Ukrainian berry production is stabilizing despite a decline in overall output, as exports continue to grow. According to the Ukrainian Berry Association, raspberry production decreased by 2,700 tonnes (–7.5%) in 2024. However, frozen raspberry exports continue to rise steadily, adding 10,000 tonnes per year on average. Regional differences remain significant, with performance depending on individual farms. Fresh raspberry exports were the most affected, as smaller volumes make them more vulnerable to fluctuations. Key markets for fresh berries are Poland and the Netherlands, while imports remain low, mainly from Spain and Morocco.
Frozen raspberries, in contrast, show robust growth. Poland accounts for 40% of imports, Germany 30%, a threefold increase compared to 2022. Deliveries to Belgium, Austria, Italy, and France are also rising, while frozen raspberry imports into Ukraine remain negligible. Strawberry production trends show a slowdown in decline. After a 12% drop in 2022 (–7,900 tonnes), the decrease slowed to 4% (–2,000 tonnes) in 2023–2024. As domestic output falls, imports of fresh strawberries, primarily from Greece (95%), are rising. Exports of frozen strawberries remain below 2022 levels but have already surpassed 2023 volumes in 2024, with Poland taking 60% and Germany 10%. Fresh strawberry exports, which have been declining since 2017, rebounded by 30% in 2024 thanks to shipments to Romania.
Overall, Ukrainian berry exports are increasing thanks to growing global demand: Fresh berries +72% and frozen +24% compared to 2022. Key European importers of fresh berries are Poland (34%) and the Netherlands (28%), while frozen berries are purchased mainly by Poland (35%), Germany (23%), Austria (10%), and Italy (8%). Rising production costs due to higher resource prices and logistics challenges limit the ability to compete on price, highlighting quality as the key strategy, according to Iryna Kukhtina, President of the Ukrainian Berry Association.
Ukraine showcased its berry sector at Anuga 2025 in Cologne, presenting frozen and fresh products on national stands organized by the Ukrainian Berry Association. Over 500 B2B meetings helped companies secure new contracts, expand partnerships, and explore innovative technologies like freeze-drying and jam production. Participation in international trade fairs continues to open new opportunities and strengthen Ukraine's reputation as a reliable berry supplier to European markets.
Source: agrotimes.ua
