BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 13. Uzbekistan’s public
catering sector generated 94.4 trillion soms ($7.9 billion) in
turnover in January-May of 2026, marking an 11.1% increase compared
to the same period last year.


This data was reflected in the statement published by the
National Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan.


As of June 1, the number of commercial enterprises operating in
the public catering sector reached 28,483, including 149 large
enterprises and 28,334 small businesses and microfirms.


Small businesses continued to dominate the sector, accounting
for 75.5% of total turnover, while large enterprises held the
remaining 24.5%.


The growth trajectory showed mixed momentum over the past year.
The sector peaked at 18.9% growth in January 2026, before slowing
to 14.6% in February, 8.2% in March, and 7.2% in April, followed by
a partial recovery to 11.1% in May.


Analysis







The data shows that Uzbekistan’s public catering sector
continues to expand, but at a noticeably slower pace than broader
trade sectors. While wholesale trade grew 15.4% and retail turnover
rose above 20% earlier this year, public catering posted a more
moderate 11.1%, indicating that household spending on food services
is growing, but less aggressively.


The sector remains overwhelmingly driven by small businesses.
Out of 28,483 enterprises, only 149 are large companies, meaning
that 99.5% of the market participants are small businesses or
microfirms. Their contribution to turnover — 75.5%, or roughly 71.3
trillion soms (approximately $5.9 billion) out of the total 94.4
trillion soms (about $7.9 billion), underlines how decentralized
the industry remains.


The monthly trend also reflects changing demand patterns. Growth
peaked at 18.9% in January, but then dropped sharply to 14.6% in
February, 8.2% in March, and 7.2% in April — a decline of 11.7
percentage points in just three months. This suggests that after
strong New Year demand, consumer spending in cafés and restaurants
slowed considerably.


The recovery to 11.1% in May is significant because it reversed
two consecutive months of weaker performance. In value terms, this
means the sector added roughly 9.4 trillion soms (approximately
$787 million) more turnover than a year earlier, signaling that
demand remains resilient despite volatility.


"In a broader economic context, the public catering industry is
an important indicator of urban consumption. Since services account
for more than half of Uzbekistan’s GDP, and food services are
closely tied to tourism and consumer confidence, sustained
double-digit growth suggests that domestic demand remains healthy,
even as spending patterns become more selective." the Trend's analysis said.