Russian Cheese Carnival: Native milk products expected to replace imports for EU

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Europe

02:29

Organisers of a cheese festival near the Russian capital, Moscow, say they have sold more than 30 tonnes of the popular dairy product in just a few days. Russians have been starved of high-quality cheese ever since European sanctions came into effect four years ago. But, as Dan Ashby reports, the cheese crisis presented an opportunity for anyone who was willing to take on the challenge.

There is a gold rush underway in Russia: but the bars of yellow are not made of metal, but rather milk. Punters are piling into this festival to get a taste of Russian cheese. When the EU passed sanctions against Russia for annexing Crimea, Russia responded by banning European cheeses and other dairy products. That has left a gap in the market.

DAN ASHBY ISTRA "Cheese is difficult to make. It takes decades of experience to get the fullest of flavours. But while European cheeses might have more history and reputation, there are plenty of Russians who are willing to go local."

"Do you think the Russian market can compete with European cheeses in the future?"

"It can compete NOW, not in the future! I can compare their cheeses."

"Italian cheese made in Russia. That's got to be original right?"

"It is absolutely original. But I think Russia and Italy is not so far, so it's very easy to make a link between the different cultures and tastes."

Jay Close is an American who has lived in Russia for more than 20 years, and he says the industry is booming.

JAY CLOSE CHEESEMAKER "Six years ago there were maybe six cheesemakers in Russia. Now there's hundreds. And that's over four years. The sanctions have helped people think they can make money over this. It's true. They can make money, not a lot. But with an extreme amount of hard work, you will see a lot of people make it or break it."

Food prices in Russia have increased substantially since EU sanctions were imposed, and cheese is no exception. For the most part, luxury cheese remains a market for the privileged few.

JAY CLOSE CHEESEMAKER "This Cheese is called the Feet of God, it's the best. It's too good."

But this festival shows that even a small slice of the Feet of God is making many Russians feel heavenly enough. Dan Ashby, CGTN, Moscow.