The early 2025 harvest marks the beginning of large-scale exports from the Fergana region. Farmgate prices remain high thanks to strong international demand.
The cherry season in Uzbekistan has officially started on a high note: from the very beginning, interest from international markets has been strong, prompting local exporters to launch shipments quickly. Leading the operations is the Fergana region, the productive heart of a country that continues to play a key role on the global stage of the cherry sector.
This year, the first small batches were shipped as early as the end of April, about a week ahead of 2024. However, it was in the last week that operations accelerated: according to EastFruit sources, Uzbek exporters have begun loading larger volumes, officially launching the mass export phase.
Dominating this initial phase of the season is the local “Bahor” variety (meaning “Spring”), an early-ripening cultivar prized for its flavor and mainly intended for export despite its smaller size.
The most in-demand commercial segment is currently cherries sized between 20 and 26 mm. These are exported under FCA (Free Carrier) terms at prices ranging from $3.20 to $4.20 per kilogram (approximately €2.95–€3.85), depending on size and fruit quality. These are attractive values that reflect the strong demand from foreign buyers already at the start of the season.
Uzbekistan consistently ranks in the global top 10 for fresh cherry exports, with annual volumes ranging from 30,000 to 60,000 tonnes depending on weather conditions. According to the National Statistics Committee, in 2024 the country exported 32,200 tonnes of cherries, generating a revenue of $70.3 million (approximately €64.45 million).
The early start and positive market response suggest a promising season for Uzbekistan’s cherry sector. With mid- and late-ripening varieties set to enter the market in the coming weeks, further export growth is expected, along with new opportunities to strengthen the country's presence in key markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Text and image source: east-fruit.com
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