Food retail is a highly competitive industry, both in developed and developing markets. Increased number of retailers, retail channels and formats are increasing consumer access to process and convenience foods, further increasing demand for food additives by the food & beverage industry. While providing consumers with competitive prices, quality, and services, the organized retail sector exposes the consumer to label information and quality comparison with both private labels and branded products.

In Russia, the food antimicrobial additives market is growing slowly as the preservatives used in Russian foods are prohibited as per WHO standards, therefore, obstructing the export of these products. Benzoates are ban in Russia owing to its role in allergies, asthma and skin rashes or can cause brain damage. Additionally, Russia’s consumer watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor discourages the use of natamycin. Moreover, the trend of ‘no-preservative’ is overall hampering the growth of the Russia market. In recent years, the application of sodium benzoate (E211) has been declining owing to the severity of harm it can cause to human health.