Import Dried Apricots — Buy in Bulk from Supplier in Uzbekistan

Dried apricots supplied by Next Green Step, LLC are sourced from the Fergana Valley region of Uzbekistan, known for high-sugar, low-acid apricot varieties. The fruit is sun-dried on raised mats without mechanical drying, preserving natural sugars and minimizing oxidation. No additives, including sulfur dioxide, are used in processing. The product maintains a deep amber color and soft, pliable texture with minimal surface cracking.

The apricots are hand-sorted to remove pits and stems, resulting in a low rate of broken pieces. Typical moisture content ranges between 18% and 22%, consistent with traditional Central Asian drying methods. The natural sugar content is approximately 60%, with high levels of beta-carotene and vitamin E. The product is not treated with anti-caking agents and is packaged without preservatives. It meets standard international thresholds for foreign matter and microbial load.

Primary buyers include organic food brands in the EU, specialty retailers in North America, and manufacturers of natural snack bars. The product is frequently used in muesli, yogurt toppings, and vegan confectionery. Packaging is available in 12.5 kg cartons with vacuum-sealed inner bags. Trade terms offered are FOB Tashkent and CIF Rotterdam. Minimum order quantities start at 1 metric ton per shipment. Lead times are 25 to 35 days from order confirmation.

Next Green Step, LLC is registered as an exporter of dried fruits from Uzbekistan, with sourcing tied to the Fergana Valley agricultural zone. The company does not own processing facilities and relies on local cooperatives for harvest and drying. No factory audit reports, certifications, or production volumes are disclosed. Response metrics show no buyer inquiries have been answered, indicating limited customer service infrastructure.

The supplier does not claim to be a grower, certifier, or processor. It acts as a sourcing agent for dried apricots from smallholder farmers. No information is provided about harvest dates, drying methods, or quality control labs. Buyers must independently verify all technical claims, including moisture content, purity, and absence of additives, through third-party testing before shipment.