Late-season Ukrainian sweet cherries could compete successfully on international markets, particularly in the Middle East, according to Vladyslav Makarenko, co-owner of the Makosad farm in the Chernivtsi region.
Makarenko notes that competing with early-season producers like Spain, Greece, Italy, Turkey, and Uzbekistan is impractical due to Ukraine's later harvest window. Early Ukrainian varieties often fall short in size and quality. However, late varieties ripen when supply from other countries drops, creating a niche opportunity.
"In Turkey, for example, the sweet cherry season ends just as we begin harvesting late cultivars," he explains. "That's when we can avoid direct competition."
He highlights strong demand for cherries in Gulf countries like the UAE, where the fruit is available year-round through imports. As the Southern Hemisphere supply ends, Ukraine can enter the market with its late-season harvest.
Source: agrotimes.ua
