International Expert Visits Dried Fruit Enterprises Across Uzbekistan to Strengthen Export Readiness

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Tashkent, Uzbekistan — From 9 to 12 June 2026, international dried fruit specialist Anton Erwee conducted a series of field visits to dried fruit enterprises in the Samarkand, Tashkent, and Ferghana regions of Uzbekistan. The mission was organized within the framework of the International Trade Centre’s (ITC) Trade Promotion East: Balkans and Central Asia (TPE) project, in cooperation with the Association of Processors and Exporters of Fruit and Vegetables of Uzbekistan (UZPEX), and aimed to assess the technical capabilities and export readiness of participating companies while providing practical recommendations to improve product quality, food safety, and international competitiveness.

The field visits followed a technical workshop held in Tashkent and included assessments of production facilities, processing equipment, quality management systems, raw material handling practices, and future business development plans. Each company received tailored recommendations addressing its specific technical and commercial challenges. UZPEX supported the coordination of the field visits and facilitated engagement with participating dried fruit enterprises across the regions.

In the Samarkand region, visits were conducted to leading raisin producers, including Chelak Tomorqa and NNP Raisins. The expert noted significant progress in factory modernization, quality management, and export-oriented production. At Chelak Tomorqa, substantial improvements in production processes and infrastructure were observed compared to previous visits. The company has invested in advanced sorting technologies and plans to significantly increase production capacity while pursuing internationally recognized food safety certifications. The enterprise currently exports to numerous European and Latin American markets and continues to expand its international reach.

The mission also highlighted the success of partnerships established between processors and exporters. Through support provided by the project, companies have gained access to new buyers, diversified export destinations, and introduced modern technologies learned during international study tours. These improvements have contributed to stronger competitiveness and increased export opportunities.

In the Tashkent region, visits focused on companies seeking to diversify their product portfolios and expand into dried fruit processing. Discussions addressed challenges related to sulphur dioxide (SO₂) levels, compliance with increasingly stringent European market requirements, and strategies for developing value-added products. Recommendations were provided on product quality management, export market preparation, certification requirements, and strengthening commercial and export functions within companies.

Particular attention was given to companies investing in new production facilities and technologies. At Global Export, one of the most modern facilities visited during the mission, detailed technical consultations were provided on reducing sulphur dioxide levels, improving microbiological stability, and developing new products such as diced apricots and organic dried fruits. The company has already expanded its dried fruit exports to European markets and continues to invest in further growth and product diversification.

The mission concluded with visits to enterprises in the Ferghana Valley, where discussions focused on production efficiency, drying technologies, food safety, and future certification plans. At Trust Agro, recommendations were provided on improving hygiene practices, implementing food safety systems, optimizing processing sequences, and preparing the company’s new facility for certification under international standards. The company also received guidance on accessing new export markets and identifying potential buyers in Europe and other regions.

At Global Ferghana, technical advice focused on moisture management, drying conditions, microbiological control, and equipment optimization. Recommendations included the installation of humidity monitoring systems, improvements to drying processes, and measures to reduce microbiological contamination risks. The company also received practical guidance on protecting product quality during drying and storage operations.

Throughout the mission, several common challenges were identified across the sector, including elevated sulphur dioxide levels in dried apricots, microbiological contamination associated with high moisture content, hygiene management, and compliance with increasingly demanding export market requirements. At the same time, the expert noted the substantial progress achieved by Uzbek dried fruit producers in recent years, particularly in technical knowledge, factory standards, product quality, and export development.

According to Anton Erwee, Uzbekistan’s dried fruit industry has made remarkable advances over the past four years and continues to strengthen its position in international markets. Continued technical support, investment in food safety systems, adoption of modern processing technologies, and development of skilled personnel will be critical to sustaining this positive momentum and unlocking further export opportunities.

The mission demonstrated the continued commitment of Uzbek dried fruit producers to improving quality, adopting international best practices, and expanding their presence in global markets. Through targeted technical advice and company-specific recommendations, the visits provided valuable guidance to help enterprises address existing challenges and strengthen their export performance.

The activities were implemented under the Trade Promotion East: Balkans and Central Asia (TPE) project of the International Trade Centre (ITC), funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), in cooperation with UZPEX. The project supports the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises in the dried fruit sector through technical assistance, market linkages, capacity building, and export development initiatives.