Kazakhstan is one of the fastest growing markets in Eurasia, boasting an average growth rate of more than 10%. An active role is being taken to bolster Kazakhstan’s economic development, including plans that target specific economic sectors, such as agriculture and tourism. The size of the economy is expected to triple by 2015. The former capital city, Almaty, will host the 2011 Asian Winter Games, attracting new consumers and investors to Kazakhstan’s growing urban areas. Further contributing to this growth is an emerging middle class of young professionals interested in foreign products.

A Kazak household spends approximately 35% of its total expenditures on food and non-alcoholic beverages, making food purchases the top category for spending. In 2008, the fastest-growing food markets in Kazakhstan were packaged foods, “ready-meals,” sauces, dressings, condiments and frozen, processed foods, including frozen fish, seafood and vegetables.