Kazakhstani ice cream brand sweeps export markets

Between January and November 2024, Kazakhstan exported 9.8 tons of ice cream, marking a 70% increase year-on-year (YoY) and the highest value recorded since 2002, according to Data Hub, an analytical channel on Telegram.

In 2023, media reports highlighted how the Kazakhstani ice cream producer Shin-Line stepped in to fill the market gap left by Unilever’s exit, following the departure of its Zolotoy Standart (Golden Standard) brand from the country. Among the top domestic favorites is Shin-Line’s Mishka na Polyuse (Polar Bear), whose classic flavor and familiar branding have made it a hit both at home and abroad. Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Georgia have emerged as new export markets, while sales to Russia saw a significant boost.

Russia accounted for the majority of exports (69%), followed by Kyrgyzstan (20%) and Uzbekistan (9%). Sales to Russia doubled, even as Kazakhstan’s domestic ice cream production in 2024 declined by 3% YoY to 49,400 tons.

In contrast, ice cream availability in Kazakhstan’s domestic market fell by 10%. This decline may reflect changing consumer preferences, with some choosing spicy snacks like Korean Buldak noodles over traditional sweet treats.