Fish processing and bread production surge in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan's food processing sector experienced notable growth in the first seven months of 2026, with overall industrial output also showing a significant increase. Enterprises involved in food processing, beverage production, and tobacco products generated approximately 69.8 billion Kyrgyz soms, marking a 2.4% rise in the physical volume index compared to the previous year, according to the National Statistical Committee.

The most dramatic expansion occurred in the processing and preservation of fish and crustaceans, with volumes surging 2.6 times to reach 233.2 million soms. Bread and short-shelf-life pastry production also saw a substantial increase of 28.1%, amounting to over 10 billion soms. Mineral water and non-alcoholic beverage production grew by 12.1%, reaching 17.5 billion soms, while the production of ready-made animal feed increased by 10.4%.

Despite the overall positive trend, some sectors within the food industry experienced a decline. Sugar production fell by 36.1%, and pasta production decreased by 21.5%. However, these downturns were offset by gains in other areas, such as flour and grain production, which rose by 9.3%, and meat product processing, which increased by 8.2%.

Cumulatively, Kyrgyzstan's industrial production surpassed 525.3 billion soms in the January-July 2026 period, an 11.2% increase in physical volume compared to the same period last year. The Chuy region remains the country's primary industrial hub, contributing 233.8 billion soms with an 18.2% growth. Bishkek followed with 90.2 billion soms (19.4% growth), while the city of Osh recorded the highest industrial production growth rate at 77.6%.