Uzbekistan has increased its imports of raspberries from Tajikistan, EastFruit reported. This surge comes in the wake of a challenging season for local freezers, who faced substantial losses due to plummeting global prices for frozen raspberries in the previous year.
Analysts at EastFruit highlight a shift in the Central Asian berry market. Following a season where many freezers refrained from purchasing raspberries altogether, citing market instability, there has been a sudden resurgence in interest in the fruit.
Despite ongoing concerns over production volumes and quality in the region, raspberries have emerged as one of the most sought-after commodities among market participants in 2024.
Traditionally, Tajikistan has seen more dynamic development in its berry sector compared to Uzbekistan. This trend has prompted Uzbek companies to once again turn to Tajik suppliers for large volumes of fresh raspberries intended for freezing.
Bakhtiyor Abduvokhidov, an international expert in the fruit and vegetable business, reports that the purchase price for raspberries in Tajikistan in 2024 averaged approximately $1.3 per kilogram. Uzbekistan is estimated to import around 20 tons daily from northern Tajik regions to meet its burgeoning demand.
The imported raspberries are being processed in Uzbekistan and subsequently exported to Russia, where they fetch approximately $2 per kilogram. This price point presents a competitive edge in the Russian market, especially when compared to the higher rates of $3.2 per kilogram observed in the EU for high-quality frozen raspberries towards the end of their sales season.
Despite the attractiveness of these prices, challenges persist due to the outdated varieties of raspberries grown in Central Asia. This limitation restricts the region's ability to compete with higher-quality produce from more established markets. Nonetheless, the current market dynamics highlight a growing opportunity for both freezers and local farmers involved in raspberry cultivation across Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
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