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Uzbekistan has welcomed another international brand with the opening of its first Ocean Basket restaurant, a well-known seafood restaurant chain originating from South Africa.
This was announced by analyst Temurmalik Elmuradov.
From South Africa to Uzbekistan
Ocean Basket was established in South Africa almost 30 years ago, and the chain will celebrate its anniversary next year. Initially operating only in South Africa, the brand gradually expanded its geography, opening restaurants in Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Malta, Cyprus, the UK, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and other countries. Today, the chain boasts around 220 locations in 18 countries worldwide.
The first Ocean Basket restaurant in Central Asia was opened in Kazakhstan in 2016, and it was from Kazakhstan that the brand has now made its way to Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan: New Challenges for the Concept
Ocean Basket positions itself as a casual dining spot where customers can “enjoy affordable seafood dishes.” In many countries, the chain’s restaurants are located in shopping malls, reinforcing its focus on accessibility for a wide audience.
However, continuing this concept in Uzbekistan may prove challenging. Most seafood in the country is imported, which significantly raises costs. While local seafood production is developing — for instance, some companies have started farming shrimp instead of traditional carp — the volumes remain relatively small. Naturally, this impacts the final price of dishes, making them less affordable for the general public.
Perhaps this is why the first Ocean Basket restaurant in Uzbekistan was not opened in a shopping mall but instead in the prestigious location of Tashkent City Boulevard.
An International Brand with African Roots
Ocean Basket is the first South African brand to enter the Uzbek market. It’s not just another international restaurant in the country but a real success story that began on the other side of the world.
The question now is whether Ocean Basket can maintain the balance between quality, price, and local specifics. Only time will tell.
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