The reason why Russian food finds it difficult to establish a market in China is actually quite simple:
People who have purchased Russian food may have many doubts. Compared with products from other countries, there are several aspects that are indeed unsatisfactory:
Firstly, regardless of the quality of Russian goods, their packaging often makes people hesitant.
Russian manufacturers often do not prioritize aesthetic design; many products' packaging looks like goods from a flea market of the last century.
They emphasize the intrinsic quality of the food, considering packaging merely as a simple container that should be safe and harmless, without pursuing aesthetic appeal.
In addition, Russian food emphasizes maintaining its original taste, which often falls short compared to foods from other countries.
In contrast, Chinese consumers prefer a perfect balance of taste and flavor, thus they are more tolerant of additives.
Russians have higher demands for the cleanliness of food ingredients and dislike the presence of additives, believing that the original taste of the food is paramount.
Russian foods like Borodinsky bread and linden honey are often criticized for their tough texture and difficulty in swallowing, sometimes even mistaken for counterfeits.
Furthermore, Russian wheat flour tends to have a darker color, leading some consumers to complain or return it.
Russian milk powder has simple packaging designs that sometimes appear outdated, which is not attractive enough in today's market.
However, Russia is renowned for its vast grasslands and strict agricultural management conditions.
Cattle are raised in natural environments, drinking clear mountain spring water without the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
This environment ensures the high quality of their milk sources, naturally preserving the original taste and nutritional value of the dairy products.
To maintain a taste close to fresh milk, Russian milk powder requires eight pounds of fresh milk to produce one pound of milk powder, strictly avoiding the use of additives during processing.
This practice ensures the quality and taste of the milk powder, although its shelf life is relatively short, it is still favored by consumers.
Despite the differences in appearance and taste preferences between Russian food and Chinese consumers, their emphasis on original taste and natural breeding conditions allows their products to still have a market among specific consumer groups.
Apart from these reasons, another factor hindering the promotion of Russian food in the Chinese market is cultural differences.
Russians have different understandings of food compared to Chinese consumers.
They prioritize the practicality and nutritional value of food rather than pursuing culinary art and gourmet culture like the Chinese.
For example, traditional Russian foods such as yogurt, black bread, and beets, while nutritious, struggle to generate widespread interest and acceptance in the Chinese market.
Additionally, there are differences in food safety and quality supervision standards and systems between Russia and China.
Chinese consumers have strict requirements for food safety and quality, while Russian regulatory standards may not fully align, thereby affecting the market acceptance and trust of Russian food in China to some extent.
However, despite these challenges, Russian food still holds development potential in the Chinese market.
With deepening international trade and cultural exchanges, consumers are becoming more open and understanding towards foods and cultures from different countries.
In the future, if Russian food can adapt to the tastes and consumption habits of the Chinese market, and simultaneously improve packaging design and marketing strategies, there is an opportunity to achieve greater breakthroughs and recognition in the Chinese market.
The challenges facing Russian food in the Chinese market involve not only the characteristics and quality of the products themselves but also consumer preferences, cultural differences, and market environment factors.
Only through thorough understanding and active adjustment can Russian food win more favor and trust from Chinese consumers in the Chinese market.
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