Since mid-2022, several countries in Central Asia have struggled against occasional shortages of pet food as well-planned supply schemes fell victim to Western sanctions against Russia. Local pet food manufacturers, however, are starting to fill the gaps not only on their home ground but also in neighboring counties.
In March 2022, customers in Kazakhstan, the largest pet food market in the region, witnessed unexpected turbulence in the domestic market, as several brands, including Whiskas, Kitekat and Pet Chow, disappeared from retail shelves, while the price of others spiked, according to local publication “Mail,” citing market participants.
Aigul Imbergenova, president of the Kazakhstan Animal Protection Foundation Ayanysh, explained that the pet food market was collateral damage from Western sanctions against Russia. A large portion of Western pet food has been delivered to Central Asia, and especially, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzsia, through Russian distributors. Both countries share a common customs space with Russia within the Eurasian Economic Union.
Around August, Mars pet food brands re-emerged on the Kazakhstan market at higher prices, which have been steadily going up ever since, Imbergenova said. Other companies have yet to resume supplies. Supermarkets are filled with mass brands, while wholesalers limit deliveries of pet foods to