Uzbekistan is the second Central Asian country where the Finnish company has expanded, having begun operations in Kazakhstan in 2019. At a press brunch held on the day of the launch, Wolt representatives highlighted the significant potential of the Uzbek market for global companies. When asked about competition from other established unicorn businesses, Olli Rissanen, Wolt’s Head of Expansion, said the company welcomes competition. He emphasized Wolt’s extensive experience in international markets, noting that in Europe, for example, the market is ten times more saturated than in Uzbekistan, offering plenty of room for growth. This, combined with the population's growing interest in such services, presents a strong opportunity for Wolt to expand its presence.
Key Company Figures Present at the Event
Elina Hakkarainen, another key representative, stressed that Wolt’s primary goal is to support merchants rather than impose strict requirements. The company aims to optimize and streamline processes between merchants and couriers, ultimately making the service as convenient as possible for customers. Wolt has already partnered with 500 venues in Tashkent and plans to expand its reach to include merchandise shops in the future.
"We want to create a shopping mall in your pocket," said Olli Rissanen. He explained that Wolt is committed to supporting local producers and small businesses by empowering local stores and offering various technological solutions. Rissanen emphasized that Wolt is more than just a delivery company; it’s also a tech firm evolving into a general logistics platform, utilizing advanced analytics and data to improve its services. He also mentioned the potential introduction of a subscription plan that would allow customers to make unlimited orders with free delivery, focusing on providing exceptional customer care and support.
The company has already employed 200 couriers in Uzbekistan, offering flexible working hours. Couriers can choose to work anywhere from two to ten hours, depending on their availability. With a team of 40 employees already in place, Wolt’s representatives expressed enthusiasm about their official entry into the Uzbek market.
Unique Aspects of the Uzbek Market
