From early July to the end of September is the peak period for Uzbek melon exports, with the overwhelming majority of shipments during these months accounted for by the legendary “Torpedo” variety. One of the main features of this year’s season is the relatively high price of this product in Uzbekistan — current wholesale prices are 2.5 times higher than during the same period last year, according to EastFruit analysts.
“The ‘Torpedo’ variety represents over 90% of total Uzbek melon exports during the July–September window. At present, farmers are shipping this melon from the fields at an average price of 3,000 UZS/kg (approx. $0.24), excluding loading and packaging costs. For comparison, during the same period last year, the average field price was 1,200 UZS/kg ($0.10),” explains Farhod Korabekov, Head of Fresh Melon LLC, a company specializing in melon production and export.
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Earlier, EastFruit reported that despite a sharp drop in melon prices in early July this year, a reduction in planted area, a lower share of high-quality produce, and strong domestic demand have acted as price-supporting factors on the local market. Moreover, according to Farhod Korabekov, an additional factor sustaining current prices is growing demand from international markets:
“In Kazakhstan, the melon harvest typically ends by late August. However, this year export volumes in the neighboring country are already nearly depleted, indicating an earlier-than-usual end to the season. As a result, demand for Uzbek melons is growing from the same foreign markets that previously imported Kazakh produce,” added the expert.
