The first batches of Kazakhstan flour for American consumers are currently being sold on Amazon, with 50 tons of flour already delivered to New York. Additionally, negotiations are in progress that would allow Kazakhstan suppliers to sell flour to American restaurants and grocers, including Costco, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods.
If contracts can be secured, Kazakhstan suppliers plan to regularly ship over 100 tons of flour per month, according to the country's Ministry of Trade and Integration.
“This is the first major export case implemented under the new strategy for promoting national goods in the US. Going forward, with the support of the unified export development operator QazTrade under the Ministry of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan, it is planned to increase shipments to more than 100 tons of flour monthly," reads the official statement from the ministry. "The product is already available on the largest online platforms, Amazon and Walmart, and is also presented in several American bakeries.”
This arrangement would allow Kazakhstan to carve out a section of the United States grain market. QazTrade considers wheat flour a starting point for American trade.
“We are not limited to flour only. Buckwheat, granola, talkan (toasted flour), chocolate, and cocoa have already been introduced in the US, and partners in New York, Chicago, and Washington have had the opportunity to personally verify their quality. A logical next step will be a business mission of Kazakh producers to these cities. This is a chance not only to strengthen ties with partners but also to occupy a niche in the HoReCa segment, which values natural and authentic products,” stated Aitmukhammad Aldazharov, the CEO of QazTrade.