Russia's ban on EU produce may have opened up new opportunities for Uzbekistan's growers, but the Central Asian nation is looking to move a greater quantity of fruits and vegetables to the European Union.

Uztadbirkoreksport deputy director Akmalkhon Olimkhonov

During Fruit Logistica in Berlin last week, Uztadbirkoreksport deputy director Akmalkhon Olimkhonov told www.freshfruitportal.com the group shipped an extensive range of fresh and dried crops, with the most success seen in fresh cherries, plums, nectarines, persimmons, pomegranates and melons.

"Our main export markets are the CIS [Commonwealth of Independent States] countries because of logistics, with Kazakhstan and Russia as the biggest market," he said.

"That's why we have our trading houses in those countries, but since last year we've been entering European markets. We have our Uzbekistan trading house in Riga, Latvia which we opened in April. We send the fruits and vegetables there for customs clearance, and share our products with all European Union countries.

"Last year we made contracts to supply this year, and we continue to get many enquires for supplying fresh fruits."

The company sources from Uzbek growers, helping them with export contracts and to overcome issues like language barriers.

"All year round we can have a range of fruits and vegetables, and they are very popular with their delicious taste - there are no chemicals or additives, no pesticides, and that's why we are very proud of our products."

Olimkhonov said "several million tons" of produce were exported each year, out of a total production of 16 million metric tons (MT).

While the company's sights are set on the EU, the executive has noticed an uptick in Russian enquiries since the ban.

"So our market has opened more widely than before, and we are ready to increase our shipments."

This year was Uzbekistan's first presence with a stand at Fruit Logistica, supported by the United Nations Development Programme.

www.freshfruitportal.com