Uzbek Women Entrepreneurs Step onto International Stage at WorldFood 2025

Women entrepreneurs from Uzbekistan have participated in the 33rd International Food Exhibition, WorldFood Istanbul 2025, as part of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Support Program (WESP), implemented by Hamroh, UNDP, and the Ministry of Economy and Finance with support from Coca-Cola.

WorldFood Istanbul, one of the world’s leading food industry exhibitions, brought together producers, distributors, retailers, and experts from over 40 countries, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

The event provided a key platform for companies to access international markets and build strategic business connections.

For the first time, Coca-Cola supported a delegation of Uzbek women entrepreneurs working in bakery and confectionery, fruit and vegetable processing, fish farming, and catering. Participants explored global trends, modern packaging solutions, and strategies for promoting products internationally, while also networking with potential partners to expand export opportunities and grow their businesses.

The delegation also visited the Coca-Cola İçecek (CCI) Türkiye Çorlu plant, a 127,000 m² facility with eight filling lines and eight injection machines, producing Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Fusetea, and more. With an annual capacity of 100 million unit cases, the plant has received Zero Waste Certification and installed a 4.8 MW wind turbine, highlighting CCI’s commitment to sustainable and efficient production. Participants gained insights into personnel management, staff training, quality control, industrial and food safety, and sustainable development practices.

A key highlight was a meeting with representatives of the My Sister Project, supported by the Coca-Cola Foundation in Türkiye. The initiative provides women with mentoring and grants to strengthen business skills and increase participation in social and economic development. Discussions also covered CCI’s Diversity & Inclusion policies. The session was attended by Sunnatilla Isomov, First Secretary of the Consulate of Uzbekistan in Türkiye.

Begüm Yontar, Senior Director of Sustainable Development at The Coca-Cola Company for Eurasia and the Middle East, said: “It was an honor to share our experience with the entrepreneurs from Uzbekistan. We admire these women-not only as successful business leaders creating jobs, but also as devoted mothers, caring wives, and active citizens. The strength of their unity and mutual support was truly inspiring throughout the meeting.”