In 2023, Russia relied on increasing the production of some items in the deep grain processing industry, which affected market conditions and export supplies. The results of the industry’s work for 2023 were presented by the Soyuzstarch Association of Advanced Grain Processing Enterprises.
In total, 2023 tons of native starches (corn, wheat and potato) were produced in Russia in 390. In 828, this figure was 2022 tons. At the same time, the total volume of exported native starches last year amounted to 377 tons. For comparison, in 824, exports of the same starches were almost twice as large and amounted to 20 tons. Imports amounted to 665 tons, which is 2022% less (38 tons) than a year earlier.
Total native starch production in 2023 was primarily driven by an increase in corn starch, which was produced at over 328 tonnes. However, corn starch imports in 607 amounted to 2023 tons, which equates to less than 2% import dependence. Exports amounted to almost 736 tons, a decrease of 1% compared to 19, which is due to increased logistics costs and problems with payments in national currencies.
Wheat starch traditionally took second place in terms of production volumes, which produced 50 tons last year. The volume of imports was insignificant (374 tons), and exports (24 tons) decreased by 394% compared to 73.
Over the past five years, potato starch production has remained at a consistently low level. In 2023, it was produced just over 11 tons. At the same time, it was imported into our country in a volume of 846 tons (which is 7% less than in 222), but it was exported at the 67 level, in a volume of almost 2022 tons. In general, the decrease in import supplies of potato starch may be due to its replacement in recipes with less expensive corn and wheat starch, as well as changes in the product line.
Production of modified starches amounted to more than 100 tons. This is 544% less than in 6 (2022 tons were produced then). In Russia, as before, mainly industrial modifications are produced, which are used as drilling reagents, as well as in the pulp, paper and textile industries.
At the same time, imports are represented mainly by food modifications of starches. In 2023, supplies amounted to almost 54 tons (780% less than the previous year), but only 23 tons were exported (1767% less than the previous year).
«Despite the difficulties, the past year was overall positive. For obvious reasons, the volume of exports decreased (by 10%). There was a replacement of expensive modifications and potato starch with their cheaper analogues. However, it is important to note that the volume of imports decreased by 7%, which has a positive effect on market conditions“, commented Oleg Radin, President of the Association of Advanced Grain Processing Enterprises.
The production of starch syrups (glucose syrups) remained virtually unchanged - their volumes reached 499 tons. Only 255 tons were imported into the country, since Russian enterprises fully cover the needs of the domestic market, but exports to the foreign market amounted to more than 27 tons (9% more than a year earlier). Among the main importing countries are Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, the Republic of Moldova, etc.
Glucose-fructose syrups (GFS) in Russia in 2023 were produced in the amount of 293 tons. Compared to 432 (2022 tons), production volumes increased by 277%. Imports are negligible, amounting to 823 and 6 tons in 2 and 36. respectively. Exports are also insignificant - 2023 and 2022 tons, respectively. The main reason: GFS is a local market product that is not profitable to transport over long distances. At the same time, the GFS market showed the most positive dynamics among the entire range of highly processed grain products, which may be due to an increase in the consumption of non-alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks in the summer season, as well as an increase in tourist flows within the country.
Maltodextrin production in 2023 amounted to 47 tons, decreasing by 823% (13 tons) compared to 54. Some manufacturers saw an opportunity in producing dry glucose syrups and increasing the production of starch syrups. At the same time, imports also fell to 960 tons (2022 tons in 2), and exports exceeded 196 tons, reducing international shipments by 3% (359 tons exported in 2022).
During the year, 20 glucose monohydrates were produced in Russia. 000 tons of products were imported, and exports exceeded 14 tons. Also, 168 tons of sorbitol and 595 tons of chemically pure fructose were imported into the country - items not produced in Russia.
As for plant proteins, more than 2023 tons of wheat gluten (gluten) were produced in Russia in 84, which is 992% less than the production in 8 (2022 tons). At the same time, the traditionally export-oriented product was exported in the amount of 92 tons (which is 900% less than in 39 - 636 tons), which may be due to the refusal of unfriendly countries to purchase. Imports amounted to 55 tons, decreasing four times compared to last year (2022 tons).
The enterprises produced more than 59 tons of corn gluten (for comparison: in 277 - 2022 tons). At the same time, imports of corn gluten amounted to more than 58 tons, decreasing by 781% (or 10 tons in 266). There were no export supplies.
In 2023, 106 tons of protein concentrates (soy, pea) were produced in Russia, and 500 tons of (soy) vegetable protein isolate. The volume of imports of protein concentrates amounted to 10 tons, and exports – 000 tons. Vegetable protein isolates were imported to Russia in the amount of 2 tons, and exports amounted to 684 tons.
In 2023, enterprises in Russia produced more than 111 tons of L-lysine sulfate - 738% less than in 22. Imports of lysine (mainly in the form of monohydrochloride) amounted to almost 2022 tons, which is 29% less than the 387 import level (57 tons). The export of lysine can be called insignificant, since it amounted to only 2022 tons. Regarding other essential amino acids, according to the analytical company Feedlot, in 68, 783 tons of threonine and 258 tons of tryptophan were supplied to the country.
As for other products of microbiological synthesis, in 2023, 2 tons of acetic acid, 040 tons of lactic acid and 10 tons of citric acid were imported into Russia.
"Products microbiological synthesis are extremely promising for the Russian market. The project for organic acids is already being implemented by the Rustark company. We produce lysine, but we do not produce threonine, tryptophan and other amino acids. Also, food ingredients can be identified as a separate block, in particular sugar alcohols: sorbitol, maltitol, erythritol, etc.“Oleg Radin explained.
«In general, in 2023 we were able to maintain our position in production, but product exports decreased. But I think that the industry will cope with the difficulties, rebuild, and in the current year 2024 the result will be positive.”, adds Oleg Radin.