According to industry estimates, Ukraine's total blackberry production reaches up to 2,000 tonnes annually. Yields vary widely, from 7 to 40 tonnes per hectare, depending on the cultivar and growing practices. During the peak season, farm gate prices typically range from UAH 60 to 70/kg (€1.20–1.40), reports SEEDS.org.ua.
The total area under blackberry cultivation is estimated at around 200 hectares. However, only about half of this comprises commercial plantations. The remainder is grown on household plots, often without formal record-keeping, according to a recent article in the Ukrainian horticultural journal.
There is currently no unified or reliable system for tracking blackberry production in Ukraine, unlike in the U.S. or EU countries. Much of the crop is grown by smallholders or backyard growers who either do not report their harvests or include them under the general "other berries" category in State Statistics Service filings.
As a result, Ukrainian data on blackberry production remains largely unofficial and based on market participant estimates, rather than verifiable statistics such as those provided by FAOSTAT or national agricultural agencies elsewhere.
Blackberries are also virtually absent from Ukraine's official export statistics, making the crop invisible on the international berry market. This lack of visibility, combined with inconsistent reporting, makes it difficult to assess the true size and potential of the domestic blackberry sector.
Despite these challenges, Ukraine offers favorable climatic conditions for blackberry cultivation. Industry experts suggest that investments in improved cultivars, modern trellising and irrigation systems, and post-harvest infrastructure could significantly boost production volumes and open new export opportunities.
With demand for fresh berries continuing to grow across Europe, stakeholders believe that Ukraine has the potential to expand its footprint in the regional market, provided that growers adopt more commercial-scale approaches and better integrate into formal value chains.
Source: www.seeds.org.ua
