Orient Products acquires 100% of Morshansky butter plant in Tambov Region

The plant was sold by Maxim Emelyanov, who consolidated full ownership of the business in October before transferring it to Orient Products. Until February 2026, the plant was owned by Emelyanov and Pavel Mityukov. The buyer produces crispbread under the Shchedrye and Kruazett brands at its facility in Sertolovo, Leningrad Region.

The change of ownership followed a corporate dispute. The Arbitration Court of Tambov Region heard disputes concerning the plant's management and access to corporate documentation. According to local media reports, the parties discussed a settlement agreement in October.

Experts interviewed by the publication valued the asset at between 600 million and 1 billion rubles. Vadim Tedeev, managing partner at IPM Consulting, believes that combining crispbread and cheese production could create synergies through shared logistics and sales channels, particularly national retail chains. Experts identified fluctuations in dairy production profitability as a key risk. They also said that, following the dispute between the owners, the buyer would need to review the plant's contracts with companies affiliated with its former owners.

The plant has operated since 1954 and began producing cheese in 2005. It currently makes mozzarella, chechil, Adyghe cheese and suluguni. Its range also includes milk, tvorog and butter. The plant is one of the five largest enterprises in Tambov Region.

The plant generated revenue of 1 billion rubles in 2025, compared with 804 million rubles in 2024. Its net profit rose from 6.7 million to 102 million rubles over the same period.

Andrey Zokin previously served on the board of directors of VSMPO-AVISMA, the world's largest titanium producer. He is also a co-owner of several fishing industry businesses. In total, Zokin holds stakes in 27 companies, which generated combined revenue of 9.6 billion rubles and aggregate net profit of 1.1 billion rubles in 2025.