A Delicacy on the Rise
China has rapidly emerged as the world’s largest exporter of caviar, driven by improved quality and efficient logistics. In 2023, China exported 276 tonnes of caviar, generating $82.7 million and capturing about 40% of the global market share. This significant growth highlights the increasing demand for Chinese caviar internationally.

Quality and Innovation;

From Skepticism to Global Acclaim
Initially, Chinese caviar faced doubts regarding its quality. Through technological advancements and rigorous quality control, these doubts have been dispelled. Wang Bin, president of Hangzhou Qiandaohu Xunlong Sci-Tech, explains how their Kaluga Queen brand gained international recognition by offering superior quality at competitive prices. Innovations have enabled the breeding of sturgeons that mature faster and produce larger, more flavorful roe, enhancing China’s reputation in the market.

Economic Impact and Market Dynamics;

Surpassing Trade Barriers
Despite the US-China trade war, which increased tariffs on Chinese caviar to 40%, China remains the main supplier to the US, accounting for 60% of its caviar imports in 2023. This resilience highlights the competitive pricing and high quality of Chinese caviar, which remains cheaper than its Iranian and French counterparts. For instance, Iranian caviar costs over $2,000 per kilo, while French caviar is priced at about $700 per kilo, compared to nearly $300 per kilo for Chinese caviar.

Domestic and Global Expansion;

Growing Production and Market Reach
China’s dominance in the global caviar market is set to grow. Companies like Xunlong Sci-Tech, producing a third of the world’s caviar, plan to increase output significantly. They are expanding production facilities and investing in local economies by creating jobs and boosting farmers’ incomes. Domestic sales are expected to rise by over 40% annually, reflecting China’s growing taste for this luxury product.

The global caviar farming industry, which expanded following the ban on wild caviar due to overfishing, remains complex and competitive. American caviar producers, for instance, have struggled against low-priced Chinese imports, resulting in significant market share losses and price reductions.

Looking ahead, the ongoing expansion of Chinese caviar production and its growing acceptance both domestically and internationally suggest that China will maintain and potentially strengthen its position as a global leader in the caviar industry.