Uzbekistan — one of the fastest-growing markets in Central Asia
Here, demographics, urbanization, and digitalization are shaping a new consumer landscape where traditions intertwine with modern consumption models.
For international brands, this is a land of vast opportunities. For supply chain participants — a challenge of flexibility, speed, and accuracy.
A young country with growing needs
The key factor driving demand in Uzbekistan is its young and rapidly expanding population:
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The country’s population has exceeded 37 million people, with an increase of more than 10 million since 2016.
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60% of residents are under 30 years old, with an average consumer age of 28.5 years.
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Urbanization stands at 48.14%, and the share of urban residents continues to grow, creating new points of sale and delivery.
This young consumer is highly mobile, price-sensitive, yet increasingly choosing well-known brands, convenience, and quality service. The figures confirm the trend:
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64% of shoppers actively compare prices,
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57% look for discounts and promotions,
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while interest in quality, organic products, and international brands is steadily increasing.
Trade specifics: a market at the crossroads of formats
Uzbekistan’s retail market still largely relies on traditional trade and bazaars, which account for up to 77% of turnover. However, the past eight years mark a turning point.
Today, the country is seeing rapid growth of:
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Local supermarket and minimarket chains: Korzinka, Olma, Baraka, TEGEN, and others.
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International formats: Havas (discounters, Turkey), Bi1 (Auchan Group), Fix Price, Magnit Cosmetic.
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New entrants: Galmart (Kazakhstan), Assorti, and others.
The number of modern stores has grown from 50 to over 1,000 in just a few years. This shift is transforming consumer habits — Uzbeks are increasingly shopping in modern retail outlets, where assortment, availability, merchandising, and branding play a decisive role.
E-commerce and the digital leap
Alongside offline retail, the e-commerce sector is booming. Market leaders — Uzum Market, Asaxiy, Bookzone, Goodzone — are investing in logistics, warehousing infrastructure, and omnichannel solutions. Uzum already operates 900+ pick-up points, while marketplace turnover is growing by around 15% annually.
In 2025, international players entered the market:
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Yandex.Market — developing a marketplace model with full logistics and delivery points.
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Yandex.Lavka — testing the darkstore model and express grocery delivery.
This has intensified competition and significantly raised requirements for distribution and logistics: speed, accuracy, temperature control, flexible routing, and online-channel support have become critical.
What brands need to know when entering the market
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Product and packaging adaptation
Uzbek consumers pay attention to packaging design, local language, promotions, and discounts. Products without localization lose competitiveness on the shelf. -
Flexibility and coverage
The country is highly segmented — both by regions and sales channels. One-size-fits-all approaches don’t work for Tashkent, the Fergana Valley, or Nukus. -
Distribution and logistics as key to success
A reliable supply chain, supported by IT systems and strong distributor knowledge, is essential. Even powerful brands cannot scale without precise delivery and sales point control. -
Growth of healthy and certified products
Demand for healthy lifestyles, organic food, and internationally certified goods is rising, especially in urban areas and among women aged 25–40.
Uzbekistan — the market of the future: young, digital, and fast-changing
This is a territory with a dense youth audience, strong brand trust, growing purchasing power, and a pursuit of convenience. The market is being shaped right now — and now is the time to capture a significant share by understanding its structure, challenges, and growth drivers.