DEVELOPMENT OF SEMI-PROCESSED FOOD PRODUCT EXPORTS IN UZBEKISTAN

This article analyses the development trends of the semi-processed (ready-to-cook) food segment of the global food market and evaluates Uzbekistan’s export opportunities in this sector. Drawing on official data from FAO, the World Bank, the U.S. Commercial Service, and ITC, the study describes the state of the global market and benchmarks Uzbekistan against China, Türkiye, Poland, and the Netherlands. Both hypotheses are confirmed: the country’s raw-material base (~33 million t/year of production) is shown to generate substantial export potential; weak links in cold-chain infrastructure (7% refrigeration coverage, 25–30% post-harvest losses) are demonstrated to be the primary barrier to export development. Practical recommendations are proposed along five strategic directions.