Yug Rusi

Founded by Russian entrepreneur Sergei Kislov in 1992, Yug Rusi was established as a flour production and export company. In 1996, Yug Rusi opened its first private seed and grain export facility on the banks of the Don River, providing direct shipping access to the sea. In 1999, the company launched the first private vegetable oil processing plant in Russia, capable of processing 1,000 tons of oil per day. Launching the Zolotaya Semechka brand in 2000, Yug Rusi created its first vegetable oil refining and bottling line, meeting significant customer demand. By 2001, the brand was investing in crop cultivation, acquiring farmland in Russia’s Rostov region. As the company grew from a small-scale business specialising in flour production to one of Russia’s most powerful agricultural holdings with a turnover of circa $2 billion, Yug Rusi expanded its line of vegetable oils, introducing the Avedov, Milora, Zlato, Leto and Khozyayushka brands, which went on to become household names. Today, Yug Rusi products account for over 30% of all Russian bottled vegetable oil sales, as well as commanding over 20% of the market in Kazakhstan. Although focussing predominantly on the vegetable oil market, Yug Rusi remains a leading flour producer and distributer, as well as operating the largest bread-making facility in Russia’s Rostov Region. Yug Rusi also manufactures a wide range of other foodstuffs, including branded fruit and berries juices, mayonnaises, and canned vegetables. The company has been honoured with a variety of coveted awards over the years, including being recognised as manufacturing one of the 100 Best Products of Russia (2014) with its Zlato vegetable oil brand.