The success story of Iltamir Ibragimov began in Almaty, where he was born and raised. His father, who worked in the grain trading and animal feed production sector, introduced his son to the nuances of the business from an early age.
“I always knew how to distinguish good grain from bad. Even during my school years, my father involved me in work, and I learned to understand the subtleties of wheat or barley quality,” recalls Iltamir.
However, the family business was not an obvious choice for the young entrepreneur. After finishing school, he enrolled in the International Business School of Buckingham University in Budapest, majoring in Financial Management. After university, Iltamir tried his hand in the finance sector and even ventured into the restaurant business.
“The food service industry was an interesting experience; I love cooking and trying new things. But it still wasn't my true calling. I have always been drawn to grains, as that is what I knew and could do best,” he shares.
Establishing the Company and Initial Steps
Central Asia Commodities was founded in 2018. The first deals were modest: three train cars of corn sent to Uzbekistan marked the beginning of a significant journey. “We started with a few KamAZ trucks of grain. Then the first large orders came in—three to four train cars. These were small volumes, but we focused on quality and built long-term relationships with our partners,” recalls Iltamir.
Today, the company supplies up to 150 train cars of grain each month during peak seasons, with an annual turnover of 3-4 billion tenge.
One of the company's main objectives is to support farmers. Central Asia Commodities purchases grain from both elevators and directly from the fields. “Farmers face significant risks—ranging from weather conditions to price instability. We strive to ease their burden by handling logistics, sales, and opening new markets,” explains the founder.
The company collaborates with independent accredited organizations, such as BalticControl and SGS, which verify the quality and weight of the products. “Our reputation is everything. We cannot afford to compromise on quality. Independent assessments provide our clients with confidence and help avoid disputes,” emphasizes Ibragimov.
Fast delivery is one of the most critical factors in grain trading. Central Asia Commodities takes full responsibility for logistics until the product is accepted by the client. “When a client places an order, they want to be sure that they will receive the goods on time and in the right condition. We strive to ensure that expectations always match reality,” says the businessman.
Export Directions and Logistics
Central Asia Commodities actively exports grains and oilseeds to Central Asia, China, and other countries abroad. The Aktau port is used for shipments to Caspian states, where the products are transferred to vessels and sent to ports in other countries.
“We always adapt to the client's requests. If a vessel needs to be arranged—we will do it. If the client provides their own—we ensure delivery to the port,” explains the company founder. The main exported crops include: all varieties of wheat; corn for poultry farms and agricultural enterprises; barley for China; soybeans, flax seeds, and sunflower seeds.
In 2024, Central Asia Commodities entered the top 50 enterprises in Kazakhstan with a reliability rating of “AAA” according to the National Information and Analytical Center.
“This is a significant achievement for us. This award confirms that we are moving in the right direction, adhering to standards, and earning the trust of our clients,” Ibragimov proudly states.
A Startup for Farmers: A Look into the Future
Currently, Iltamir Ibragimov is developing a technological platform that will help agricultural enterprises find investors: “Farmers often struggle to obtain financing due to high rates and bureaucracy. We want to create a platform that will serve as a link between them and investors. It’s similar to a financial broker, but instead of stocks, investors will be able to invest in a specific field.”
The platform will analyze data about the geolocation of the field, its history, soil analyses, and projected yields. Based on this data, investment lots will be created and made available to investors worldwide.
“This could revolutionize agriculture in Kazakhstan. Farmers will gain access to capital, while investors will have new opportunities for profit. For me, business is not just about money. It's about relationships, trust, and growth. We are not going to stop at what we have achieved and will continue to develop to support farmers and enhance the agricultural market in Kazakhstan,” concluded Iltamir Ibragimov.