CANDY II

Integrated Approach towards Promoting Central Asian Nuts, Dried Fruit and Honey Processing SMEs (CANDY II)

CANDY (Central Asian Nuts, Dried Fruit and HoneY processing SMEs) project series

From 2011 to 2012, Hilfswerk International implemented the project CANDY II (“Integrated Approach towards Promoting Central Asian Nuts, Dried Fruit and Honey Processing SMEs”) in cooperation with AFVE, ASTI, NASMB, NAP, Tadbirkor Ayol, TES, TUIE and WIFI. The project was funded by the European Union within the framework of the program “Central Asia Invest II”.
The aim of the was to comprehensively develop the processing sector in Central Asia by strengthening the capacity of specialized intermediary business organizations to improve the quality of services offered by SMEs and to promote the regional integration of Central Asia into the international market.

In the framework of the project, several standards and educational materials were developed together with the project partners:

• Guidelines for import and export procedures for fresh and processed products
• A brief information brochure on access to regional and European markets
• Guidelines for market structures and product line management for food processing SMEs
• Standards for products of food processing SMEs
• A feasibility study of the possibilities of growing organic products
• An information brochure on support centers and forwarding companies in the Sughd Region carrying a quality mark
• Curriculums and materials for food safety managers
• A GLOBALG.A.P. manual for farmers growing apricots, plums, grapes and nuts

Within the framework of the project, practical standards of food safety and quality for target products were introduced. The standards are based on GLOBALG.A.P., HACCP and ISO 22000 to protect consumers and promote high-quality products, opening more profitable markets for regional, national and international processors of dried fruit, nuts and honey.
The project promotes close cooperation between trade representatives of the European Union and Central Asia, as the food processing industry is one of the most important sectors in Central Asia and has a high potential for employment in rural areas.

• Kyrgyzstan: Batken and Osh Regions
• Tajikistan: Sughd Region
• Further network establishment to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan

• SME sector
• Agricultural suppliers
• Clients
• Professional associations
• Farmers’ unions
• Associations of processors and sellers