Rice, Pasta and Noodles in Uzbekistan

PROSPECTS

Strong rise in rice prices

Rice saw the sharpest rise in unit price in rice, pasta and noodles at the end of the review period. This increase in unit price resulted from a number of factors, including the expectations of producers and sellers relating to an expected dry year and shortage of irrigation water compared with previous years and a reduction of acreage.

Shift to packaged products

Rice and noodles have a central role in the traditional diet in Uzbekistan and sales of unpackaged products remain high. However, rising consumer concerns about the healthiness and hygiene of unpackaged products and the expanding availability of packaged alternatives are driving a shift towards packaged rice, pasta and noodles.

Population growth to boost demand

Given the importance of the category to the traditional diet, the expansion of the Uzbekistani population will act as a driver of growth in rice, pasta and noodles over the forecast period. The importance of population growth to the category could be enhanced by challenging economic conditions, both because of the affordability of such products and consumers’ tendency to look for familiarity in times of difficulty.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Generics dominates

Generics dominates sales of rice, pasta and noodles, underlining the commodity status often associated with staple food products. The leading role taken by generics in the category also emphasises the importance of pricing in rice, pasta and noodles, and generics notably gained in value share in 2018 as unit prices rose.

Mareven Food Central gains share

Mareven Food Central remained the largest brand manufacturer in rice, pasta and noodles in the final year of the review period, with both its Rollton and Big-Bon brands gaining value share during the year. These brands have a long-established presence in the market and have achieved significant levels of consumer loyalty.

Domestic player thriving in noodles

Domestic manufacturer, Kolberg Group, was the fastest-growing player in rice, pasta and noodles in 2018. The company’s sales in the category are entirely reliant on noodles, which it entered in 2016 through the launch of Bir Zumda in noodle pouches.

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