October 28 to 30, at the China International Fisheries Expo (CFSE) held in Qingdao, the Russian Export Center (REC, VEB.RF Group) set up a joint exhibition area for "Made in Russia".
The exhibition area brought together export companies from Khabarovsk Krai, Primorsky Krai, Sakhalin Oblast, Murmansk Oblast, Novosibirsk Oblast, and Irkutsk Oblast, many of which have already obtained "Made in Russia" certification. With the support of the Russian Export Center, these exhibitors are conducting a series of B2B business negotiations with Chinese importers and distributors.
Tatyana An, Vice President of the Russian Export Center, stated: “China remains the largest market for Russian fish exports, and competition is fierce. Only suppliers who focus not only on export volume but also on product quality and supply stability can stand out in the market. We have observed a growing interest from Chinese partners in processed products and a willingness to discuss long-term contracts. For the companies in our delegation, the "Made in Russia" certification is a highly attractive selling point, as Chinese buyers highly value verified quality and transparent product traceability information.”
Russian producers showcased a wide variety of fishery products at the exhibition, including frozen and chilled fish, seafood, fishmeal, salmon roe, and canned fish. Among them, "Fish Man", a fish processing company from Novosibirsk, attracted particular attention. The company specializes in frozen freshwater fish and semi-finished fish products, all sourced within approved fishing quotas. "Fish Man" already exports a significant portion of its products to European countries such as France, Germany, Hungary, Denmark, and Lithuania. The company believes its previous experience in the Chinese market has laid a solid foundation for further expansion there. For "Fish Man", participating in this exhibition is a crucial strategic move for its systematic entry into the Chinese market; previously, the company successfully conducted several B2B business negotiations at the "Made in Russia" exhibition held in Tianjin by the Russian Export Center in August this year. Other exhibitors included "Food Team", headquartered in the Moscow region, which has been deeply involved in fish and seafood processing for over 17 years. The company produces approximately 3,600 tons of processed fish products annually, encompassing fish fillets, lightly cured products, cold-smoked products, semi-finished products, ready-to-eat meals, and various snacks. At the Qingdao exhibition, the company showcased its long-shelf-life dried products, as well as cod and salmon skin crisps tailored to Asian tastes. "Food Team" currently exports its products to Belarus, Azerbaijan, the UAE, Georgia, and Armenia; furthermore, the company has obtained an export license to China and is currently preparing for its first shipment to the country. The company holds "Made in Russia" certification and has participated in numerous exhibitions organized by the Russian Export Center — experiences that allow "Food Team" to deeply analyze local markets and identify potential partners. Also exhibiting at the "Made in Russia" exhibition in Qingdao was a fish processing company from Irkutsk Oblast, owned by Olga Sharpinskaya. This company has been deeply involved in the market for 25 years, focusing on the production and processing of fish and seafood. At this exhibition, the company highlighted products processed from wild Siberian fish, including pike, whitefish, and chub, all caught from pristine local rivers and lakes. In 2018, the company obtained export licenses to China and Mongolia, and subsequently acquired export qualifications to the European market. Olga Sharpinskaya 's company holds "Made in Russia" certification and has extensive experience participating in various exhibitions and festivals organized by the Russian Export Center.
The Yuzhno-Kurilsk Fish Processing Plant, located in Sakhalin Oblast, also showcased its products at the "Made in Russia" exhibition, featuring processed wild fish caught from the waters surrounding the Kuril Islands. Founded in 1946, the company is one of Russia's largest sea urchin harvesters, utilizing over 20 species of fish to produce approximately 50 different products. On Kunashir Island, the company operates Russia's largest shore-based fishmeal and fish oil production facility (each with a daily capacity of 100 tons), and boasts a modern processing complex with a maximum daily output of 200 tons of finished products. The company exports its products to 14 countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and several EU member states. Furthermore, the company received the 2023 "Exporter of the Year" national award (large enterprise group, basic agricultural products category).
The China International Fisheries Expo (CFSE) is Asia's largest seafood industry exhibition, bringing together producers, processors, equipment suppliers, and seafood distributors. The expo is held annually in Qingdao. In 2026, the expo attracted significant market participants from China, Japan, South Korea, and other countries. Applications to participate in business activities at the Russian Export Center can be submitted through the state-run digital platform " My Exports " ( Gosuslugi VED ) .
As a reminder, Veronika Nikishna, General Manager of the Russian Export Center, stated during a previous meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Chinese Premier Li Qiang that there is a large demand for fish products, especially canned fish, in China.