As European buyers look to diversify their supplies of tomatoes, Exim Agro’s Yorkin Inamov believes Uzbekistan has an opportunity to grow its share of the market in the coming years
As European tomato production faces continuing challenges, including weather extremes in Spain, Uzbekistan is emerging as one possible alternative source, according to Yorkin Inamov, founder of exporter Exim Agro, who says the Central Asian country’s climate offers optimal conditions for tomato cultivation.
Inamov highlighted the country’s four-season environment, where hot summers and cool nights stress the plants, resulting in tomatoes that offer exceptional flavour.
“The tomatoes from Uzbekistan are unlike anything you’ve tasted,” said Inamov, “especially varieties like Pink Paradise, which has a natural sweetness and depth that makes it stand out.”
Currently, Uzbekistan exports a range of products, including fresh and freeze-dried tomatoes, with a primary focus on markets like Russia. However, with shifting global dynamics, the company is looking to expand its reach to Europe, particularly as the continent grapples with tomato shortages.
Inamov points to the importance of diversifying sourcing to countries like Uzbekistan, which offer both high-quality products and stable production conditions.
The growth of the Uzbek tomato industry has not been without challenges, according to Inamov. Water availability and the rising cost of energy are issues, but the government has supported the sector with initiatives, helping producers like Exim Agro to gain a foothold on the global stage.
“One of the biggest problems for the European market has been that the majority of Europeans didn’t know that such a country as Uzbekistan existed,” admitted Inamov.
However, as Uzbekistan’s tomato exports grow, Inamov believes the country could become a significant player, particularly in the UK and Germany, where there is increasing interest in sourcing tomatoes from alternative regions.
