The Russia’s Pivot to Asia

Russian Poultry Leader Secures Entry Into Malaysia’s Strict Halal Market

The Damate Group, Russia’s largest turkey producer, has officially received approval to export turkey meat to Malaysia—becoming the only company in the world currently authorized to supply this product to the Malaysian market. The first commercial shipments are already being prepared and are expected to reach Malaysia by mid-December.

Malaysia’s Halal Certification: The World’s Most Demanding Standard

Damate’s entry into Malaysia follows a multi-year process of meeting the country’s stringent Halal and food safety requirements. The company was the first in Russia to adopt the Malaysian Halal management system, widely considered the most rigorous global standard, covering:

• Product quality and safety
• Religious compliance
• Personnel training
• Production and management processes

Between 2024 and 2025, Damate’s facilities underwent extensive audits conducted by Malaysia’s Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). These inspections confirmed compliance with both sanitary regulations and Halal standards.

Long-Term Strategy Supported by Russian Authorities

The company began working on Malaysian market access in 2022, supported by:

• Russian Ministry of Agriculture
• Rosselkhoznadzor
• The Russian Embassy in Malaysia

Damate’s poultry complex in the Penza region received final approvals in 2024 after completing certification with the Halal International Center for Standardization and Certification (ICSC).

Malaysia Seen as a Key Hub for Southeast Asia Halal Exports

According to Darya Lashchenko, Damate’s Deputy General Director for Marketing and Sales, Malaysia offers significant growth potential due to its rising demand for turkey products and its strategic position as a Halal trade hub.

She noted that Damate aims to strengthen its presence not only in Malaysia but also in neighboring Southeast Asian markets through regional distribution.

Expanding Global Footprint in the Halal Poultry Sector

Since establishing its export division in 2015, Damate has secured permissions to supply products to over 60 countries, including:

• China
• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• Kuwait
• Benin
• Angola
• Various markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia

Beyond turkey, the company also produces lamb, duck meat, and operates dairy processing facilities across several Russian regions.

Turkey Meat Consumption Rising Across Global Markets

Damate produced 241,500 tonnes of turkey meat in 2024, a 2% increase from 2023. While chicken remains the dominant poultry product worldwide, turkey is gaining popularity—especially as a lean, high-protein alternative used in processed foods.

In Malaysia, turkey consumption remains modest but is steadily growing among urban consumers, particularly outside festive seasons. This positions Damate to capture a promising and underserved niche.

Original Article:

Russia’s Pivot to Asia. (2025). Russia’s Damate Group exports turkey meat to Malaysia for first time as it meets strict Halal requirements. Russia’s Pivot to Asia. https://russiaspivottoasia.com/russias-damate-group-exports-turkey-meat-to-malaysia-for-first-time-as-it-meets-strict-halal-requirements/