Economic crisis strikes at Russian meat choices

Per capita total red meat consumption in Russia since the start of the year decreased by 7 kg to 56 kg, the lowest figure in the last three years.

"With the beginning of the crisis the food ration of Russian consumers has changed. Instead of more expensive beef and pork, Russians are buying cheaper poultry meat," said Sergey Yushin, the head of the executive committee of the National Meat Association.

''In this regard the per capita meat consumption in the country this year will decline below the 60 kg mark," Yushin said.

Analysts predict that the production of budget sausages and meat products in the country will continue to increase, with a need to reduce the production costs.

Since 1990, the share of meat products in the country's meat market has increased from 35% in 1990 to 60% in 2008.