EastFruit analysts report the successful shipment of the first batch of table grapes from Uzbekistan to the USA. This initial shipment aimed to test the market and gauge American consumer interest in Uzbek grapes. The results were positive, paving the way for further exports. However, the story behind this deal is particularly intriguing.
The grapes from Uzbekistan were sold through NetCost supermarkets, which cater to ethnic communities. This deal was likely facilitated by Edward Shnayder, the founder and CEO of NetCost, who grew up in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, before immigrating to the US at the age of 17. Shnayder’s familiarity with unique taste of traditional Uzbek grape varieties likely played a role in this venture.
Shnayder’s grandparents, of Jewish descent, moved to Uzbekistan during World War II from Ukraine and Moldova and remained there after the war. His parents ran a small fruit and vegetable shop in Uzbekistan. After relocating to the USA, they leveraged their retail experience to establish a successful business targeting ethnic communities. The Shnayder family now owns a restaurant called “1001 Nights” and a chain of superstores in Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Philadelphia.
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According to Dunyo news agency, the grapes from Uzbekistan were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), cleared customs, and passed phytosanitary control at New York airport before being sold through NetCost.
A new export contract between Uzbek-American Trade House (New York) and GardenCells LLC (Tashkent) facilitated the delivery of 1.7 tons of traditional grape varieties, including “Lady’s Finger,” “Kish-Mish,” “Mercedes,” and “Khusayni,” to the US. Following the successful market test, Uzbekistan plans to supply 3-4 tons of table grapes to the US each week.
The shipments are made by air as Uzbekistan is one of only two double landlocked countries in the world, affecting its ability to export by sea.
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