Kazakhstan sets a new record in ice cream exports, reaching an unprecedented peak.
Kazakhstan's ice cream exports reached an all-time high in 2024, according to data released by Data Hub's press service on January 21, 2025. The country exported a record 9,800 tons of ice cream during the January to November 2024 period, marking the highest volume since 2002.
During the same period, Kazakhstan's production of ice cream decreased by 3%, totaling 49,400 tons. Despite the decrease, imports of ice cream into the country decreased by 3% to 12,500 tons. This resulted in a 10% decrease in the availability of ice cream in Kazakhstan's domestic market compared to the previous year.
The growth in Kazakhstan's ice cream exports can be attributed to several factors. One of the key contributors is the growth in regional production and exports in neighbouring markets. While specific data on Kazakhstan alone is limited, the overall trend in nearby countries and regions, such as Russia and parts of Central Asia, shows significant production growth and rising export volumes in ice cream.
Kazakhstan benefits from its geographic position, facilitating ice cream exports to neighbouring countries experiencing growing cold dessert markets. The broader Central Asian and Middle Eastern markets showed incremental growth in ice cream production and trade in 2024, suggesting Kazakhstan likely participated in this trend.
Another factor is the economic and consumption recovery post-pandemic. Many countries saw a bounce back in food exports, including confectionery and frozen desserts, as supply chains stabilized in 2024. Kazakhstan likely experienced similar positive effects, enabling ice cream exports to reach new highs.
Russia accounted for the largest share of Kazakhstan's ice cream exports at 69%, followed by the Kyrgyz Republic with 20% and Uzbekistan with 9%. The exports increased by 70% compared to the same period in 2023. No information about the brands or types of ice cream exported was provided in the article.
The reported figures are for the period from January to November 2024. Detailed export statistics from Kazakh trade authorities would help refine this understanding.
In 2024, the increase in ice cream exports from Kazakhstan can be attributed to the growth in regional production and exports in neighboring markets, such as Russia and parts of Central Asia, as well as the economic and consumption recovery post-pandemic, affecting global food exports, including desserts like ice cream. This surge in exports led to a business opportunity for Kazakhstan in the international finance sector, contributing to its lifestyle industry, including food-and-drink categories like ice cream.
