Doing Business in Azerbaijan 2009 - Azerbaijan Export ...

While in 1991 only 39 thousands hectares were utilized for
vegetables, in 2008 the figure grew up to 83.2 thousands hectares.
In the period of 1992-1995 the average amount of annual vegetable
production was approximately 450-500 thousand tons, in 2008 it
constituted 1228.3 thousand tons. Apart from domestic market
niche this segment of a/c remains one of the export commodities
(predominantly for the large Russian market). Azerbaijani fresh
vegetables (tomatoes, greens, melons, cucumbers etc.) remain
trademark of Azerbaijan very well known in the region.
Fruits
Fruit growing is one of leading spheres of the local agriculture.
Total territory used for all types of fruits and berries in 2008 was
120 thousand hectares.
Seeded fruits (apples, pears); quince drupaceous (plum, cherry,
sweet cherry, peaches); strong scales (nuts, hazel nuts, almond);
citruses (lemon, oranges); and subtropical cultures (figs, grenade
and persimmons) are the traditional products of the Azerbaijan.
In 2008 total volume of production of all kinds of fruits and berries
was 712.8 thousand tons. There is a very substantial potential in
the fruits and vegetables processing. Both newly established
enterprises and denationalized facilities stimulate the further
development of this segment of agriculture.
Food and Beverages
The food processing industry in Azerbaijan consists of three
main segments. These are meat processing, production of dairy
products and processing and canning of fruits and vegetables.
Food products are high on the Government’s agenda for import
substitution.
SECTORS REVIEW
95