Melons cultivated across Uzbekistan are making their way to British consumers as export conditions have been established. In early July, Uzbekistan Airways dispatched the first industrial-scale shipment from Tashkent to London, comprising 10 tons of select melons. Refrigerated containers maintained the temperature chain throughout transit, ensuring the retention of sweetness.
The shipment included hybrid varieties and traditional sugar melons, each noted for its distinct organoleptic taste. British buyers showed interest, and the initial batch quickly sold out on supermarket trial shelves. The trading network plans to determine future order volumes based on this trial's outcome, with ongoing negotiations for free slots.
Certification was integral to the export process, involving phytosanitary control and comparison of nitrate content, sugar levels, and pesticide residues with international standards. Required laboratory protocols and labeling details, such as region of origin and harvest date, were adhered to.
Air transport of melons necessitates meticulous palletizing to optimize weight-to-volume ratios. Air shipment preserves freshness, with potential subsequent mixed logistics involving air, road, and rail for broader European distribution.
Parallel to melon exports, Uzbekistan has seen accelerated export activities in legumes and dried fruits like raisins, dried grapes, and apricots. The nut segment, particularly chickpeas, mung beans, walnut kernels, and apricot kernels, has also witnessed increased demand.
Seasonal products such as cherries have utilized specific logistics routes for frozen and fresh deliveries due to their short shelf life. The country's enterprises have branched into processed fruit and vegetable exports, supplying UK retail chains that require BRC or equivalent quality standards.
Uzbek farmer clusters are upgrading sorting and packaging centers. As refrigerated warehouse numbers dwindle, consistent quality is maintained with updated cultivation practices and GPS-tracked field maps. QR codes on batches enable consumers to trace origins digitally, integrating with laboratory networks.
In the year's first five months, the UK has seen a near doubling of Uzbek agricultural shipments. Growth is spurred by agrotechnical modernization, standardized cleaning and packaging, improved logistics corridors, and digital document flow. Pre-sent electronic declarations facilitate smoother customs clearance.
Synchronized communication with international buyers through video inspections and adherence to precise harvest timings are priorities for fast-ripening items like melons. Temperature loggers ensure cold chain integrity, with breaches rendering batches non-viable.
Source: Zamin
