Value Chains research report Tajikistan final - Microfinance Centre

Table 21: Export of canned Tomato Products including Tomato Paste
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
In
tons
000’
USD
In
tons
000’
USD
In
tons
000’
USD
In
tons
000’
USD
In
tons
000’
USD
Total, 3913 1466 2071 864 1250 845 2059 1415 874 625
include
Russia 3206 1210 1766 737 843 579 1720 1232 604 486
Kazakhstan 409 144 305 127 407 266 332 178 270 139
Kyrgyzstan 298 112
Source: State Statistic Agency of Tajikistan
As shown in table 21 Russia is the main recipient of tomato exports from Tajikistan
however, it should be noted that 2010 exports were lower than either years from 2006 to
2009. It is explained by fact that canning was not able to have supply by raw materials
and finance their operations. The canning customers are the low and middle-income.
The product is mainly selling in the two-liter bottles. Since Tajikistan produced product
for low segment, the market share loosing is important but not critical factor as internal
problems of canning factories in Tajikistan. The information about export activity of
juices are convincing that fact (table 22).
Table 22: Canned Tomato, Fruit and Vegetable Juice Exports from Republic of Tajikistan, in
tonnes
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Total: Fruit and vegetable juices 12905 12581 9005 7010 3825
Kazakhstan 10121 10410 8259 6302 3472
Russia 2571 2171 746 612 353
Kyrgyzstan 62 96
Uzbekistan 151
Source: State Statistic Agency of Tajikistan
The tomato paste was the main product produced by Tajik canning. Kazakhstan
and Russia are a major importer of tomato paste from Tajikistan. Those countries are
importing tomato paste from China, Iran, Turkey, Hungary and Uzbekistan too.
Tajikistan provides tomato paste in traditional glass jars with press on caps, a method
left over from the Soviet era but not widely sought after currently. When producers from
Europe, Russia and China offer twist off cap bottles which are gaining in popularity.
Iranian and Chinese producers also supply tomato paste in tins. The Tajik tomato
pastes in the SKO bottles can be found mainly in the markets, they are not competitive
for store shelf space.
To increase exports Tajikistan needs to make substantial changes in the tomato
processing industry:
• To produce products in volumes which are consistent and sustainable;
• To meet acceptable quality and stability criteria demanded by the market
• To learn how to work with partners for the benefit of all. Need to get closer to the
market to eliminate costs and therefore increase profitability;
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