OMM Redaksiyası
Uzbekistan’s grape exports are growing rapidly. In January-August 2025, the country shipped 86,200 tons of fresh grapes worth a total of $78.3 million to 19 countries.
Fergana is one of Uzbekistan’s main agricultural regions. The value of the region’s fruit and vegetable exports reached $403 million in 2025. The Oltiariq district, located in the region, has earned a particularly strong reputation for grape production.
In 2025, Uzbekistan’s grape exports increased by 64 percent compared with the same period in 2024. Russia was the largest buyer, receiving 63,400 tons of grapes. Kazakhstan ranked second with 15,200 tons, followed by Kyrgyzstan with 4,500 tons.
The export geography is gradually expanding. Uzbekistan has already shipped grapes to markets in Europe, the Middle East and the United States. In 2023, a one-ton trial shipment of “Husayni” grapes sent to New York reportedly sold out within two days. A contract was subsequently signed to airlift 250 tons of grapes for sale in New York through “NetCost” grocery stores.
According to trade data, the United Kingdom imported approximately $2.05 million worth of fresh and dried grapes from Uzbekistan in 2025.
Access to distant markets depends on more than grape cultivation. Because fresh fruit has a short shelf life, cold storage, packaging and transportation capacity play an important role. In Oltiariq, different grape varieties are stored in cold warehouses and can be preserved for up to six months.
According to local producers, the grapes are treated with special film and absorbent material before being packaged and placed in storage facilities. The Fergana region has approximately 4,500 hectares of vineyards, around 3,400 hectares of which are located in Oltiariq district.
In 2024, approximately 70,000 tons of grapes produced in the district were shipped to markets in the Commonwealth of Independent States, Asia, Europe, Arab countries and the United States.
According to an estimate by Mordor Intelligence, Uzbekistan’s table grape market will be worth $415.16 million in 2026. The market is projected to reach $537.47 million by 2031. The report cites investment in cold storage, pre-cooling, packaging and other post-harvest infrastructure among the factors driving growth.
More than 300 grape varieties are cultivated in Uzbekistan. They are divided into varieties consumed fresh, used to produce raisins and used in winemaking.
One of the well-known varieties is the local “Rizamat” hybrid, which has large, sweet pinkish-red berries. “Khusayne,” also known as “Kelin barmoq,” is known for its green, crisp berries. “Kishmish” is distinguished by seedless varieties that are mainly consumed fresh or turned into sweet raisins.
Grapes stand at the intersection of agriculture, trade and cultural identity in Uzbekistan. Russia and neighboring Central Asian countries will likely remain the main buyers in the near term. However, longer storage, specialized packaging and faster transportation are making it easier to reach new markets.
The central question is whether grapes cultivated for generations in areas such as Oltiariq will be known merely as “Uzbek grapes” because of their origin, or become a global brand recognized in international markets.
