Savoury Snacks in Uzbekistan

PROSPECTS

Savoury snacks sensitive to economic conditions

The devaluation of the Uzbekistani som in 2017 contributed to rising prices across a range of goods and services. Discretionary purchases such as savoury snacks saw their development constrained by consumers’ need to divert an increasing proportion of their income to essentials.

Growing role for health

Although subject to the limitations of low levels of disposable income, consumer health-consciousness is exerting a growing influence on the purchasing and consumption patterns of consumers in Uzbekistan. In turn, innovation and marketing across products such as ice cream and savoury snacks are exhibiting a growing emphasis on the health-positioning of products.

Potato chips set to lead growth

The rising number of children aged between 8 and 17-years-old means that the forecast period should benefit savoury snacks, with teenagers being amongst the most frequent consumers of snacks. However, teenagers also have lower levels of purchasing power than older consumers and are less inclined to opt for premium products.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Competition from traditional alternatives

Packaged savoury snacks face serious competition from traditional unpackaged alternatives, which tend to be less expensive, as well as having high levels of consumer familiarity. Consequently, as consumers experience a decline in purchasing power declines and, indeed, feel a growing need for the sense of comfort and security provided by familiarity, they are inclined to turn to traditional snacks such as sunflower seeds and qurt - a traditional snack made from salted, sometimes smoked, cheese.

Ermak closes in on leader

With three of the top six brands, Pro Snack MChJ retained the lead in savoury snacks in Uzbekistan in 2018. However, Ermak significantly closed the gap on the leader during the final year of the review period, as it benefited from rising consumer health-awareness and a growing demand for traditional products in a time of economic uncertainty.

Strong growth for popcorn player

Shirin Shakar Biznes was the fastest-growing player in savoury snacks in 2018, having established itself as a pioneering presence in the packaged popcorn category in Uzbekistan through the launch of the premium-positioned, Real American Popcorn, in the previous year. Previously, the popcorn available in the market was primarily unbranded and unpackaged and sold on city streets or in the entrance to the cinema.

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