The sanctions are stimulating a revival of the traditional Russian kitchen. Russian fruits and vegetables can count on an increasing interest from chefs. Russia and the OPEC are considering closing the oil tap a little to stabilise the market. The Russian inspection warn Iran that illegal re-export will not be tolerated. Azerbaijan doubled their fruit production, Russia is importing more fruit from China and Uzbekistan is focusing on the European market.
Culinary turnaround in Russia
The boycott is also working its way into the kitchens. In the Russian capital, restaurants are putting traditional meals on their menu increasingly often. Various international chefs are pointing out the possibilities that the revival of the Russian kitchen is going through. The restaurants are using exclusively Russian products more.
Russia and OPEC suggest less oil production
Independent from each other, Russia and the OPEC alluded to a lower oil production. Although Russia is able to keep the production level, the oil price can be a reason to push back the production. According to the Russians the OPEC countries are also prepared to stabilise the oil market. The oil price has been around 30 dollar per barrel for a number of weeks.
Warning to Iran: illegal re-export will not be tolerated
The Russian inspection has warned Iran that the illegal re-export of boycotted Turkish products will not be tolerated. Earlier this month the Iranian government issued a decree that imposes restrictions on the re-export of Turkish products. The Russian retailer Dixy wants to replace Turkish products with Iranian fruit and vegetables. The supermarket is said to be in negotiations with a number of Iranian exporters.
Latvia finds new markets
Latvian exporters have found new markets, the minister of Economics in the country claims. The export to Russia decreased by 25%, but the total export increased by 3 percent. "I am happy that our companies are better prepared for sanctions and have found a new focus for their activities to markets that previously may have seemed less attractive," according to the minister.
Azerbaijan doubles fruit production
The fruit production in Azerbaijan has doubled to 1 million tonnes since 2005, writes Fruit-Inform. Analysts see a lot of opportunities for the sector. The stonefruit cultivation shows the largest development, with 250 percent growth for the apricot production and 300 percent growth in peaches and nectarines. The cultivation of top fruit is growing more slowly, but the figures are no less impressive. The apple and pear cultivation grew by 100 and 50 percent. The cultivation of soft fruit gas also almost doubled in the last ten years. Analysts see a lot of potential for the fruit cultivation in the country. The Ukraine shows interest in fruit from Azerbaijan. The Eastern European country wants to import citrus, pomegranates, kakis, figs and nuts from Azerbaijan.
Uzbekistan signs contracts for Europe export
According to the Uzbek minister of Foreign Economic Relations, contracts will be signed during Grüne Woche in Germany on export to Europe. According to the minister it concerns the export of vegetables, fruit and textiles with a total value of 91.2 million dollars.
Russia imports more Chinese fruit
Last year 390,800 tonnes of vegetables and fruit crossed the border between Russia and China at the Manchuria border post, the largest crossing point on the Chinese-Russian border. The export of fruit was particularly high. According to analysts this is mainly thanks to the good harvest in China, which meant the prices decreased and the competitive position on the Russian market improved.
Ukraine bypasses Russia with new train connection
Earlier this month the Ukraine took a new part of the silk route into use. The train connection between the Ukraine and China, via Georgia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, bypasses Russian territory. The route goes by ferry over the Caspian and Black Seas.