Uzbek Dried Fruit Producers Strengthen Export Competitiveness Through Technical Workshop

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (June 8, 2026) – The Association of Exporters of Fruit and Vegetable Products of Uzbekistan (UZPEX), together with the International Trade Centre (ITC), brought together representatives of dried fruit processing and exporting companies, industry associations, business support organizations, and sector experts in Tashkent for a technical workshop aimed at enhancing the quality, safety, and export competitiveness of Uzbekistan's dried fruit sector.

The workshop was organized within the framework of the Trade Promotion East: Balkans and Central Asia (TPE) project, implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC), with UZPEX serving as the national industry partner supporting the participation of Uzbek companies and promoting the development of the dried fruit sector. The four-year project seeks to strengthen the competitiveness and export performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the dried fruit sector while enhancing the capacity of business support organizations and sector associations. The project is funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), demonstrating the Swiss Government's commitment to supporting sustainable economic development, trade competitiveness, and private sector growth in Uzbekistan and the wider region.

The technical sessions were led by international dried fruit expert Anton Erwee, who has extensive experience working with dried fruit industries across multiple countries. Throughout the workshop, he shared practical recommendations based on international industry standards and market requirements, helping participants better understand how to improve product quality, reduce losses, prevent buyer claims, and strengthen their competitiveness in export markets. His presentations combined technical expertise with practical examples from global dried fruit supply chains, making the training highly relevant for Uzbek producers and exporters participating through UZPEX.

The workshop focused on practical solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing dried fruit exporters, including shelf-life management, insect control, quality consistency, packaging technologies, and compliance with international market requirements.

During the sessions, participants learned about the importance of proper moisture management, warehouse temperature control, and effective drying practices to reduce product spoilage and maintain quality throughout the supply chain. Experts highlighted common causes of product deterioration during transportation and provided practical recommendations for minimizing losses and preventing buyer complaints.

Special attention was given to insect control methods that preserve product quality, including the use of CO₂-based treatments and preventive measures during storage and transportation. Discussions also covered strategies for stabilizing product quality between harvest seasons, improving sorting processes, and reducing production losses without significant capital investment.

Packaging and logistics were identified as critical factors for export success. Participants reviewed modern packaging solutions, including high-barrier films, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and vacuum packaging technologies. Experts emphasized that proper packaging, combined with effective moisture and temperature management, can significantly reduce quality deterioration during long-distance transportation and international shipment.

The workshop also addressed common reasons for claims and rejections from European buyers. Among the key issues discussed were insect infestation, excessive sulphur dioxide levels, non-compliance with maximum residue limits (MRLs), foreign body contamination, and packaging defects. Participants received practical guidance on preventive measures and best practices to help exporters meet increasingly demanding international standards.

Another important topic was preparation for buyer audits. Experts provided recommendations on improving factory hygiene, traceability systems, raw material control, employee practices, and food safety management systems. These measures are essential for maintaining market access, ensuring compliance with international requirements, and building long-term relationships with overseas buyers. By supporting knowledge-sharing initiatives such as this workshop, UZPEX continues to strengthen the capabilities of Uzbek exporters, promote the adoption of international best practices, and contribute to the sustainable growth and global competitiveness of Uzbekistan's dried fruit industry.