Dried fruit exports from Uzbekistan to the EU: a map of regions and categories (Surkhandarya, Khorezm, Fergana Valley)

Regional map: Surkhandarya, Khorezm, the Fergana Valley and Sughd in Tajikistan

Each category of Uzbek dried fruit comes from its own region, with its own climate, drying methods and seasonal calendar. Surkhandarya in the south of the country is the core region for classic dried apricots: hot summers, the wide continental swing between day and night temperatures and long-established drying methods produce a dense fruit with a full flavour.

Khorezm in the north-west is the main raisin region: high-sugar grape varieties, a long sunny season and the tradition of drying in the shade give its raisins a distinctive profile. Sughd, across the border in Tajikistan, supplies a processing mix of dried apricots, nuts and raw material for further manufacturing. The Fergana Valley adds walnuts, almonds and pistachios to the range.

The regional map matters to an EU buyer because it sets expectations. A request for "Uzbek dried apricots" is vague; "Surkhandarya dried apricots, size L, sulphured" is precise and can be checked. At this level of detail, dried fruit becomes a specified product line.

Varieties and size grading for the EU grade system

Buyers in the Baltics, Scandinavia and Germany work with a grading system based on fruit size and batch uniformity. Dried apricots are usually graded L, M or S by diameter: L is a large fruit of 30 mm and over, M is medium at 22–30 mm, and S is small, up to 22 mm. The uniformity required within each grade is set out in the specification.

Raisins are graded by berry size (Jumbo, Standard, Small) and by drying method (sun-dried or shade-dried). Khorezm raisins are traditionally dried in the shade, so the berry keeps a rich colour and stays supple. These parameters go into the buyer's specification, and any deviation affects whether the batch is accepted.

Sulphured or natural drying: EU limits for E220 and mycotoxins

Sulphuring (treatment with sulphur dioxide, E220) is a traditional method that keeps dried apricots bright orange and extends their shelf life. Natural drying without sulphur gives a darker product, from amber to brown, and calls for tighter mycotoxin control because the fruit lacks the preservative effect of sulphur.

The EU is strict about residual sulphites. Under Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, a product that contains sulphur dioxide above the set threshold must declare "sulphur dioxide" or "sulphites" in its list of ingredients, emphasised as an allergen. Many large Northern European chains ask specifically for natural dried fruit for their core range and keep sulphured fruit as a separate line.

Since 25 May 2023, maximum levels of contaminants in food have been set by Regulation (EU) 2023/915, which consolidated and repealed Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006. For dried fruit, the relevant contaminants are ochratoxin A (OTA) and aflatoxins (B1, and the sum of B1, B2, G1 and G2). The numerical limits are set product by product (raisins, dried apricots, figs, nuts) and are checked against the current version of the regulation before shipment. EU retail chains regard testing of every batch as standard acceptance procedure. These limits apply to sulphured and natural dried fruit alike.

Packaging for the EU shelf: material, format and temperature

Dried fruit goes onto EU retail shelves in a few standard formats. Clear PET tubs of 250–500 g with a transparent lid let shoppers see the fruit, which matters in the premium segment. Resealable zip-lock doypacks of 200–500 g suit the mid-market: they are compact, close again after opening and offer good perceived value.

Cartons of 1 kg and more with an inner bag are the format for HoReCa and large family packs. Industrial buyers (confectioners, bakeries, muesli makers) take bulk fruit in 10–25 kg PP sacks or 5–10 kg cartons. For shipment along the Trans-Caspian corridor, packaging that protects against swings in temperature and humidity works best: vacuum or modified atmosphere packaging (MAP).

Supply seasons and the container calendar

Dried fruit is a seasonal category, and the container calendar is built around the harvest. Surkhandarya apricots are picked from late May to June and dried straight after picking, in June–July. The dried apricots are ready to ship in July–August, and the best window for shipments to Riga runs from August to October. Khorezm raisins come later: drying runs through September–October, and shipments go out from October to November.

• July–August: window for booking new-crop apricot volumes and agreeing the variety and grade with the supplier.
• August–September: first apricot shipments, ahead of the peak load on the Trans-Caspian leg.
• September–November: main season for both products and peak load on the Trans-Caspian Aktau–Baku leg.
• December–March: off-season flow, drawing on stocks from the current crop and on related categories (nuts, spices).
• April–May: a production pause before the new season and a convenient time to revise specifications for the coming year.

Nuts complement dried fruit in shared containers: walnuts from Arslanbob in Kyrgyzstan ship from October to January, and almonds and pistachios from the Fergana Valley arrive from September to December. For a mixed container of dried fruit and nuts the seasonal peaks coincide, which improves the economics of a single shipment and lowers the logistics cost per unit.

Wholesale raisins and dried apricots: what to put in your enquiry

To buy raisins or dried apricots wholesale for the EU market, describe the batch the way it will be checked on arrival. The more precise the enquiry, the faster the supplier can match it to the right harvest and size grade.

• Category and region: Surkhandarya dried apricots, Khorezm raisins or a mix with nuts.
• Grade and size: L, M or S for dried apricots; Jumbo, Standard or Small for raisins.
• Drying method: sulphured (E220) or natural, and for raisins also sun-dried or shade-dried.
• Packing: retail packs for the shelf, cartons for HoReCa or 10–25 kg sacks for manufacturing.
• Documents: laboratory reports on ochratoxin A, aflatoxins and sulphites for every batch.
• The EU destination country and the delivery month you want, with the seasonal calendar in mind.

Wholesale prices for raisins and dried apricots depend on the harvest, size grade, drying method and packing, so each quote is worked out for the specific enquiry. If you buy for a retail chain, HoReCa or manufacturing, send a request through the buyer form.