Fresh grapes market in Central Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The fresh grapes market in Central Asia began the period at 2.16 million tons in 2018, with the industry underpinned by a long-term expansion of vineyard area and the influence of state-owned winemaking enterprises. Growth to 2.21 million tons in 2019 was supported by ongoing efforts to preserve and select table grape varieties with higher winter hardiness and disease resistance, which improved product quality and range. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic altered consumer preferences and disrupted supply logistics, leading to a sharp contraction in imports and increased exports, reducing the market volume to 2.15 million tons.

A significant expansion occurred in 2021, with the market volume jumping 8.5% to 2.34 million tons. This surge was driven by growing interest in domestic grapes, support for farm enterprises like TOO 'Er-Te Agro' that planted new varieties on expanded areas, and active involvement of large companies and state-owned enterprises in industry development. Despite continued modernization of winemaking facilities and the introduction of new grape varieties through nurseries such as Vitis.kz in 2022, the market volume contracted to 2.27 million tons that year.

In 2023, the market volume edged down to 2.24 million tons. During this year, major producers strengthened their positions by expanding assortments and adopting new production technologies, while import volumes of fresh grapes recovered, increasing competition with domestic output.

Production fresh grapes in Central Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of fresh grapes, 2017-2020

World map of production of fresh grapes, 2017-2020

Central Asia's fresh grape production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 2 277 K t of fresh grapes, remaining relatively stable compared to the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 2 247 K t, which represented a 0.5% decline. The largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 1.2% growth.

Annual dynamics of production in Central Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of gains, Central Asia's fresh grape production value declined. In 2020, output was valued at 2 467 M $ US, down 5.6% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value increased by 15.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 2 612 M $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with an 11.0% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Central Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports fresh grapes from Central Asia

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Central Asia's fresh grape exports reached 128.5 K t, marking a 16.3% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 15.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.0%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 110.5 K t, which represented an 11.2% decline.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Central Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia and Pakistan played leading roles in Central Asia's fresh grape exports by volume, jointly accounting for 43.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Central Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of fresh grapes exported from Central Asia totaled 139.2 M $ US, showing a gradual increase of 9.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value rose by 33.1%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 10.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 3.1% drop, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 with a 25.1% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Central Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Russia and Pakistan led as the top buyers of fresh grapes from Central Asia in value terms, jointly accounting for 33.9% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Central Asia in value, 2017-2020

Imports fresh grapes to Central Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2020 at 5.7 K t, down 86.6% from the previous year, while the maximum was in 2019 at 42.8 K t, creating a 7.5-fold difference between these years. The largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 278.2% surge.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Central Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, China dominated Central Asia's fresh grape imports by volume, accounting for 5.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Central Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Fresh grape imports to Central Asia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 51.1 M $ US, representing a steep 30.8% year-over-year fall. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 35%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 13.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Central Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, China held the leading position in Central Asia's fresh grape imports by value, accounting for 7.0% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Central Asia in value, 2017-2020