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Food Kazakhstan Culture Almaty UMAMI steppe spirit kazakh flavors Food industry ice-cream

Ice Cream Flavored with Kurt, Tara, and Balkaymak Presented in Almaty

An Almaty-based company, UMAMI, has launched a new line of ice cream inspired by traditional Kazakh flavors. The collection features three distinct varieties: kurt, tary, and balkaymak. Balkaymak is a rich, creamy dessert, sometimes prepared with flour and honey, and typically served warm alongside bread or pastries. Tary refers to roasted millet, a staple often enjoyed with tea. Kurt is a protein and mineral-rich dried fermented milk product, deeply rooted in Kazakh culinary heritage. UMAMI’s project aims not only to surprise the palate but also to integrate national gastronomy into a modern context, creating what the team hopes will become a new symbol of Kazakh culture. “You'll find it interesting in your mouth,” promises brand co-founder and technologist Oksana Kim-Flayosk. A Flavor Journey in Every Scoop Among the standout offerings is the cream kurt ice cream, made using authentic kurt. The UMAMI team sampled dozens of variations from different producers before selecting the ideal base. The flavor unfolds in stages: a brackish start, followed by a sour note, and ending in a sweet finish. To elevate the experience, UMAMI recommends serving the kurt ice cream in a baursak, a traditional Kazakh fried dough delicacy. Kim-Flayosk likens this combination to a local version of the Italian dessert maritozzo, where a sweet bun is filled with cream. “We put a ball of ice cream in the baursak, and that's our national version of maritozzo,” she explained. While all three flavors were tested in baursaks, kurt was the undisputed favorite among tasters. Nauryz Roots and Steppe Spirit The Tary & Talkan flavor, originally created for the Nauryz holiday five years ago, was so well received that it earned a permanent spot in UMAMI’s lineup. The recipe combines black tea infused with milk, roasted millet ground into talkan, and a dairy base, evoking the spirit of the Kazakh steppe. The third offering, Balkaymak & Irimshik, is rich and textured, featuring bits of irimshik (a type of curd) to accentuate the contrast between its caramel and creamy elements. “I wanted there to be texture, to be able to chew. First creamy, then caramel, and then creamy again,” said Kim-Flayosk. Prior to finalizing the recipe, UMAMI conducted a public survey to better understand what balkaymak means to different people. Responses varied widely, from cream skimmed from spring milk to a boiled mixture of sour cream, flour, and sugar. Modernizing Tradition Kim-Flayosk emphasized UMAMI’s commitment to preserving and popularizing Kazakh culinary identity. “We are a local brand. We see society’s interest in traditions and want to be part of a culture that popularizes Kazakhstani products,” she said. The company plans to launch souvenir boxes featuring all three flavors in the coming month, offering a gastronomic symbol of Kazakhstan to locals and tourists alike. Non-standard ice cream flavors are increasingly part of a global trend. Around the world, producers are experimenting with combinations like mustard and dill, eel, black pepper, garlic, chili, and even beer. In this diverse international context, UMAMI’s Kazakhstani creations stand out not just for...

Coffee Business Dairy production Food industry Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan Bets on Dairy Industry and Coffee Business

Turkmenistan is ramping up its investments in the food processing sector, with two prominent companies announcing major expansions in the dairy and coffee industries. The developments were unveiled during an exhibition marking the 17th anniversary of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan. Erkin Agro Launches Dairy Expansion with European Cattle Erkin Agro, a member of the Union, announced plans to construct a large-scale milk processing plant and associated livestock farms. Deputy Director General Begench Chariev shared the news at the exhibition. The company is finalizing its business plan and preparing to procure dairy cattle from Europe. Representatives will soon travel to Germany, Hungary, and the Netherlands to negotiate with suppliers. The initial phase involves importing 300 to 400 cows, with a total of 2,000 head planned. The first shipment is expected by the end of spring, with a second to follow in the fall. The project emphasizes environmental sustainability. Erkin Agro is adopting organic farming practices and minimizing the use of chemicals, including fertilizers and pesticides. These efforts aim to ensure not only high-quality dairy products but also ecologically responsible livestock operations. NesilCoffee Ventures into Freeze-Dried Coffee Meanwhile, entrepreneur Tedjenmurat Bayramdurdyev, owner of NesilCoffee, announced the company’s entry into premium coffee production with the launch of a freeze-dried coffee line. The announcement was made during the same exhibition, according to Business Turkmenistan. Freeze-dried coffee, considered a high-end product, is made through lyophilization, a process in which frozen coffee is vacuum-dried to preserve its flavor, aroma, and nutrients. This method distinguishes it from standard instant coffee, which is produced via spray drying. The new production facility is located in Ak-Bugday etrap, Ahal province. Outfitted with Italian and German equipment, the plant sources coffee beans from Europe, Colombia, Guatemala, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. NesilCoffee manages its own Arabica–Robusta blend ratios and monitors quality through an in-house laboratory. Currently, the company produces five varieties of whole-bean coffee (Espresso, Intenso, Classic, La Crema, Special) and four types of instant coffee (Caramel Latte, Vanilla Latte, Coffee Latte, and Cappuccino). The production process adheres to ISO 9001, ISO 22000, and Halal standards. The facility has an annual production capacity of 4,000 tons, with plans to scale up to 10,000 tons. Growing Food Industry Since launching one of Central Asia’s largest coffee plants in 2024, NesilCoffee has secured a leading position in the domestic market and is now pursuing export opportunities. These developments reflect a broader national strategy to diversify and strengthen Turkmenistan’s food sector. With investments in livestock and high-quality food processing, companies like Erkin Agro and NesilCoffee are positioning Turkmen business for sustainable, internationally competitive growth.

Food industry Agricultural Produce Economy Agriculture

Kazakhstan Plans to Launch Olive Oil Production by 2030

Kazakhstan is set to launch its first olive oil production plant by 2030, marking a significant step in introducing olive cultivation to the country. The Ministry of Agriculture announced that QVM Technology is spearheading the ambitious project in partnership with local and international collaborators. In 2023, QVM Technology joined forces with Ordabasy Group, Ervira (Kazakhstan), and Georgia's Olive Georgia to undertake experimental olive tree planting in the Zhetysu, Turkestan, and Mangistau regions of Kazakhstan. The initial planting involved 6,080 saplings, boasting a remarkable 99.7% survival rate. The first harvest from these trees is anticipated in five years. In the spring of 2024, additional saplings, sourced from Spain and Turkey, were planted. By the end of 2025, the project aims to expand olive cultivation to 1,000 hectares. The initiative is being carried out under the scientific guidance of Pablo Morello, a professor at the University of Córdoba in Spain. Soil, climate, and meteorological data are being meticulously collected and analyzed to ensure optimal conditions for olive cultivation. The project also draws on expertise from Georgian specialists, reflecting a broader effort to establish an olive oil industry in Kazakhstan. Previously, The Times of Central Asia reported on Georgia’s support in developing Kazakhstan’s olive production capabilities.

Agriculture Food Security Regional integration Regional Security Food industry

Central Asia Prioritizes Food Security Amid Shared Challenges

Food security remains a top priority for Central Asian nations, yet they face shared challenges that threaten regional stability. Deteriorating water resources, climate change, reliance on external food markets, and geopolitical pressures have intensified the need for regional cooperation in addressing these issues. Bilateral and Regional Efforts Talks between the presidents of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, on August 8 underscored the importance of collaboration. The two leaders witnessed the signing of an agricultural cooperation agreement between their respective ministries. This followed Tokayev’s November 2022 visit to Tashkent, which was particularly productive in advancing food security. Agreements included joint production of mineral fertilizers and a bilateral cooperation program worth $1.3 billion aimed at boosting mutual trade and developing agricultural projects. Trade within Central Asia has grown significantly, with Uzbekistan’s trade volume with its neighbors nearly doubling between 2017 and 2019. Kazakhstan, the region’s leading grain supplier, plays a central role: • Uzbekistan accounts for 60% of Kazakhstan’s grain exports. • Tajikistan consumes 18%. • Kyrgyzstan takes 14%. • Turkmenistan absorbs 6%. Despite this growth, experts highlight the untapped potential for expanding trade and cooperation in agriculture. Common Challenges Food security challenges are compounded by shared threats, including demographic growth and dwindling water resources. The region’s population has reached 75.5 million, while irrigated land per capita has decreased by more than 25% over the past 15 years. Water availability in the Syr Darya and Amu Darya river basins—crucial for irrigating 10 million hectares - faces a projected 15% decline. This is exacerbated by the alarming retreat of glaciers that feed these rivers, jeopardizing long-term agricultural sustainability. The Need for Regional Solutions While each Central Asian country primarily relies on its resources to address food security, the interconnected nature of these challenges calls for a collective approach. Enhanced regional cooperation is essential to develop resilient agricultural systems, manage water resources effectively, and ensure sustainable growth in food production.

Bilateral Cooperation Economic Cooperation Food industry Grain export China Export/Import Agriculture

Kazakh Agricultural Producers Sign $1 Billion in Deals with China

Kazakhstan and China have strengthened their agricultural partnership with $1 billion in new export agreements signed on November 30 during negotiations in Beijing. The deals include a $100 million contract for Kazakh poultry products. Kazakhstan’s Agriculture Minister, Aidarbek Saparov, emphasized that grain, oilseeds, and vegetable oil form the bulk of the country’s agricultural exports to China. Grain exports, in particular, remain a key focus. In 2023, Kazakhstan’s grain exports to China surged 5.5-fold to 1.4 million tons. From January to September 2024, the country exported 1.1 million tons of grain to China. Both governments have agreed to raise grain exports to 2 million tons shortly. Kazakhstan has invited Chinese investors to collaborate in its agro-industrial sector, particularly in producing organic products, which command higher prices and are increasingly sought after in global markets. The country is also well-positioned to expand the production and export of high-quality livestock products, including beef, lamb, poultry, canned meat, dairy products, and honey. According to the Agriculture Ministry, Kazakhstan produces about $20 billion in agricultural goods annually. Over the past five years, agricultural exports have nearly doubled, reaching $5.4 billion. The ministry projects this figure will climb to $10 billion within the next five years.

Cultural Heritage Agriculture Government Science Horses Food industry

Kazakhstan to Create Horse Breeding Institute

Kazakhstan’s President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has directed the government to establish and fund a Horse Breeding Institute to boost the horse population and advance the breeding of traditional Kazakh breeds. Speaking at the inaugural Forum of Agricultural Workers of Kazakhstan, Tokayev highlighted the steady growth in the country’s horse population. According to the Bureau of National Statistics, as of January 1, Kazakhstan had 4 million horses—a 5.4% increase from the previous year. This number has since risen to 4.2 million. However, only 1% of the total population comprises purebred horses, with approximately 40,000 being thoroughbreds. Tokayev stressed the importance of prioritizing the breeding and development of thoroughbred horses alongside overall population growth. “I instruct the government to create the Institute of Horse Breeding. The issue of its establishment has long been raised by experts. Relevant authorities must urgently address this matter and identify funding sources for the institute,”said Tokayev. The president underscored the significance of several horse breeds in Kazakhstan’s cultural and historical heritage. The Jabe breed, for instance, has a history deeply intertwined with the lives of the Kazakh people, spanning thousands of years. Known for its resilience in harsh environments, the Jabe was historically used as a draft animal, as well as a source of meat and milk. Modern Kazakhstan is also home to other notable breeds, including the Kostanai, Kushum, and Imugaljar breeds, which were developed locally. Tokayev also praised the Adai breed, calling it a “priceless treasure of Mangystau.” He recounted his earlier directive to promote this breed globally. “Today, the Adai breed has received official recognition and represents our country proudly in races and competitions,” he noted. However, he expressed concern over the dwindling population of the Kostanai horse, with only 280 remaining. “The key task, alongside increasing the horse population, is to enhance their breeding and productive qualities,” Tokayev concluded. In November 2022, during a public meeting in Mangystau, Tokayev recognized the Adai horse as a unique asset of the region. He instructed the government to begin work on achieving scientific recognition for the Adai as an independent breed and to ensure its reproduction as a breeding animal. By January 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Justice awarded the Association of Legal Entities and Individual Entrepreneurs “Adai Breed of Horse” a certificate granting exclusive rights to use the Adai horse brand. Kazakhstan has also taken legislative steps to protect and preserve its domestic breeds. A law passed in the summer of 2024 facilitates the acquisition of foreign sport stallions by local breeding centers, supports selective breeding efforts, and reimburses related expenses. This law aims to foster the development of Kazakh sport horse breeds and promote traditional equestrian sports, including kokpar, audaryspak, zhambi atu, and tenge alu. The law also establishes strict compliance standards for horse breeding. Only purebred animals that meet the breed standard and are registered under Kazakhstan’s livestock legislation are classified as breeding animals. Experts, however, have advocated for the creation of an independent institute to oversee compliance and enhance...