"Our company and several brave growers have started exporting to the UK, Germany and France over the last two years. We also have pre-orders from the Czech Republic and Sweden. We were happy to find a few new partners during Gulfood 2017 and are planning to explore this market too," shared Maxim. "Ukraine has a huge potential in the agro sector, we produce enough at this moment to feed all of the EU and half of Africa!"
From 2014 to 2016, exports increased by 250%, from 14,600 thousands tons to 29,300 thousands tons. Watermelon production has also increased, from 690,000 tons in 2014, 801,000 tons in 2016, and an expected 1,050,000 tons for this season.
The company has started the Global Gap certification process and Maxim said that 2017 and 2018 is going to be a crucial year, and that it is of utmost importance that they put their best foot forward and make sure that they are meeting and fulfilling all of the expectations and requirements of their clients. Once they have certification, they would like to start selling directly to EU retailers.
"In order to stay competitive, we need to plan for new varieties which are more transportable and popular on world market; such as seedless varieties, yellow seeded varieties, baby melons, black skinned watermelons."
Import to EU from nonEU countries
Consumers prefer seeded watermelons in the domestic market, with approx. weight of 6kg-9kg (90% of all harvesting), which is unusual for the EU market. Small sized fruits (3-5kg) make up almost 90% of export. In response, many growers with an eye on export, have adjusted their planting to yield smaller watermelons.
Watermelon prices in Ukraine usually starts around 0.25/kg in June, with the peak season indicator at €0.08/kg in August, with the season ending around €0.12/kg in October.
"Ukraine has the cheapest watermelons and is set to become a leading supplier of watermelons on the world market. We use very few pesticides, have pre-cooling and monitor the cold chain. We can sort by any requirement and pack with the highest safety and transport standards." concluded Maxim.
For more information:
Maxim Kulik (CEO)
Vinaigrette LLC
Tel: +380999100251
Email: vinigretta.consulting@gmail.com