Russia’s Damate Group has become the first Russian turkey meat producer to receive approval for exporting its products to Singapore, the company has said in a press release.
The move is of note for two reasons, firstly the continuing drive by Russian producers in searching for new export markets, as the pivot to Asia continues, and secondly that Singapore is beginning to relax its attitudes to Russia – it had previously supported the West’s sanctions policy.
Damata said that the product range is currently being finalized, and negotiations are underway with Singaporean companies. To obtain export approval, Damate’s turkey production facility in the Penza region underwent a comprehensive audit of veterinary and food safety systems conducted by the Singapore Food Agency. The audit confirmed full compliance of the products with national requirements, allowing the company to secure market access.
Darya Lashchenko, Deputy CEO of Damate for Marketing and Sales said that shipments to Singapore will begin in the near future and that the company aims to secure a strong position in this market.
Singapore, although relatively small with a population of just under 6 million, is one of the wealthiest countries in Asia with a per capita income (PPP) of US$150,000. Due to its small size, most manufacturing processes are carried out overseas, most notably in the nearby ASEAN region but also from elsewhere depending upon quality and price competitiveness. Turkey meat is an important product in Singapore due to the high volume of Muslim visitors the country attracts, with both neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia being Islamic nations.
Turkey products remained the key driver of Damate’s international shipments in 2024. The company exported over 19,000 tonnes of turkey meat, further-processed products and ready-to-eat items to Africa, the Persian Gulf, Asia and Russia’s neighbouring countries. More than half of total turkey exports went to China, one of the company’s key markets. Shipments to Middle Eastern countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, also increased.
Last year, Damate increased supplies of turkey sausage products 42% and is focusing on expanding exports of high-value-added processed products.
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