite the increase in exports, a total of 10% less ice cream was available in Kazakhstan's domestic market compared to the previous year due to the export surge and decreased imports [8]. The data was reported by Data Hub's press service on Jan. 21, 2025 [9]. It is worth mentioning that the report does not provide information about the ice cream exports to countries other than Russia, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Uzbekistan, nor does it mention any changes in the market share of these countries in Kazakhstan's ice cream exports [10].
Another interesting observation is the nearly doubling of Russian imports of ice cream [11]. Despite the drop in production in Kazakhstan, it did not affect the record-breaking ice cream exports for the country since 2002 [3]. The report did not provide information about the ice cream exports to other countries [12].
In summary, Kazakhstan's record ice cream exports in 2024 resulted from a strong export push and growing international demand, overcoming domestic production challenges [5]. The overall ice cream market in the broader region, including the Middle East and Africa, shows resilient growth, which may have positively influenced Kazakhstan's export performance indirectly [1][3]. The exact reasons for the drop in production in Kazakhstan remain unclear, but the country's strategic efforts to penetrate foreign markets are evident in these impressive export figures.
The growing international demand for Kazakh ice cream, paired with strategic export initiatives, have likely contributed to the finance sector's record high ice cream exports in 2024. The increase in exports, despite a slight decrease in domestic production, has significantly impacted Kazakhstan's lifestyle, with a 10% decrease in available ice cream in the domestic market compared to the previous year [8].
