The Ukrainian berry market is seeing significant price increases in the 2025 season. Raspberry prices have doubled compared to last year, with wholesale prices now ranging from UAH 200 to 300/kg (€4.05–6.10), and retail prices starting at UAH 250/kg (€5.05) in southern markets like Odesa. Currant prices have also risen, with retail prices at UAH 130–140/kg (approx. €2.65–2.85) in western markets and reaching up to UAH 230/kg (€4.65) in Odesa.
According to EastFruit and representatives from the wholesale market "Shuvar" in Lviv, raspberry prices are currently at their highest levels in recent years. In July 2024, raspberries were sold at around UAH 110/kg (€2.20), while currants averaged UAH 80–90/kg (€1.60–1.80). This season, prices remain elevated due to strong demand and a limited harvest.
Processing prices reflect the same trend. Processors are offering up to UAH 100/kg (€2.00) for frozen raspberries and UAH 50/kg (€1.00) for currants. The difference in pricing between fresh-market and processing-grade berries is attributed to packaging and quality requirements. Fresh berries are packed in punnets, while berries for processing are delivered in reusable containers provided by processors.
Iryna Kukhtina, president of the Ukrainian Berries Association, estimates that actual raspberry production in Ukraine is likely around 65,000–70,000 tonnes annually, nearly twice the official figure, due to the large share of household production that remains unregistered.
The currant sector continues to shrink, largely because of past seasons with low prices and the ongoing dependence on manual harvesting. However, some producers are now replanting and transitioning to mechanized harvesting to increase efficiency.
Unlike orchards that take 3–4 years to bear fruit, berry plantations can yield crops within one year. This makes the segment more dynamic, though harder to track through traditional statistics.
Experts expect raspberry prices to remain high through the end of July, while currant prices are likely to stabilize as the season reaches its peak. Most berries currently on the market are sourced from western Ukraine, including Lviv, Ternopil, and Zakarpattia regions.
Source: kurkul.com
